COMMISSION MEMBERS:  Commissioners Matt Tuchow (President), Ruth Gravanis (Vice-President), Angelo King, Jane MarieFrancis Martin, Alan Mok, Paul Pelosi Jr., Johanna Wald

 

ORDER OF BUSINESS

 

1.      Call to Order and Roll Call.  The Commission on the Environment Retreat meeting convened at 9:55 a.m.  Present:  President Tuchow, Vice-President Gravanis, Commissioners Martin, Mok, Pelosi Jr. and Wald; Absent: Commissioner King

 

2.      Public Comments:  Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda. 

 

Ms. Kathy Howard, Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance (GGPA) in alliance with SF Ocean Edge reported on Recreation and Park Department’s plan to build a soccer complex in Golden Gate Park behind the Beach Chalet that would replace the current grassy meadow with a larger artificial turf field, concrete paths, asphalt, 20-foot high fences, and add intensive 60 ft. tall sports-field lighting.  Ms. Howard described the impacts that this type of project would cause and requested the Commission’s support of GGPA’s request that the Planning Department prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project.  She stated that the Golden Gate Audubon Society has filed an appeal to the original Categorical Exemption that was issued.  Ms. Howard included a petition in the Explanatory Document requesting that the Planning Department prepare an EIR for this project.  (Explanatory Documents “New Soccer Complex to Drastically Alter Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach” and Petition) 

 

Mr. Steve Suzuki, Asian Neighborhood Design stated that his company has been involved with the construction of the Department of the Environment’s Eco Center.  He stated that Asian Neighborhood Design has been involved in Green Jobs training programs and described how this program is an opportunity to lift people out of poverty and provide job opportunities in this current recession time. He discussed their connection working with Go Solar SF in placing entry level people into jobs. Mr. Suzuki stated that he appreciates working with the Department of the Environment and the work that the Department and City are doing toward this effort because it makes a difference in people’s lives.  It is not just about the jobs, it is about changing people’s lives and changing communities.  The Green Jobs program has an environmental justice aspect because it is aimed at predominantly the Southeast Sector, South of Market and Tenderloin communities where poverty, pollution, and waste have had an impact for many years. He stated that he is happy to be part of the Green Jobs effort and is looking forward to additional opportunities to work with the Department and City.  

 

3.      San Francisco’s Green Jobs and the SF Environment Now! Program, (Information and Discussion)

a.      Introduction. Speakers--San Francisco Department of the Environment Staff, Anne Eng, Environmental Justice Program Manager and Shawn Rosenmoss, Manager of Grants and Fundraising.

(Explanatory Document--Presentation)

 

Ms. Eng reported that the Commission at their November 2008 Retreat meeting heard a presentation and discussed San Francisco’s Green Economy:  Green Jobs, Clean Technology, Green Businesses and Green Buildings.  She discussed advancements in this area since the last retreat and presented on topics that include:

 

·         Background of San Francisco’s Labor Force—Ms. Eng provided labor market data on the difference in San Francisco’s labor force from 2008 to 2009 as it applies to employment and unemployment and the number of San Francisco residents age 16 and older who are not in San Francisco’s labor force.  Figures were also provided for the California and United States unemployment rate.  Ms. Eng stated that San Francisco also supports approximately 500,000 jobs for commuters/residents of other counties that figures were not attained for and should be counted in the data.  Ms. Eng explained that there is a significant increase in the unemployment rate not only for local residents but for residents of other counties.

 

·         Employment Data for West Bay-Counties of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo--Local Employment by Industry—difference in employment data from December 2008 to December 2009 by industry (showing gain or loss).  She explained that there has been a reduction in jobs in all industries with the exception of Education and Health Services.  This data does not include figures for those that are out of the workforce, unable to work, are no longer registered with the State Unemployment Office, and no longer actively looking for work, so the difference in the unemployment rate is much higher than what the data shows.

 

Green Jobs in San Francisco has presented hope for people and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Ms. Eng discussed the projected growth in green jobs over the next decade especially in the Bay Area.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) federal stimulus funding received in San Francisco helps to accelerate the transformation of the local marketplace to a more sustainable, “greener” economy.  The ARRA currently provides federal government tax cuts and allocates funding for various projects in California that includes energy, environment and water and in San Francisco for energy efficiency projects, creating jobs, and support of other projects.

