WHAT COLOR IS YOUR COLLAR?
Green Economic Development and its Benefits to Small Businesses: Green Collar Jobs
(Left: Councilmember Brown addressing a crowd gathered at the Center for American Progress) On Monday, October 22, 2007, At-Large DC Councilmember Kwame R. Brown focused his efforts on creating a greener environment and greener profits for local businesses. He held a Public Oversight Roundtable entitled “Green Economic Development and its Benefit to Small Business in the District of Columbia” and earlier that morning, kicked off a national panel discussion held by the Center for American Progress entitled “Green Collar Jobs: Building a Just and Sustainable Future.” “Today we’re faced with tough choices as we figure out how we can rebuild local economies and create good jobs and strong businesses, while still protecting our environment for future generations,” said Brown. “‘Green collar jobs’ is a phrase that hasn’t broken into everyday language yet, but it’s starting to catch the interest of many people around the country: people who are looking for a way to rebuild cities and rebuild lives.” Councilmember Brown’s vision for the Roundtable was to provide the public and the Council with an opportunity to learn more about green development and how local small businesses can take advantage of opportunities in the growing industry. Witnesses included Sadhu Johnston, Chief Environmental Office for the Mayor of Chicago; Jackie Ward, Chair of Ward 8 Environmental Council; and Jim Dinegar, President and CEO of Greater Washington Board of Trade. They discussed a wide range of topics including national precedents for green growth, green policy and workforce development and green collar job creation. Last year, the DC Council passed the Green Building Act of 2006 (A15-590), which was introduced by Councilmember Sharon Ambrose and cosponsored by then Councilmember Arian M. Fenty. Councilmember Brown voted for the Act, which: - Creates a Green Building Task Force to monitor new developments in the field and update compliance standards as needed;
- Requires green building standards first for government buildings (and buildings in which the government leases space), then buildings that receive subsidy from the government, and finally (2012) private buildings;
- Applies to nonresidential buildings of 50,000 square feet or more; and
- Is the first law in the country to require private buildings to meet green building standards. “Passage by the Council of the DC Green Building Act of 2006 was a major accomplishment and one I fully supported,” Brown said during the Roundtable. “It placed the district in the lead among the nation’s cities in guaranteeing that the District will grow by producing high performance, healthier, and more energy saving businesses, homes and workplaces.” This year, Brown co-introduced legislation (B17-435) with Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells entitled the “Green Schools Amendment Act of 2007” that would amend the Green Building Act of 2006 and require greener standards for DC public and charter schools including: - The use of environmentally preferable appliances that minimize waste and conserve energy and water; and
- High performance site and building standards that include site conservation and sustainable planning; integration of fields and building grounds into overall sustainable design; water conservation; energy efficiency and use of renewable energy; conservation of materials and resources; indoor environmental quality and human health; and installation of a green roof. One of the challenges to building a green economy is educating and training DC residents for future jobs. Brown is already leading the effort to provide vocational education for youths and adults. The Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering Academy is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2009. Councilmember Brown supported the resolution, which authorized $30 million to rebuild Phelps. He has also authored legislation to study creating an adult educational facility. The Vocational Education Feasibility Act of 2007 would require the Mayor to analyze the city’s workforce and develop a plan to build a new facility. Brown is interested in creating new ways to train DC residents for the green collar jobs of the future. “I want to make sure my constituents—from Ward 8 to Ward 1—are thinking about and working to get ready to meet the emerging market demand,” Brown concluded. “One thing is certain, that this change is coming. Our job is to prepare for it and ensure it benefits the whole city.” The full Roundtable can be viewed at www.octt.dc.gov. Click the “On Demand Video” link and follow the links to the week of 10/21/07-10/27/07. (Fast-forward to the 8 minute and 40 second mark to start the hearing from the beginning.)
