City of Grand Rapids Sustainability Updates
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City and DTE Energy partner with The Rapid to fuel vehicles with renewable natural gas
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved an agreement between the City and the Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid) for the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Under the agreement, the City will fill its CNG fleet of vehicles at The Rapid’s recently completed CNG bus fueling facility, 1020 Market Avenue SW. The fuel being dispensed from this location represents a three-way partnership between The Rapid, City and DTE Energy (DTE).
The unique environmental partnership between the City, DTE and The Rapid is possible following construction of the City’s biodigester. The City decided to construct a biodigester at its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to accommodate the growing amount of waste being generated by the community and sent to the WRRF for processing. The biodigester is a less expensive alternative to expanding the existing WRRF. In addition, the biodigester allows the City to produce renewable natural gas, which is a valuable market commodity.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
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The Grand Rapids Policies and Programs for Equitable, Healthy, and Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative (E.H.Zero) is a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, U.S. Green Building Council West MI, and Urban Core Collective. The purpose of E.H.Zero is to co-create with community policies and programs to equitably decarbonize Grand Rapids residential and commercial buildings.
E.H.Zero Updates:
- The E.H.Zero Commercial Building Stakeholder Webinar Series just launched.
- Register for the upcoming events in March:
- Energy Benchmarking and Transparency: Disclosure for City-Wide Progress Tracking, Thursday, March 3, 2022, 9:00 AM -10:30 AM
- Building Performance Standards: A Win-Win Scenario, Thursday, March 24, 2022, 9:00 AM -10:30 AM
- Check out the webinar series flyer here.
- City joins White House Buildings Performance Standards Coalition
- Grand Rapids continues to outperform larger cities in national energy ranking – moving up to 31st in the ACEEE City Clean Energy Scorecard
- E.H.Zero released an RFP for Housing Partner Organization for $60,000 across two years to manage a Home Renovation Pilot in the Neighborhoods of Focus and to serve as a thought partner on policies and programs that will help to equitably reduce carbon emissions from residential buildings. The application period has closed and the Housing partner will be announced in late March.
- Sign up for E.H.Zero updates.
- For questions, email EHZero@grcity.us
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Mayor Rosalynn Bliss' February Vlog
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In her February vlog, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss talks about Participatory Budgeting GR and the launch of an idea submission portal at PBGR.org. She also talks about improving our national energy ranking and moving up on the City Clean Energy Scorecard, the launch of the Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4), the Mayor's Youth Council's Winter Coat Drive, the City Manager's selection of Eric Winstrom as our next police chief, World of Winter and this weekend's Valent-ICE festivities.
For more details and information, visit grandrapidsmi.gov.
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Clear a Storm Drain for a Chance to Win Prizes
Storm drain, catchbasin, inlet, gutter, storm sewer, that grate where water drains from the street...whatever you like to call them – they need your help!
We are encouraging you and fellow residents to keep catch basins near your home free from debris as snow and ice begin to melt. Our Department of Environmental Services (ESD) says this proactive action can prevent street flooding, protect the environment and manage stormwater.
More than 17,000 catch basins across Grand Rapids drain water during storm events and snow-melting periods. Each catch large objects of debris that would otherwise end up in the river but can become blocked with leaves or litter. During the winter, ice and snow also can form over the basin causing blockages. These clogs can lead to unnecessary and unwelcomed street flooding.
While City crews professionally clean up to 4,000 catch basins annually, you can help augment that effort by clearing storm drains near your home. You can adopt a drain at lgrow.org/adopt-a-drain. For a chance to win prizes, follow ESD at facebook.com/EnvironmentalServicesGR.
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Request For Proposals: City of Grand Rapids Community Master Plan
The City of Grand Rapids is seeking proposals from professional consulting firms/teams to provide professional and technical expertise for the preparation of a Community Master Plan.
The Master Plan for the City of Grand Rapids was last adopted in 2002, with amendments made in subsequent years. The Plan primarily focuses on the physical elements of the city and is built on Smart Growth principles. Generally, the Plan has proven to be successful and, in many ways, remains relevant today. It is time to build on that success with a new CMP.
Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan. The city's population is approximately 200,000 and covers an area of 45 square miles.
Grand Rapids has grown tremendously in recent years. Since 2001, the city has seen over $5 billion dollars in construction and the pace is increasing. A principal focus of the CMP will be maintaining this momentum and increasing density and affordable housing, while ensuring the equitable application of City services for development and redevelopment efforts.
