Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is a national nonprofit organization advancing racial, economic, and climate justice. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Washington, DC, ECC is committed to building more equitable, economically just, and sustainable communities across the United States. Through its innovative and replicable place-based strategies, ECC empowers communities by fostering community and worker power, promoting economic inclusion, and ensuring equitable implementation of sustainable practices.
ECC operates in five key regions—Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, Northeast, and D.C./Maryland/Virginia—while extending its influence to select cities nationwide. These regional initiatives are designed to address the unique needs of each area. At the same time, ECC’s national Civic Infrastructure and Strategic Initiatives teams provide policy capacity, program leadership, coalition building, and technical assistance to various stakeholders, including community-based organizations (CBOs) and government agencies.
ECC is committed to creating economic opportunities in the clean energy sector, particularly for minority and women-owned construction businesses. Through specialized training and technical assistance, ECC helps these businesses tap into the growing market for clean energy construction, including EV charging infrastructure. This support enhances business capacity and ensures that the benefits of the green economy are shared more equitably.
A cornerstone of ECC’s mission is providing training, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to CBOs, particularly those serving Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. ECC’s work empowers these organizations to effectively advocate for their communities, access resources, and implement sustainable practices that promote long-term environmental and economic well-being.
ECC is deeply invested in the future of America’s workforce, particularly in preparing minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and youth and young adults for careers in the growing green economy. Their initiatives include:
– E-Contractor Academy: Providing training and technical assistance to MWBEs in climate-critical trades to take advantage of the growing opportunities in green construction.
– STEM Career Training for High School Students: Preparing the next generation of innovators with the skills needed for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
– Green Path Career Training for Young Adults: Offering young adults hands-on green career training, equipping them with the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in sustainable industries.
– Career Readiness Workshops for College Students: Providing college-aged students with the tools and guidance they need to enter the workforce, with a focus on sustainability and green jobs.
Emerald Cities Collaborative is at the forefront of creating a more just and sustainable future for all. By combining economic inclusion with environmental stewardship, ECC ensures that the benefits of the green economy reach the communities that need them most. Their work addresses immediate needs and lays the foundation for long-term, systemic change.
