A candidate for D.C. mayor has a bold plan to fight violent crime and climate change at the same time.
At-Large Council member Robert White said if he’s elected, he will guarantee a job to every city resident who wants one.
White said for far too many people living in the District, the streets are offering better opportunities than the city’s government.
To change that, he said at a campaign press conference Thursday that he wants to create more than 10,000 D.C. government jobs aimed at making the city more environmentally friendly.
The jobs would include installing solar panels, painting crosswalks to promote walking, and making energy-saving improvements to public housing.
“This program will simultaneously guarantee residents job opportunities and training while preparing our communities for climate impacts and transitioning our economy to 100% renewable energy,” White said in a statement on his campaign’s website.
White also said he wants to offer apprenticeships to help people build skills and advance into careers.
During his press conference, White said he estimates the cost would be about $1.5 billion, which is slightly more than the city’s recent yearly budget increases.
A campaign spokesperson said White plans to use those budget increases to pay for his plan.
White is competing with fellow D.C. Council member Trayon White, who represents Ward 8, and James Butler for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s seat.
If Bowser holds on to the executive office, it would be her third term.
The last D.C. mayor to hold the office for three terms was Marion Barry.
D.C.’s primary is June 21.
WTOP’s Will Vitka contributed to this report.
