What a year it's been! From a new mayor and city council, to the creation of an Office of Sustainability and a big Phillies win, it's certainly been a memorable year for Philadelphia. And of course, there have been many successes in implementing the Next Great City agenda. Of note:

• Single stream recycling went citywide and will start on a weekly schedule on January 5.
• Voters overwhelmingly approved a parks reform measure that will revamp Fairmount Park leadership.
• Fire department diesel vehicles are being retrofitted to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants.
• A Philadelphia Water Department rate case to change the way stormwater fees are collected to incentivize best practices will be completed by February of 2009.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support for Next Great City. See you in 2009!

With the economy in shambles and unemployment on the rise, it's good to know that some job sectors are growing. Trends show that green collar jobs, or manual labor jobs with environmentally sound companies, are expected to keep growing over the next few decades in areas like energy auditing and retrofitting, solar panel manufacturing and installation and sustainable agriculture and landscaping. Locally, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia has been convening a coalition of over 50 organizations to work on a strategy for green collar job development in the Philadelphia area.

So, how can you find a job in the green world? Idealist is one of the most comprehensive sources for jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities with non-profits from around the globe. The Greater Philadelphia Environmental Network is a great local guide to jobs, news, events and more. And PennFuture's jobs board posts openings within the organization and with allies and friends.

Of course the best way to find a job is through networking, so make an effort to attend events related to your field of interest.

In the latest edition of Voices of Philadelphians, Clean Air Council's Eric Cheung talks about the Phildelphia Diesel Difference Working Group and its role in reducing diesel emissions in Philadelphia that are linked to health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.

Next Great City recommends the City retrofit its diesel fleet to reduce emissions, which Philadelphia Diesel Difference is helping to make happen.