Jobs are already being created by the key weatherization bill passed last session. Community group Sound Alliance has been a great partner in the creation and implementation of Senate Bill 5649. They are one of many local groups applying for approximately $15 million recovery dollars that will be distributed over the next two years for energy efficiency improvements. Senate Bill 5649 creates the process for local companies to apply for this money through the Washington State University Energy Program. For information on the program, click here.

Sound Alliance created the SustainableWorks program to empower local communities and neighborhoods by employing them to retrofit homes and buildings. This provides local jobs, lowers energy bills and reduces greenhouse gases.

The SustainableWorks proposal aims to complete 4,800 retrofits which aims to create:

• 200 direct full-time jobs
• 100 apprentice positions and direct employment pathways for disadvantaged constituencies
• 40,000 tons of annual carbon emission reductions
• $40 million in construction work ($20 million each year)

SustainableWorks recently kicked off its Northeast Seattle pilot project (approximately NE 65th Street to NE 85th Street and 20th Avenue NE to 30th Avenue NE). This is one of several projects being launched as a result of Senate Bill 5649.