Accordingly, the intent of the CMP is to address traditional land use topics (such as population, economic development, housing, mobility, and public improvements) and integrate equitable development into the Plan. To provide context, key issues to be addressed will include the following:
- Equity
- Housing
- Mobility
- Safety
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
The RFP can be found here and the proposal deadline is March 17, 2022.
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Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids opens idea submission portal
The Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR) Committee, responsible for overseeing the PBGR initiative, is now accepting community project ideas by way of its idea submission portal at PBGR.org. Ideas that meet specific ARPA funding priorities may be submitted for consideration through May 31.
Click here for more details on the idea submission survey.
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City seeks volunteers to serve as Grand Rapids board members or commissioners
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and City Commissioners are encouraging residents to consider applying to serve on one of the City of Grand Rapids’ 42 boards and commissions. To review vacant positions and requirements or to apply online for a board or commission, visit grandrapidsmi.gov/getinvolved. Those who need additional support can call the City Clerk's Office at 616-456-3010.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
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More Updates
City Commission's Mid-Year Financial Update included climate change actions among City's key areas of focus. (Feb. 22, 2022)
Climate change included in the draft Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Kent & Ottawa Counties and the City of Grand Rapids.
- View the presentation to the Public Safety Committee. (Feb. 22, 2022)
Climate adaptation and environmental justice included in Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.
- View the presentation to the City Commission. (Jan. 25, 2022)
2022 Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit - Request for Presentation Proposals due March 20, 2022.
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For news highlights across all departments at the City of Grand Rapids, check out and subscribe to the bi-monthly e-newsletter, GR Connected.
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City of Grand Rapids
Assistant Mobile GR Director (Due March 28th)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Salary Range: $95,404 - $121,751
This position entails advanced professional, administrative and operational management of activities within the Mobile GR & Parking Services Department. Work includes direct administrative support to the Department Director, management and supervision of the daily operations of the department office, budget coordination and development, contract management, supply procurement and management, and preparation of various documents, presentations, and reports, as assigned. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent decision making under the managerial direction of the Mobile GR Director and is reviewed through conferences, reports and an analysis of results obtained.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Teach for the Watershed Seasonal Educator (Due March 1st)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
WMEAC is hiring seasonal educators to work with the Teach for the Watershed (T4W) program in spring and/or fall 2022. T4W is a place-based, watershed education program with a classroom watershed modeling experience and a field experience getting into streams to determine the health of the watershed. Provides 10 to 15 hours per week at $17/hour, supporting both classroom and field portions of the T4W program.
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Climate & Clean Energy Specialist (Due March 4th, 5pm)
Location: Traverse City or Petoskey, MI
Salary Range: $48,000-56,500
Groundwork is seeking a Climate and Clean Energy Specialist to support their Clean Energy Program in northern Michigan. The ideal candidate will be passionate and knowledgeable about advancing local, state and national energy policy reform, and experienced in public policy advocacy, networking, partnerships and facilitation. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated passion for promoting an equitable and just transition to renewable energy to combat the climate crisis. This position is full time, year round, and will report to Groundwork’s Climate and Environment Program Director.
Program Coordinator, Great Lakes Business Network (Due March 4th, 5pm)
Location: Flexible within the Great Lakes Region
Salary Range: $48,000-56,500
Groundwork is hiring a Program Coordinator to lead the Clean Energy Issue Area of the Great Lakes Business Network (GLBN). The GLBN is fact-based, non-partisan and deeply engaged in pragmatic advocacy to set strong policies in support of their issues, which include decommissioning the Line 5 pipeline, preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, and advancing a clean energy economy across the Great Lakes region that will ensure secure and independent energy that is equitable and fair to all users, and enhances local communities. This position reports to the Climate and Environment Program Director.
Public Sector Consultants (PSC)
Minority Fellowship (Due March 13th)
Location: Lansing, MI. In office at least three days a week.
Salary Range: Hourly rate between $16.83 and $21.63 per hour
The minority fellowship program will provide a person who is a racial or ethnic minority with the opportunity to gain knowledge in public policy through practical, professional experience and the potential for permanent employment upon completion of the fellowship. The minority fellowship program is designed to connect PSC with candidates who are racial or ethnic minorities and provide them with the professional development, support, and supervision necessary for a successful transition into the professional public policy arena. PSC would like to contribute to making public policy careers more accessible to people who are racial or ethnic minorities.