 

Commissioner Martin inquired about the spectrum of green jobs.  Ms. Eng stated that green jobs are dedicated to promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, and zero waste—there are 22 job categories.  She explained that there has been a discussion about the Department of the Environment’s mission to green the entire local economy.  

Ms. Eng and Ms. Rosenmoss discussed the 2009-2010 Governmental and Non-Governmental Grants Supporting Energy Efficiency, Zero Waste and Green Jobs in San Francisco (see Explanatory Document for a partial list).  A description was given on foundation funding that agencies are receiving to work on projects, funding source, and project description/target population.  Commissioner Wald inquired about the disposition of federal stimulus funding requests that the Department had submitted. Ms. Rosenmoss stated that she is waiting to hear about California Energy Commission funding for the integration of solar and energy efficiency projects.  Mr. Broomhead, Energy Manager, reported that San Francisco was involved with four proposals, all of which funding was recommended for.  He discussed the allocation of funds to the Department and other City departments as well as the Bay Area and provided project descriptions.  Mr. Broomhead stated that Los Angeles County submitted a $75 million request to the federal government for various projects on behalf of seven counties in California that includes San Francisco.

 

Ms. Rosenmoss discussed the Department of the Environment’s role in the Green Jobs program and how it fits into the City’s workforce development structure.  She distributed a draft short list of environment-oriented programs in San Francisco (see Draft paper on SF based programs).  She explained that decisions are being made on how to allocate stimulus package money and defining what could be considered a green-collar job.  Millions of dollars are being received to drive the market in many different areas, and programs are being coordinated through the City’s workforce development structure.  She explained that City departments have been hiring people through the JobsNow program that also could fit into the definition of green jobs.  Ms. Rosenmoss discussed areas in the short list that the Department could potentially make more green-collar.  She also discussed the requirement to implement outreach and education in these programs. 

 

b.      San Francisco Green Jobs Training programs. Speakers--Guillermo Rodriquez, Director, City Build, Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Laurie Bernstein, Program Manager, Goodwill Industries of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo

 

(Explanatory Document: San Francisco Green Skills Academy Presentation) Mr. Guillermo Rodriguez, Director City Build, Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (MOEWD) discussed MOEWD’s work around green jobs/skills and the effort to educate more San Francisco residents to take advantage of these programs.  He stated that the Commission in November 2008 had a discussion about green jobs and had looked at what the marketplace was and prospects for the future.  Since then, the relationship between the two offices have grown positively to work collaboratively to use federal and local dollars to create opportunities for San Francisco residents and offer employment.   

 

Mr. Rodgriguez described the context of MOEWD’s policy and strategies surrounding green jobs and progress so far and explained that there is a three-point strategy on green jobs, (1) work that the City is doing collectively around developing good environmental public policy (public policies that help drive the marketplace); (2) the effort in San Francisco to attract, sustain, retain and grow San Francisco local businesses that are engaged in this work (through surveys, tax incentives, taking advantage of City property, looking holistically about how to attract and grow businesses), and (3) assure that these employers have a pipeline of well qualified individuals in San Francisco that can do the work that these companies are demanding.  Mr. Rodriguez discussed progress to date on the GoSolar SF Workforce incentive program and next steps and “Greening” the CityBuild Academy curriculum and programs (see handout). 

 

(Explanatory Document:  San Francisco Green Skills Academy Presentation) Ms. Laurie Bernstein, Goodwill Industries provided an overview of the Green Skills Academy (GSA), its current status and work ahead.  She stated that she will be managing the Green Skills Academy along with Ms. Kim Fox, Director of Environmental Programs.  She stated that the MOEWD funded Goodwill to build the academy and serve 300 job seekers in San Francisco from now through June 2011 and will serve all levels of jobseekers.  Ms. Bernstein stated that Goodwill is the sector coordinator and will be working with collaborative partners on orientation, recruitment, intensive services, job readiness training, vocational training, and placement and retention. Commissioners Wald and Martin discussed the retention and attrition rate of people in the program.  The plans are for City College, SF Clean City and Goodwill to administer vocational training for job seekers.

