Why this is important

DEQ’s Materials Management Program provides grants to organizations working to reduce the environmental impacts of the materials made and used in Oregon. This item will report on the work of the grants program, and recognize the specific work of JD’s Shoes, an independent repair shop awarded a small grant in 2017.

Background

As part of implementing Materials Management in Oregon: 2050 Vision and Framework for Action, DEQ developed a plan to support the reuse and repair industry in Oregon through grants and pilot projects. In 2017, DEQ funded five small businesses with “micro-grants” of up to $10,000 per project to support the state’s efforts. A copy of all micro-grant recipients is included as Attachment A to this report.

The contemporary shift to different styles of shoes, such as athletic shoes rather than formal dress shoes in professional work environments, and reduced durability of these items has resulted in a reduction in available apprenticeship and training opportunities for this industry. JD’s Shoes was founded in 2009 by Julie Derrick, a cobbler trained in Portland under the tutelage of master cobblers. With the Materials Management micro-grant, the organization used the grant funds to train a new cobbler. That employee learned to perform a full range of repairs independently and is still working full time.

EQC involvement

There is no commissioner action required during this item; however, DEQ will bring an updated version of the 2050 Vision and Framework for commission review later in 2019.

Attachment

A. List of 2017 Materials Management Program workforce development grants recipients