Data Analyst for Michigan Saves (Due March 20th)
Location: Flexible
Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience
The data analyst supports Michigan Saves, a clean energy financing nonprofit staffed by Public Sector Consultants (PSC). The data analyst is responsible for compiling, standardizing, and managing data and compiling reports to support program objectives. Responsibilities also include monitoring and resolving data issues associated with tracking clean energy project records and supporting internal requests. Candidates who are well organized, are highly meticulous, and have demonstrated skills in—and a passion for—data and analytics are encouraged to apply.
Consultant for Talent and Economics (Due March 20th)
Location: Flexible
Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience
The consultant conducts research for Public Sector Consultants (PSC) and its clients; assists in developing proposals; writes reports related to the evaluation of local, state, and national policies and programs; and more.
Michigan Environmental Council
All four positions will be open until filled:
Policy Staffer, Urban Land Use & Infrastructure
Location: Lansing, MI. Requires occasional travel to other locations in MI & nationally. Due to COVID-19, the position will be remote until such time as it is safe to resume in-office work.
Salary Range: $55,000 - $74,400
This teammate will 1) ensure parks and outdoor spaces are accessible to everyone, 2) ensure our transportation sector is clean, funded and fits the needs of everyone, and 3) ensure all communities have properly functioning water systems.
Policy Staffer, Land Conservation & Water
Location: Lansing, MI. Requires occasional travel to other locations in MI & nationally. Due to COVID-19, the position will be remote until such time as it is safe to resume in-office work.
Salary Range: $41,000 - $62,000
This teammate will use research, policy analysis, strategy campaigns and educational opportunities with elected officials and state workers to make our public lands, surface water and groundwater healthier.
Detroit Program Director
Location: Detroit, MI. Requires regular travel to Lansing. Telecommuting or remote work is an option for many aspects of this role.
Salary Range: $58,000 - $78,000
The Environmental Council is building and maintaining a permanent organizational presence in Detroit. This teammate will ensure the voice of Detroiters are heard in the state capital; engage Detroit’s grasstop and civic leaders in designing public policy; and leverage Lansing assets for the city.
Director of Operations
Location: Lansing, MI
Salary Range: $43,000 - $72,000
This teammate will blend office management and strategic leadership to ensure our administrative systems, organizational budget, and operational practices are functioning optimally from conception through implementation.
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Comment on the MI Healthy Climate Plan!
The deadline to submit public comments on EGLE's MI Healthy Climate Plan has been extended to March 14th, 2022.
The Draft Plan can be found here. This is our opportunity to provide feedback on the plan that will work toward Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal of achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.
Members of the public can email comments or suggested changes at any time to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@Michigan.gov
For more information, please see the press release from EGLE.
Volunteer with the Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative (EAAC)
The important work of the EAAC is being performed in its subcommittees, and the broader Collaborative will no longer meet regularly. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) adopted a new structure for the EAAC, (see U-20757 2/10/2022 order) where meetings of an Advisory Committee will take the place of the larger meetings. More information will be provided on the Advisory Committee soon.
The Data Analysis and Regulatory Review subcommittee (DARR) is now forming and will be developing a MPSC long term data collection strategy and review of customer protections.
The Collaborative welcomes your expertise and invites you to participate in DARR or any of its sub-committees. They include:
- Data Analysis and Regulatory Review (DARR)
- Alignment, Affordability and Assistance (AAA)
- Definitions-Ad hoc
- Outreach and Education
To join, simply fill out this EAAC Subcommittees sign-up form. A leader will contact you soon.
The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is now live
The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is an annual program that serves as a guide to help communities measure their progress towards sustainability. This year’s Challenge (for 2021 actions) will be open until April 15, 2022.
The Challenge includes several categories and each is comprised of several action items. Communities earn points by completing these action items and bonus points for reporting quantitative sustainability data. Participation is free and open to any local government in Michigan.
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Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
Big Hunger: How Michigan Businesses and Institutions Can Address the Root Causes of Hunger
Tuesday, March 1st from 1pm - 2pm
Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is hosting an online forum with Andrew Fisher, author of “Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance Between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups.” Fisher will introduce the role of business in both addressing and contributing to food insecurity, updating some of the ideas that are outlined in his book in the context of the pandemic and increased awareness of racial inequity in the country.
