Committee authorizes Norwalk partnership with Keep America Beautiful for Green Workforce training

The Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Council Committee voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to authorize the mayor to sign documents establishing a partnership with Keep America Beautiful for a Green Workforce training project funded through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Sarah Cruz, Norwalk’s arborist and horticulturalist, described the program as an apprenticeship for community members who may face barriers to employment. Cruz said the initiative will run two cohorts (fall and spring) consisting of an eight‑week training led by Parks and Public Works staff, local tree‑care professionals and guest speakers. The program is expected to train up to 10 participants per cohort and support planting up to 150 trees in the South Norwalk area.

Committee members asked about post‑training placement. Cruz said staff are developing partnerships with local organizations such as Open Doors and plan to host career‑fair style events and resume workshops at the end of each cohort to connect graduates with employers.

Robert Stowers and other staff framed the partnership as a chance to leverage grant funding and existing community services rather than build a new standalone program. Committee members praised the grant award as competitive and timely and asked staff to include stakeholders in implementation. The authorization allows staff to finalize the formal agreement and proceed with planning and recruitment.

Committee action: authorization of the mayor to sign documents required for the partnership agreement with Keep America Beautiful. Outcome: approved unanimously. Staff will return with implementation details and periodic updates as recruitment and partner agreements advance.