 

Ms. Bernstein stated that in addition to City College there are other program partners that include the Clean Cities Coalition that offers a recycling training program designed for entry level workers and Goodwill that will offer transportation training.  She stated that Goodwill is trying to align with employers for guidance and expertise so that people in the program could be trained to offer the services that employers may want.  There is a Green Committee within the Workforce Investment Force (WISF) to inform the WISF on policy initiatives and provide general guidance on the green sector in San Francisco so that the appropriate tracks and curriculum can be developed.  Goodwill is also working with SFWorks and the Department of the Environment on future opportunities and collaboration.  Ms. Bernstein reported on timelines for the first orientation, transportation and recycling training, and City College courses.  Contact information was provided for suggestions and additional questions.

 

c.      Discussion. 

President Tuchow inquired whether these programs would be affected by funding cuts that City College is experiencing such as summer school program cuts.  Ms. Bernstein stated that she does not believe there is a risk at this time and explained that the curriculum was intended to be a semester program, not the summer program that is at risk.  Mr. Rodriguez stated that MOEWD and City College are trying to assess leverage opportunities and ensure the funding stream.  City College and CityBuild have been supportive of keeping this program intact, and it is an ongoing conversation.  Ms. Bernstein stated that there is an effort to design more flexibility and to add courses that are off the program cycle that might be compromised because of funding cuts.  President Tuchow suggested that a backup plan be prepared in case there is an issue with City College funding.  Mr. Rodriguez stated that discussions have been held with other providers.  Ms. Eng discussed the Department of the Environment’s grant that may be available to pay City College to provide training.

 

Commissioner Martin inquired whether there was a commitment on the part of job seekers going into the program, e.g. sign an agreement that would encourage them to stay with the program.  Ms. Bernstein stated that job seekers sign an agreement for the time they are in the Goodwill Transportation Academy for the duration of the vocational training, but not for the balance of the services—it is not a contractual agreement.  They come to Goodwill because they are interested in finding a job. Commissioner Martin suggested developing a methodology for encouraging people to stay with the program for its duration and asked if there is an emphasis in graduating.  Ms. Bernstein stated that the goal is employment.  The program attracts people that are not successful independently—they are coming to Goodwill to seek services.  Some are not ready, don’t have skills, and don’t have the level of commitment to make it through the program.  The program may service people multiple times, and sometimes people come back when they are ready.  Ms. Bernstein stated that the program is endeavoring to reach all sectors of job seekers to motivate them through a vision of how their future would be if these changes were made.  It is seeking not only the best qualified, but people who most need to change their lives.  Commissioner Martin inquired whether there may be more applicants than space available, and if so, if people enrolled in the program have role models available to them. Ms. Bernstein stated that all programs with the exception of the transportation model are cohort models.

 

Commissioner Wald suggested developing a method to balance tension between those that would be employed or not.  Mr. Rodriguez stated that the majority of resources are federal workforce dollars that have a formula and serve dislocated workers.  Goodwill and partners have a set of dollars assigned to dislocated workers, and the City wants to work with the at risk population that have multiple barriers to employment to balance those aspects.  Ms. Bernstein explained that each vocational track has its own prerequisite and at least one track will be open to all levels of job seekers.

 

President Tuchow stated that it should be clear to individuals during the selection process that it is an honor for them to receive a grant from the taxpayers to further their careers and that they should take it seriously. The taxpayers are investing in them and expect them to invest in return.  He suggested offering a Certificate to individuals who have completed the program.  Commissioner Martin inquired if criteria were established to determine who would be most likely to complete the program.  Ms. Bernstein stated that there is an assessment process that includes vocational testing and an interview.  Setting up a contract portion could be looked into as well.

 

Commissioner Wald inquired about greening other sectors.  Mr. Rodriguez stated that a review of greening the health care and social services sector is being done, and partners are being sought.  There is a conversation about the curriculum and where to insert green practices.  The City is also funding other non-profits and vocational programs that present opportunities.

 

Vice Chair Gravanis encouraged interaction with the federal JobCorp program on Treasure Island and suggested incorporating skills such as teaching people how to set an alarm clock and using the transit system. Mr. Rodriguez concurred and discussed the importance of these critical skills to an individual’s success.

 

Public Comment:

Mr. Willy Cooper, Executive Director, Literacy for Environmental Justice, invited Commissioners and staff to attend the April grand opening of the Eco Center at Herons Head Park.  He stated that he would like to involve staff from the Environment Now program in green job opportunities.  

