For three years, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have been collaborating with Blue Green Alliance to create a plan to recruit and retain companies that provide green manufacturing jobs.

We live in an era of opportunity and in communities of boundless potential. Despite the economic downturn of the past few years, we believe that Minneapolis and Saint Paul can and will lead the state, nation and world in creating sustainable, green jobs. The Mayors' Green Manufacturing Initiative will be a key to achieving our goal of a strong local economy based on a sound and sustainable foundation.

We have put together reports, each with a unique perspective, that provide the base of knowledge needed to ensure an effective strategic economic development partnership between Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

"Current Structures, Strategies and Examples for Economic Development" examines the best practices of other cities and states.

"The Green Chemistry Landscape in Minneapolis Saint Paul" explores the status of the green chemical industry in the metropolitan area.

"Municipal Solid Waste Reclamation Trends: A Local and National Perspective" examines national and local trends for recycling and composting and what tools and resources are needed to attract and grow jobs in those areas.

"What Business Wants: Growing Green Jobs in Minneapolis Saint Paul" assesses the potential for market and job growth in the Metro area and identifies the policies needed to compete in green chemistry, waste reclamation and solar and wind energy technology.

"Directory, Market Analysis and Employment Opportunities in the Twin Cities Green Marketplace" consists of a directory of Twin Cities green businesses, market analysis based on a survey of some of these businesses and recommendations to develop and improve green employment opportunities in the Twin Cities.

The Mayors' Green Manufacturing Initiative is supported by the Blue Green Alliance Foundation, a non-profit, 501 c (3) organization dedicated to research and education about job-creating solutions to global warming and other environmental challenges.