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BROWN LOOKS TO HONOR UDC ALUMNI
Introduces legislation to name UDC buildings after outstanding alumni
(Left: Councilmember Brown in front of Phelps Vocational School, which is being rebuilt and scheduled for completion in 2009) On Tuesday, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown introduced legislation to form a committee to name University of the District of Columbia (UDC) campus buildings after “UDC graduates that have made significant contributions in their profession or on humanity, locally, nationally, or internationally.” “The University of the District of Columbia has contributed greatly to our city, the nation and the world,” said Brown. “Let’s honor those UDC alumni who have made it their life’s work to improve our society. UDC students can draw inspiration from these leaders, which will help the students realize their own potential for building a better tomorrow.” The “University of the District of Columbia Building Name Designation Act of 2007” requires the Mayor to assemble a committee for the purpose of nominating UDC graduates for recognition by name on all campus buildings. The committee would be responsible for: - Establishing a nomination criteria and application process for building name recognition;
- Reviewing applications and interviewing applicants; and
- Nominating applicants and submitting recommendations to the Mayor for final approval. The committee shall consist of seven members chosen by the Mayor and would include: - The President of UDC;
- One member of the Board of Trustees of UDC;
- Two UDC students; and
- Three persons chosen by the Mayor. Councilmember Brown takes other efforts to reward hard work and achievement. For three straight years, he has awarded the Most Improved Student Award to deserving students in every high school in the district. The students received a US Treasury Bond for their hard work and dedication. Last week, Brown was appointed as the first councilmember in history to join the Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors. The Congressional Award is the U.S. Congress' award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive and the program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. (www.congressionalaward.org) “Education is one of my top priorities and recognizing the work of talented, dedicated individuals is important,” said Brown. “Renaming UDC buildings is a unique way to highlight a lifetime of service to the community.”
_________________________________________________________ BROWN SUPPORTS FENTY AND GRAY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Supports Fenty’s Ombudsman appointment and Gray’s early childhood education initiative Yesterday, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown offered his support to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray for their recent actions to improve the District’s educational system. Mayor Fenty announced that Tonya Kinlow will be the first-ever Ombudsman for Public Education. The Ombudsman’s responsibility is to collect feedback from parents and community members on citywide basis. The Ombudsman position was created as part of the Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007 (A17-38), which Councilmember Brown supported. “This is a promising step forward for students, parents and the District,” said Brown. “The Mayor is taking the necessary steps to put our educational system on the right track. I urge the Mayor and his staff to continue listening carefully to the needs and concerns of the community. I look forward to working with them in the future on other important initiatives.” Along with the Ombudsman’s office, Fenty and Reinoso have been tasked with effectively developing the Interagency Collaboration and Services Integration Commission, which would provide wrap-around services that create a comprehensive approach to education. Wrap-around services expand the focus of a child’s education by including and tracking a child’s ongoing progress in health care, social services, home life and any court involvement. A child’s individual needs can be taken into account and teachers can work more closely with parents to provide informed solutions. In other education news, Chairman Gray is likely to introduce legislation soon that will address the education of 3- and 4-year-olds in the District. Education is one of Councilmember Brown’s top priorities. Both of Brown’s children attend a DC public school and have participated in early education programs. His goal is to ensure all children have access to a quality education. “I’m looking forward to Chairman Gray’s legislation because I know he has an avid interest in this issue,” said Brown. “Early education creates an early advantage for kids and all DC children should have equal access to these programs.” Councilmember Brown actively supports new initiatives for DC youths and adults to train them for future jobs. He supported the School Modernization Funds Resolution of 2007 approving $30 million in funds to build the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering Academy. He also authored the Vocational Education Feasibility Act of 2007 (B17-370). The bill requires the Mayor to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a facility for adult vocational education to be completed by 2009. It would require the study to include the following analyses: - An assessment of vacant buildings and facilities appropriate for vocational training in the District;
- Statistical data on the rate at which adults have entered into vocational careers as compared to professional careers in the last 10 years, regionally and nationally; and
- An analysis of the employability and earning potential of certified vocationally trained adults in the workforce in the District. Nine of his Council colleagues sponsor the bill.