 

Mr. Eric Smith, Green Depot, discussed his involvement with the Public Utilities Commission green skills biodiesel training and the SFRecycle programs.  He discussed the correlation with the EnvironmentNow/Jobs Now program with Black History month and history that is being made through this program.  Mr. Smith stated that the success of the program going forward would depend on partnerships with other entities.  He cited the example of PUC partnerships on the GreaseCycle program and its success.  Mr. Smith also discussed the idea of Business Improvement Districts as a way to fund the program in the future.

 

d.      San Francisco Environment Now! Speakers--Donald Oliveira, Green Jobs Coordinator, and SF Environment Now! Staff

 

Mr. Donny Oliveira reported that the job training program is designed to help all sectors of job seekers to prepare for a future in the green economy.  He explained that his job is to create a mechanism to create environmental stewards and diversity through a structured education system, and to integrate the Environment Now staff with the Department of the Environment’s ongoing programs and staff.  Mr. Oliveira discussed the positive impact the program is having and the excitement felt by EnvironmentNow program staff.  He explained that the focus is on communication and outreach to the community to communicate a message about the City’s environmental programs and bring about awareness and behavior change toward these programs.  He stated that the team is being trained through a daily curriculum that includes repetition, computer, presentation skills, and through interaction and support from Department staff.  This program is providing people an opportunity to start a new career and at the same time presenting an opportunity for the Department of the Environment to have people in the community representing their programs. 

 

Mr. Oliveira described the team’s programming work on Zero Waste, Energy Watch, Urban Forestry, Green Business, auditing air emissions, motor oil recycling, and food quality assurance in the southeast sector.  He stated that there is an effort to incorporate additional programming in the Toxics Reduction and Clean Air program areas.  There is over 40 program staff working on this effort and three supervisors, and there are plans to add additional staff.  Mr. Oliveira described challenges that the program faces such as lack of resources, case managers, variation in age and experience of program staff, counseling services, and regulating discipline and behavior, but also described the many positive aspects that he and program staff are experiencing.  

 

President Tuchow commended Mr. Oliveira for implementing such a great program in a short time with limited supervisorial resources.  He inquired about future possibilities after the short term funding for the program runs out.  Mr. Oliveira stated that the program provides folks with skills they need to be able to find a sustainable job in a different setting beyond the grants period.  President Tuchow inquired if people are placed in different groups based on their skill set.  Mr. Oliveira stated that people are put in groups according to their skills and experience.  President Tuchow asked what was being done to overcome the supervisorial challenge.  Mr. Oliveira stated that people within the program are being identified and trained as team leaders to take on supervisorial duties.  President Tuchow asked if there were other resources available to help train a management team.  Mr. Oliveira stated that the Health Services Agency has a training program and leadership curriculum that could be utilized. 

 

Commissioner Wald thanked Mr. Oliveira for setting up and coordinating the program.  She stated that it was important to measure the success of the team and to make the program public in order to increase awareness of what the Department and team are doing.  Mr. Oliveira stated that stories, pictures, and group activities are being captured. Commissioner Wald suggested holding a graduation ceremony for when people complete the training.  President Tuchow asked how people learn and get into the program.  Ms. Rosenmoss and Mr. Oliveira discussed the process as it relates to allocation of federal stimulus funds, Human Services Agency eligibility requirements for the City employment program, and the Department of the Environment’s interview process.  Ms. Bernstein discussed Good Will Industries public outreach strategy.

 

Mr. Oliveira introduced Environment Now Program staff team leaders who spoke about their involvement in the program, their assigned responsibilities, and the change it made in their lives.  Department staff spoke about the positive impact that Environment Now staff has made in their program areas.   

 

Mr. Robert Chatman, who was one of the first hires to the program, discussed the evolvement and growth of JobsNow into EnvironmentNow, and the positive changes that participation in the program made to his life, his family, and the community.

Ms. Raquel Ruvalcaba discussed her previous employment, her involvement with the motor oil recycling and school automobile idling programs, and the positive influence these programs have made to the community and in her life. 

 

Mr. Donald Britten discussed his previous business venture and reported on his work with Friends of the Urban Forest, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, and community gardens and his effort to plant trees in the Bayview District.  He thanked program staff for making it possible for him to be part of the team.

 

Ms. Marie Tongol discussed her previous employment and thanked the Jobs Now Environment Now program staff for providing her the education and training necessary to work in the energy efficiency program with businesses.  She described the effectiveness of one-to-one communication in implementing these programs.

