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Office of Sustainability Newsletter
APRIL 28TH, 2022

Hello Sustainability Network,

Please see below for this month's highlighted jobs, events, action items, news, and updates from the City of Grand Rapids' Office of Sustainability. 

In partnership,

Alison Sutter, Annabelle Wilkinson, & Jennifer Spiller
Office of Sustainability

 
Jump to Category: City Updates, Jobs, Action Items, Events, General Information

City of Grand Rapids Sustainability Updates


City/Grand Rapids Whitewater celebrate river restoration milestone

The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater (GRWW) are one step closer to the construction phase of the Grand River Restoration project as they seek qualifications for construction management.

The project includes removal of four concrete low-head dams and construction of in-channel features. Construction features could include waves and riffles to increase hydraulic diversity and improve aquatic habitat. The project will also increase bridge scour protection and improve river shorelines and access points.

Fulton Street Farmers Market turns 100 this year 

The Fulton Street Farmers Market will open for its 100th season on Saturday, May 7. The market is the oldest farmers market in West Michigan. The centennial birthday year will kick off with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and other local dignitaries at 1145 East Fulton St.

The main market season will run from May 7 through Oct. 29. The market will be open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature its usual variety of locally grown produce, baked goods and other treats, as well as artisan vendors.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

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 
    • Register for the upcoming event in May:
      • Compliance Pathways for Carbon Neutral Buildings - Zero CodeThursday, May 5, 2022, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Check out the webinar series flyer here
    • View recordings of past webinars here.
    • Zero Carbon Resource Library 
  • E.H.Zero Housing Partner to be announced soon!
  • For questions, email EHZero@grcity.us

E.H.Zero: Policies and Programs for Equitable, Healthy, Zero Carbon Buildings
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 7:30am - 9:00am
IN PERSON EVENT 

In partnership with the City of Grand Rapids and the Urban Core Collective, the Grand Rapids 2030 District is working to reduce carbon emissions in the area with the largest footprint - the built environment. Together, operational and embodied carbon are responsible for more than 40% of our global greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next 18 months we will work with our community to create programs and policies aimed at achieving equitable affordability and positive health outcomes while reducing costs and energy consumption.

Join us for this timely conversation and bring your thoughts and ideas on how we will move forward together.

Register Here

Hosted by:

The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan

The Commercial Alliance of Realtors

The Grand Rapids 2030 District

The Builders Exchange of Michigan

Event Location: 
Riverview Center
678 Front Ave NW
River Room Suite 212
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

2022 Theme: Building Equitable and Healthy Communities

An equitable community is a healthy community where all people can thrive. Racism, in all its forms, is a threat to the health of all of us. This year’s theme is Building Equitable and Healthy Communities is based on the social and political determinants of health, and was inspired in part by the recent resolutions declaring racism as a public health crisis in Grand Rapids and Michigan, and by our community’s desire to undo racism and heal the harm it causes.

Location:
Grand Valley State University, Pew Campus
401 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Agenda:
8 a.m. Check-In & Light Breakfast Snacks
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summit
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Community Celebration

Among the workshops that will be available, Annabelle Wilkinson from the Office of Sustainability and Kareem Scales of Greater Grand Rapids NAACP will host a workshop on talking about climate change and telling your climate story. Jenn Spiller from the Office of Sustainability and Sergio Cira-Reyes from Urban Core Collective will host a workshop on E.H.Zero: Equitable. Healthy. Zero Carbon Buildings.
For news highlights across all departments at the City of Grand Rapids, check out and subscribe to the bi-monthly e-newsletter, GR Connected

Jobs

U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan
Program Manager (Due May 4th)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI. Supports remote work.

USGBC-WM is seeking a Program Manager to join our passionate and talented team. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated natural leader, energy guru, and data extraordinaire with organizational and analytical skills to boot.  The right person will be an effective communicator that will regularly engage with building owners, local government,  stakeholders, and our diverse community. The Program Manager will be responsible for sustaining the long-term success of our current programs, all while serving the overall goals and mission of the organization.
 
Foresight Management
Energy Engineer - Building Performance (Due May 6th)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI. Hybrid work environment. 
Salary: $45,000 - $65,000

Foresight Management is looking for an Energy Engineer to support the Building Performance team on all aspects of our engineering support services. The Energy Engineer will be working in a highly collaborative work environment with other junior- and senior-level Building Performance consulting staff. This person will support our Building Performance project teams in the delivery of our multi-disciplinary contracts, cultivate deeper relationships with our clients, and WOW project teams by exceeding expectations.

Sustainability Consultant (Due May 6th)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI. Hybrid work environment. 
Salary: $40,000 - $45,000

Foresight Management is looking for a Sustainability Consultant to support the Building Performance team on all aspects of our new and existing building support services. The Sustainability Consultant will be working in a highly collaborative work environment with other junior- and senior-level Building Performance consulting staff. This person will support our Building Performance project teams in the delivery of our multi-disciplinary contracts, cultivate deeper relationships with our clients, and WOW project teams by exceeding expectations.
 
