What is the problem being addressed?

In the case study found from Buffalo New York, the program PUSH focuses on creating jobs to better the economy in this city.

What is their innovative solution?

To create new jobs, PUSH has focused on expanding the local weatherization and rehabilitation business. Due to large number of housing projects in the growing Green Development Zone, PUSH has been able to call on a substantial network of high-road contractors who are committed to hiring new workers – specially neighborhood youth – from the community. PUSH Buffalo supports contractors that are Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® qualified and employ staff that are certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). They recognize contractors that uphold community benefit standards that include paying workers family sustaining wages and the hiring of potential employees from our neighborhoods. They create customer demand in order to create jobs for trainees, workers and, ultimately, contractors. PUSH and the new energy efficiency program, PUSH Green, provides opportunities for workforce volunteers to engage in customer outreach campaigns in neighborhoods across the West Side and Erie County to educate homeowners about the benefits of energy efficiency improvements.

How can this be applied to Meadville?

This can be applied to Meadville by having a system or organization that can improve the work force in the city. Residents in Meadville struggle to find work, this idea of connecting job seekers to good paying and efficient jobs can lead to a boost in the economy.

http://pushbuffalo.publishpath.com/workforce