 

Mr. Lee Williams discussed his previous work experience and education and described his positive interview experience with Department staff.  He described his involvement and excitement about doing outreach for the composting and recycling, energy efficiency, and styrobusting programs.  Mr. Williams remarked about the enthusiasm Department staff have for their jobs.

 

Mr. Paris Jenkins discussed his work with the Zero Waste and Styrofoam programs in bringing awareness to businesses, apartment residents, and San Francisco State University on recycling and composting programs.  He discussed his life experience, learning about the program, and the positive effect it had on his life.  Mr. Jenkins also discussed the importance of making the environment better and making younger people part of the movement.  He reported that he works with Recology, Sunset Scavenger and Golden Gate Recycling in providing public outreach to each resident to make sure they have recycling and composting carts and surveying their habits.  The afternoon crew does outreach to those people to correct any habits that are not in compliance with the program.  He reported that the commercial Zero Waste program would be starting in April this year.

 

President Tuchow thanked program staff for their terrific work, for their role in representing the Department’s programs, and for bringing awareness of Department activities.  He asked what program staff felt could be done better or what they like about the program.  Program staff presented ideas such as providing additional educational opportunities to San Francisco Unified School District students at all levels on composting and recycling so that they can provide the same message to parents, providing “wake-up” calls about sustainability, and outreach through computers.  Program staff felt that their involvement in these areas is providing an opportunity to make a difference and stated their desire to extend the program.  Mr. Williams stated that he believes that there should be more awareness and outreach about the potential harm of cell phone radiation.    

 

12:00 P.M. Luncheon Break

Reconvene

4.      Continued Discussion on San Francisco’s Green Jobs and the SF Environment Now! Program. (Discussion)

 

President Tuchow stated that he would like the Commission and Department to discuss methods to leverage the SF JobsNow program since it is a pilot project with limited funding.  If the program is essential to Department programs, it would be important to start thinking about an ongoing sustainable program.  Acting Director Assmann stated that Congress would have to approve the federal stimulus funding extension that is proposed, and if that happens, the program could be extended until October 2011.  The Commission and Department should also be working on ways to access additional resources to sustain a Department program beyond federal funding.  A future program could be made part of the Department’s regular outreach program and be part of the regular operating budget.  He discussed the potential of this type of program being included as part of the rate review process as a funding mechanism.  There is also a potential for institutionalizing a permanent job program with partners the Department is working with on an ongoing basis, e.g. Recology on zero waste education, PG&E on energy efficiency outreach.  He discussed transitioning jobs into the private sector and requesting funding from whomever the program benefits.  Mr. Kevin Drew, Zero Waste Team, suggested looking at long-range funding through a public-private sector entrepreneurial partnership.

 

President Tuchow inquired if the Environmental Justice program area budget could support this effort or if addition settlement money could be sought.  Ms. Rosenmoss described the difficulty local governments experience acquiring environmental justice funding, but stated that it could be pursued.  Mr. Oliveira stated that Environment Now program staff could infiltrate other City departments to provide eco-literacy training about the Department’s programs by serving as an outreach mechanism and could also leverage business partners.  Mr. Drew suggested integrating disaster preparedness emergency awareness programs with an outreach program to prepare homes by removing toxics, installing solar, etc.  Ms. Rosenmoss stated that the California Public Utilities Commission and California Energy Commission could be contacted to fund outreach and education programs. Commissioner Wald suggested asking the Commissioners for help in this effort.  Commissioner Wald suggested that a link to positive changes that the program staff makes be communicated, e.g., increase in diversion.  Mr. Oliveira stated that metrics have been set up for Energy Watch and Zero Waste to show the impact being made.  Commissioner Mok suggested that the JobsNow program be incorporated into the Department’s outreach program.  Ms. Bernstein suggested organizing a Green Jobs fair as a collaboration between non-profits and government agencies that would provide the public information about the JobsNow and EnvironmentNow program activities. She stated that program staff has the skills and they know how to present those skills to other organizations. 