The webinar will outline some potential strategies that businesses, non-profits and other stakeholders in Michigan might take to better invest toward the elimination of food insecurity in the state and region. Discussion to follow.
Pollinator Friendly Alliance
6th Annual Best Practices for Pollinators Summit
Tuesday, March 1st - Thursday, March 3rd from 10am - 3pm EST
Learn ecologically sound land stewardship practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean water and lands; practical knowledge, and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, pollinator conservation, soil health and more. Brought to you by Pollinator Friendly Alliance and The Xerces Society.
Catalyst Communities
Electric Vehicle Planning Resources for Communities
Wednesday, March 2nd from 1pm - 2pm
In this webinar from EGLE's Catalyst Communities initiative, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) will highlight their EV Resource Kit and Planning Hub – a one-stop destination for EV information, charging infrastructure data, planning tools, and funding sources. Additionally, Canton Township will speak to their experience using this resource and offer advice on how other communities can become
EV-ready.
GVSU Climate Change Education Solution Network
Solution-Forward Climate Change Education
Thursday, March 3rd from 4:30pm - 5:15pm
GVSU CCESN welcomes Eileen Boekestein as a speaker again this year in her new role as the Environmental Education Coordinator at Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She will discuss the importance and benefit of teaching about climate change from a solution-oriented perspective rather than a problem-oriented perspective. Her presentation will cover recommended tools and practices for implementing a solution-forward approach, both from external sources as well as from Michigan and EGLE-specific data and resources.
You can join this presentation March 3 at 4:30 PM EST at https://gvsu-edu.zoom.us/j/99761096607
The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Equitable Climate Adaptation: Experience of Small French and American Cities
Tuesday, March 29th from 12pm - 1pm
With Prof. Elena Lioubimtseva, Department of Geography and Sustainable Planning, Grand Valley State University. Hosted by the Area and Global Studies Department. Part of The Global Express: A Public Forum on Global Affairs and Current Events.
Conversation with Matt Scott of Project Drawdown
Thursday, April 7th from 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Matt Scott's work focuses on representing voices those who often go unheard in the climate space. Inspired by human-centered design, Scott shapes and implements Project Drawdown’s strategy for climate solutions storytelling and collaborates with team members to shape the contours of the organization’s impact storytelling approach. Contact lioubime@gvsu.edu for details.
Inforum Michigan
A Climate for All of Us with Chief Scientist Katharine Hayhoe
Friday, March 4th from 8am - 9:30am
Hurricanes, heat waves, floods, and fires. These extreme events, amplified by climate change, affect our food production, our water quality and supply, the safety of our homes and even our health. Climate change is a global threat, perhaps the greatest we have ever faced as a species, especially here at the heart of our Great Lakes. But is there hope? We think so.
Join us virtually with one of the world’s leading climate scientists, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, for a conversation where she will discuss bringing climate into the conversation and how conservation and industry can work together to build a brighter future for all Michiganders – and the lakes and lands we love.
Yale Energy Justice Speaker Series: Spring 2022
This spring, the Yale Center for Environmental Justice and the Yale Center for Business and the Environment are joining forces in an effort to raise awareness on energy justice and bring the voices of experts in the field to the public.
Energy justice refers to the goal of achieving equity in the social and economic participation in the energy system, while also remedying social, economic, and health impacts on those disproportionately harmed by the way we produce and consume energy.
This series will draw from multiple disciplines, including but not limited to law, sociology, anthropology, and economics, and will cover broad topics on policy and regulation, community advocacy, housing, transportation, labor, utilities, and more.
- Monday, March 7 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Intersection of Energy Justice and Labor/Workforce Issues – Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council
- Monday, March 14 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Energy Insecurity and Energy Justice: Two sides of a Coin – Diana Hernandez, Associate Professor of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University
- Monday, March 28 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Housing and Energy Justice – Donnel Baird, CEO of Bloc Power
- Monday, April 4 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Energy Justice in Philanthropy – Danielle Deane, Director of Equitable Climate Solutions, Bezos Earth Fund
- Monday, April 11 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Energy Justice and Public Health – Surili Patel, Vice President, Metropolitan Group
- Monday, April 18 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm – Energy Poverty and Global Justice Issues – Narasimha Rao, Yale
Register here.
U.S. Green Building Council West MI Chapter
Annual Party and Leadership Awards
Thursday, March 10th, 2022 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Erin McDade, Assoc. AIA., Senior Program Director for Architecture 2030, will lead a discussion on the importance of and timing necessary to decarbonize our buildings that ensures the best possible economic and community health outcomes.
