Seattle’s green jobs program still a bust
Feb 2, 2012, 7:08 AM | Updated: 8:28 am
CPW flexible service partner ecoFAB is co-owned by partners Callie Ridolfi, Ann Brudno and Kevin Laycock. With a workforce of 12, ecoFAB provides sustainable and efficiency retrofits for homes and small businesses. (City of Seattle)
(City of Seattle)
Nearly two years ago, the City of Seattle received $20 million in stimulus money to fund a green jobs program that promised to create 2,000 jobs. The program now admits its jobs estimate will likely never be met.
Only 16 jobs have been created by Community Power Works so far, though the city says paychecks have gone out to 226 people for work done on the project. The program offers home energy audits to make homes more efficient and it offers weatherization.
It promised 2,000 homes would be upgraded over the three years it was receiving money. So far, only 71 homes have been improved.
The Seattle P-I reports the program has spent $5.4 million. It has about a year left to use the remaining funds and make good on the promises.
Program leaders say it’s unlikely it will ever create the jobs promised.