 

Ms. Raphael, Toxics Reduction Program Manager, inquired how Goodwill finds jobs for others.  Ms. Bernstein explained that Goodwill is one of the city’s seven One-stop locations and through workforce investment dollars, individuals who qualify primarily through income eligibility, go through a certification process.  If the person qualifies, then a set of services that includes placement and retention are provided based on the level of the job seeker. She suggested that Goodwill begin working with the Department now on long-term possibilities. Goodwill has a business engagement team that will be divided by sector, e.g. developing opportunities in the green sector, social services, health care, green construction, retail, etc. industries, and with the assistance of the Green Skills Academy, is actively meeting and engaging with employers to bring them into the program and talk about the curriculum.  She stated that the EnvironmentNow staff would be welcome to come to Goodwill at any time and they would be happy to work with them in their system.  Commissioner Wald suggested consulting with the Los Angeles program to see what they have identified. Ms. Rosenmoss and Acting Director Assmann discussed similarities and differences in the Los Angeles program.  President Tuchow suggested creating a cross-departmental working group to identify future funding sources.  Mr. Drew suggested including Goodwill and the Natural Resources Defense Council and other connected agencies into that conversation. 

 

President Tuchow discussed a suggestion made by program staff to provide outreach to San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students and to assemble students in the Bill Graham auditorium for Earth Day. Mr. Oliveira stated that the Department does have a Public Outreach Education team that works in schools, and that EnvironmentNow staff would be happy to work with them.  Ms. Rosenmoss stated that the Public Education team has a mascot, curriculum, and sets up assemblies to teach about recycling and composting.  She stated that schools do have accessibility requirements such as liability and fingerprinting. Ms. Rosenmoss suggested providing outreach education services to after school programs such as the YMCA and Beacon Centers. Mr. Drew stated that SFUSD’s cancellation of their summer programs would leave kids unoccupied and could present an opportunity to fit in a summer program in environmental training.  Ms. Rosenmoss suggested integrating activities into the Recreation and Park Department’s summer programs or attending San Francisco Children Youth and Their Families (DCYF’s) fair to discuss summer resources. Mr. Oliveira stated that he would be speaking to the Recreation and Park Department on future possibilities.

 

President Tuchow inquired what the Department’s role is in green jobs throughout City departments.   Ms. Eng suggested reviewing the funding sources chart for additional information on other City department programs.  She stated that there is a need for better communication and coordination in order to work together.  Ms. Eng reported that there are advisory and business councils being established that the Department and the non-profit sector could participate in.  Ms. Rosenmoss stated that the Department drives the market and would have to be able to connect people to the workforce development infrastructure.   Acting Director Assmann stated that the Department can provide environmental training and outreach to other departments and for people who want to attain skills and use them either in the Department or elsewhere, but that it would not be the role of the Department to do job placement.   He stated that outreach is always needed in Department program areas.

 

Ms. Bernstein stated that the Department of the Environment has value in providing integrity and reality about recycling, composting, what happens if oil is not recycled and can provide a degree of education for the private sector to expand what is being done.  Mr. Oliveira stated that there is a potential to work with other City department and let them know that there are employment opportunities for green jobs.  President Tuchow asked to define what greens jobs are and the Department’s role in providing environmental training.  Ms. Rosenmoss discussed public service training job classifications that would receive environmental training. Ms. Raphael stated that the Department can move the marketplace and described the Toxics Reduction program area’s effort to help define what a green janitor is through the Green Business Program.  She stated that by choosing a new sector to work with such as janitorial services, you could create what a green janitorial service is, find the companies that are interested, train them, then have green jobs creation and greening of existing jobs. 

 

President Tuchow stated that discussions should continue about future recommendations for sustainability of the program.  Acting Director Assmann stated that his intention would be to either start a Committee or hold discussions during senior staff meetings to address future steps.  Ms. Bernstein stated that from her perspective, most important would be the ability to drive policy which will drive behaviors, then businesses will follow, which would translate into jobs.  She stated that the Department has the ability to see the big picture and could guide where Goodwill should be involved and assist in what markets to pursue.  President Tuchow thanked everyone for their participation and stated that additional discussions would be held on how to keep the program sustainable going forward and reaching out to businesses in the community that would want to play a role.          

 

Public Comment:  Mr. Smith thanked the Commission for holding the retreat.

 

5.      Public Comments:  Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda.  There was no public comment at this time.

6.      Adjournment.  The Commission on the Environment Retreat adjourned at 1:32 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by, Monica Fish, Commission Secretary

TEL:  (415) 355-3709; FAX: (415) 554-6393

 

 Approved:  March 23, 2010