- Venue: McKay Ballroom, 146 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Cost: $100-$125
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
March Forum: How Business Approaches to Mobility and Transportation Impact Community Sustainability
Monday, March 14th from 12pm - 1:30pm
Location: The Rapid Central Station Conference Room
Cost: Members $18; Non-members $24
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will meet for a program that examines how business can positively impact community sustainability, public safety and employee wellness through voluntary practices and stakeholder collaboration.
This month’s program will highlight three approaches, including a WMSBF partnership with Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association and the Southwest Business Association to address the impact of heavy-truck traffic on Grandville Avenue. Until recently a truck route and the local business extension of US-196, the major Grand Rapids street that will soon be renamed Cesar E. Chavez Avenue is the main artery for the neighborhood that a recent University of Michigan study named as the most at-risk for environmental justice in the state. Residents and businesses have identified the truck traffic as their primary concern for safety and sustainability.
The Rapid and WMSBF will also introduce this year’s Active Commute Week campaign and the evolution of mobility initiatives in the context of remote work and labor shortages.
There will also be a brief discussion on pending incentives for electrical vehicle adoption.
Featured speakers this month include Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director of West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum; Amy Brower, Executive Director of Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association; Synia Jordan, Southwest Business Association Chair & other speakers to be announced.
Green Home Institute
Take Control of your Energy Future: Net Zero Workforce Development
Wednesday, March 30th from 12pm - 2pm
This session is for those looking for ideas of what careers to go into, those looking to hire, and those looking to launch training programs. This is part of the 4th annual Residential Net-Zero Energy Conference in partnership with GreenHome Institute, Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, the Michigan Geothermal Energy Association, Architectural Resource, IL Green Alliance, and DFD Architecture.
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- HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and energy audit contractors can participate.
- To earn the badge, contractors must watch five modules and pass their quizzes. To maintain the badge, HVAC contractors must install at least four heat pumps per year.
- Contractors who earn the badge will be searchable on the Michigan Saves contractor locator and can use the badge in marketing and promotion efforts.
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Lean & Green Michigan's PACE Contractor Training
Made up of a 3 part webinar series followed by a 15 question multiple choice quiz, LAGM's online training provides a convenient way for energy contractors to become PACE Certified. The benefits of becoming Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Certified with Lean & Green Michigan include:
- your company's name, website and contracting services featured on their website
- referrals for potential PACE projects
- PACE certification
- knowledge of the PACE market
Register for the training here.
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Community Energy Management Incentive Program
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Energy Services is offering matching grants for communities to improve energy management and accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The maximum rebate award is $15,000 per applicant for projects that can be completed by July 31, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis, rolling until April 30, 2022.
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Wege Prize 2022: Semifinalists Announced
The semifinalists were announced by Kendall College of Art and Design for Wege Prize 2022, a design competition with teams of students from 17 countries including Zimbabwe, the Philippines, India, and Canada, to advance innovative proposals to address global problems in ways that transform the economy. Fifteen of the original 31 teams currently remain in the competition, having recently been selected by the judges to advance on to the third phase. Read more here.
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum: Black Excellence in Sustainability
In 2021, WMSBF had the opportunity to celebrate Black and African American excellence in the sustainability, environmental, and social justice fields. We are privileged to amplify the stories of local visionaries who are dedicated to working toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and just future in West Michigan.
In honor of Black History Month, we encourage you to revisit this three part series celebrating Black Excellence in Greening & Food Justice, Community Advocacy, and Business & Education.
NYT: Climate Change is harming the planet faster than we can adapt, U.N. warns (Feb. 28, 2022)
MLive: Lack of info about pollution harms low-income, communities of color more, study says (Feb. 26, 2022)
White House: CEQ Publishes Draft Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, Key Component in the Implementation of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative (Feb. 18, 2022)
Outlier Media: What does sustainable development look like in today’s Detroit? (Feb. 16, 2022)
WEMU: Issues of the Environment: Alleviating energy burden for Michigan’s low-income households (Feb. 16, 2022)
Bridge MI: Updating Michigan energy rules on new homes faces pushback from builders (Jan. 24, 2022)
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If you would like us to share information about your sustainability work in our next newsletter, please email sustainability@grcity.us by the 3rd Thursday of the month.
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