The fast-growing "green economy" sector presents unprecedented opportunities for Providence businesses and our workforce. As a result, we have been working closely with partners like the Chamber of Commerce, our colleges, universities and hospitals, as well as businesses both large and small, to better leverage our existing assets, foster business opportunities and accelerate job creation in this sector.

Recently, Grist magazine, a leading environmental e-publication, recognized these efforts by including me in a list of fifteen "green-leaning" US mayors who are working to preserving the environment through local action. Grist based its selection on efforts by mayors to "take our collective future in their hands."  Specifically, the magazine specifically highlights the "green goals" I have set forth in Operation Opportunity, an 18-month economic action plan which I launched in February to create jobs and boost our local economy while making Providence more environmentally-friendly.

These goals include:

• Creation of a green job training corps
• Doubling the recycling rate
• Executive order requiring that all new municipal buildings are LEED or CHPS certified, nationally accepted benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.