Mamdani Administration Launches $4.5 Million Pilot With The Doe Fund to Train New Yorkers for Green Jobs

April 22, 2026

18-Member Crew Will Maintain More Than 1,000 Rain Gardens in East New York and South Ozone Park

Program Builds Pathways to Careers in Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure

NEW YORK-To celebrate Earth Day, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia today announced a $4.5 million, three-year pilot program with The Doe Fund to train New Yorkers for green jobs and expand the City's workforce supporting green infrastructure.

The program will prepare New Yorkers-including those with histories of incarceration, homelessness or substance abuse-for careers maintaining critical infrastructure that reduces flooding and protects local waterways.

Known as GROW, or Green Readiness Opportunities for the Workforce, the initiative combines classroom instruction, hands-on training and career development to prepare crew members for green careers in managing stormwater infrastructure. An 18-member crew will maintain 1,035 rain gardens in East New York, Brooklyn, and South Ozone Park, Queens. The Doe Fund will manage the program, with support from Gowanus Canal Conservancy and Public Works Partners.

Read the full Mayoral Press Release.