Special to the Gazette
Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside federal, state, and local officials, announced Boston’s receipt of a $9.8 million NOAA grant to develop a workforce skilled in climate and coastal resilience. This funding aims to create training programs, place workers in high-demand jobs, and support equity-focused career pathways.
“This funding will help us build a skilled workforce to protect our communities while creating economic opportunities,” said Mayor Wu. “It’s a generational investment for a safer and more resilient Boston.”
The grant, part of NOAA’s Climate-Ready Workforce initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act, was the largest awarded among nine selected projects nationwide. Boston’s programs will prepare workers to implement coastal resilience projects, maintain water systems, and strengthen emergency response, with an emphasis on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Boston faces significant climate challenges, with potential losses of $1.4 billion annually from flooding by the 2070s, according to the Climate Ready Boston Report. The city’s Green New Deal framework and coastal resilience plans have positioned Boston as a leader in climate adaptation and equity-driven policies.
“Building resilience isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about people,” said Environment Commissioner Oliver Sellers-Garcia. “This funding supports equity-driven job creation, breaking barriers and fostering sustainability.”
The Greater Boston Climate and Coastal Resilience Workforce Alliance will lead this initiative, involving over 30 stakeholders and aiming to fill 1,200 climate-resilience jobs over four years. Training will incorporate wraparound services like childcare and stipends to ensure success for underrepresented communities.
“The Alliance will address critical workforce needs while advancing Boston’s climate goals,” added Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “It’s a transformative step toward an equitable green economy.”
This collaboration underscores Boston’s commitment to preparing its workforce to meet the challenges of climate change while driving economic opportunity and sustainability.