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COMMUNITY SAYS CATALYST IS NEEDED TO SPUR POPLAR POINT DEVELOPMENT
This week, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown announced he will back the community on future project proposals for Poplar Point. On Saturday, October 20, 2007 he held a public roundtable on Poplar Point to hear the concerns and opinions of community members. Based on feedback from the community he made the following statement: “Development in the District is shifting away from downtown to the neighborhoods. As it does, it is critical to incorporate the community’s thoughts and concerns into all future economic development proposals, including those for Poplar Point. I take very seriously the argument that surrounding retail and housing projects in Poplar Point need a catalyst to kick off development. “The same argument was made for building Verizon Center to kick off development in Chinatown and for building the baseball stadium to kick off development in Southwest. The soccer stadium is something that the neighborhood has identified as its catalyst for development in their community. “Priority should be given to proposals on Poplar Point that include 70 acres of green space, quality affordable housing, retail, and a catalyst for economic development like the soccer stadium. I look forward to learning more about the proposals in November.” This morning at 8:30, Councilmember Brown was featured as a guest on the Joe Madison Show, 1010AM or 1450AM, to discuss his viewpoints on Poplar Point and development. Brown stressed that he believes in an open process for development at Poplar Point and that the community's input needs to be taken into account.
_________________________________________________________ PUBLIC HEARING: EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL BUSINESS
Public to give input on local business grading system On Monday, October 29, 2007, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, will hold a Public Hearing on B17-336 “Excellence in Local Business Contract Grading Act of 2007.” The bill would require the Mayor to establish a grading system for businesses receiving contracts in the District of Columbia. The grading system will help determine participation in competing for and winning government contracts. “I introduced this legislation because we have to set high standards, have measurability and accountability,” said Brown. “But it’s critical that we have public input on how we can ultimately achieve excellence. This hearing is intended to give the public and local businesses an opportunity to express their ideas and share their experiences.” The main goal of the grading system is to “provide assurance of past performance and create a standard for businesses to provide high quality goods and services in the District.” Businesses would be graded from A-F and the system would be managed by the Office of Contract and Procurement in conjunction with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). The Office of Contract and Procurement would produce an annual report, which would be submitted to DSLBD. The Mayor would be tasked with creating rules for the grading system within 90 days. Once the Mayor proposes grading rules, the Council would have 45 days to review the proposal. WHAT: Public Hearing on B17-336 “Excellence in Local Business Contract Grading Act of 2007” WHEN: Monday, October 29, 2007 at 10:00am WHERE: Room 412, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004 CONTACT: Contact John Adams at the Committee on Economic Development by email at Jadams@DCCouncil.us or by telephone at (202) 727-6683. E-mail contacts should include the full name, title, and affiliation – if applicable. If you are unable to attend the Hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee on Economic Development, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 119, Washington, D.C. 20004 no later than 5:00pm Friday, November 2, 2007.
_________________________________________________________ COME JOIN THE TEAM! Opportunities are available to work in and learn about the Construction Trades Industry. District residents with skills and/or interests in construction trade opportunities are urged to attend the upcoming “Come Join the Team” Job Fair on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at the DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street, SE. The job fair, which begins promptly at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., is sponsored by Councilmember-At-Large Kwame R. Brown and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) in collaboration with, Clark/Hunt/Smoot – A Joint Venture, the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, Stadium Project Labor Agreement Task Force, and the Washington, DC Building Trades Council. Carpenters, painters, electricians, and HVAC workers are especially needed. Interested residents should be 18 years or older, able to lift at least 50 lbs. and stand at length. Job Fair attendees will also have an opportunity to apply on-site for available openings at the Ballpark. Equally important, newcomers to the construction trade can gain invaluable insights on future development opportunities and the various construction trades and learn about apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the District. Councilmember-At-Large Kwame R. Brown and the D.C. Department of Employment Services looks forward to serving you at the Job Fair. “Come Join the Team”. For more information, contact DOES at 202-724-7000
_________________________________________________________ BROWN TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER AS GUEST BAGGER AT SAFEWAY Join Councilmember Kwame Brown on Monday, October 29, 2007 from 4pm-6pm at the Piney Branch Road Safeway to help fight breast cancer. Location: 6500 Piney Branch Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20012. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Safeway has a national fundraiser to help educate and find a cure for breast cancer. Last year, with the support of its customers, Safeway raised $154 million dollars. Support the effort by donating at your local Safeway store counter. To learn more about how you can help and get involved, visit www.breastcancer.org.
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