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Development Director (Open until filled)
Location: Southeast MI or Grand Rapids metro area
Salary Range: $75,000 - $91,000

This position will foster a culture of philanthropy within our organization, direct strategies to develop stronger, more sustainable financial support across our family of organizations, deepen relationships with supporters across the state, and elevate Michigan LCV as a resource and an outlet for generous people interested in contributing to a mission that matters.

Campaigns Director (Open until filled)
Location: Southeast MI 
Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

This position will lead and direct our advocacy, electoral, lobbying, and public education programs. This role is designed to build power by electing people at the federal, state and municipal levels who will pass stronger laws to protect Michigan’s drinking water, Great Lakes, air, and democracy and address the climate crisis.

Grants Manager (Open until filled)
Location: Southeast MI or Grand Rapids metro area
Salary Range: $64,000 - $75,000

This position will raise financial support for our organization by managing all grant activity, building strong partnerships with current and prospective funders, and growing foundation funding.

Elections Systems Organizer (Open until filled)
Location: Grand Rapids metro area
Salary Range: $40,000 - $47,000

This position will build community power, especially through election official engagement and support of voting rights and election protection in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming. The Elections Systems Organizer will work alongside our Elections Systems Manager to support community engagement with local election officials as well as wider civic engagement initiatives.

Northern Michigan Regional Organizer (Open until filled)
Location: Grand Traverse County
Salary Range: $40,000 - $47,000
This position will help anchor our organizing work to run aggressive, focused campaigns that elect champions and hold elected officials accountable while in office.


West Michigan Regional Organizer (Open until filled)
Location: Kent County
Salary Range: $40,000 - $47,000
This position will help anchor our organizing work to run aggressive, focused campaigns that elect champions and hold elected officials accountable while in office
.

Executive & Board Assistant (Part-Time) (Open until filled)
Location: Southeast Michigan
Pay: $17 an hour/ 20 hours a week
This position will ensure the Executive Director, the Michigan LCV Board, the Michigan LCV Education Fund Board, and the Board Committees are able to best meet the strategic goals of the organization.


Virtual Canvasser (Part-Time) (Open until filled)
The MLCV is seeking a team of part-time virtual canvassers to build power, presence, and relationships on behalf of our organization and to engage citizens to get involved in making the protection of Michigan’s land, air, and water a political priority. This is a temporary position that runs April 11 - August 12, 2022. Canvassers will work 12 hours per week at $17 per hour, primarily working remotely from home.

313/616 Votes Virtual Canvasser (Open until filled)
The MLCV Education Fund is seeking a Virtual Canvasser to educate, engage and mobilize Michigan voters to participate in the 2022 primary election. This is a seasonal position running June 6 to August 5, 2022. There may be an opportunity to stay on for the program’s second wave, which will start in September. Compensation is $17 per hour at 35 hours per week.

313/616 Votes In-Person & Virtual Canvasser (Open until filled)
The MLCV Education Fund is seeking an In-Person & Virtual Canvasser to educate, engage and mobilize Michigan voters to participate in the 2022 primary election. This is a seasonal position running June 6 to August 5, 2022. There may be an opportunity to stay on for the program’s second wave, which will start in September. Compensation is $17 per hour at 35 hours per week.

313/616 Votes Lead In-Person & Virtual Canvasser (Open until filled)
The MLCV Education Fund is seeking a Lead In-Person & Virtual Canvasser to educate, engage and mobilize a team of canvassers and Michigan voters related to the 2022 primary election. This is a seasonal position running June 6 to August 5, 2022. There may be an opportunity to stay on for the program’s second wave, which will start in September. Compensation is $20 per hour at 35 hours per week.

Our Water Activists (Open until filled)
The MLCV is seeking participants for the Our Water Activist Program through our Political and Outreach department. This is a three month training and engagement program that offers real-world organizing and training pertaining to protecting our environment through community and nonpartisan political engagement. Prior experience in community organizing is not required. High school and college students are encouraged to apply.
 
Michigan Environmental Council
Strategic Campaigns Director (Open until filled) Location: Lansing, MI. Requires occasional travel to other locations in MI & nationally. Remote work allowed as necessary or feasible.
Salary Range: $62,000 - $74,400

Reporting to the Chief Policy Officer (CPO) and the Board of the Sustainable Michigan Fund, the Strategic Campaigns Director is responsible for building the Environmental Council’s political strength through external ballot campaigns and coordinated internal lobbying and campaign efforts. Marketing & Communications Director (Open until filled)
Salary Range: $58,000 - $74,000
The Marketing & Communications Director leads MEC’s content marketing and organization branding; manages online and print publications and products; oversees media relations and social media, collaborates with policy staff on advocacy and education campaigns; collaborates with our development team on strategic fundraising initiatives; and oversees integration of website and email marketing tools with MEC’s CRM system.
 
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Intern (Multiple Positions, Open until filled)
WMEAC welcomes interns from a variety of backgrounds – both students and community members. All WMEAC internships include a one-time stipend, with all the benefits of hands-on experience in an environmental nonprofit. We have opportunities for those interested in journalism, social media & communications, business & marketing, biology and resource management, environmental education, fund development, event planning, sustainability, policy and more. WMEAC interns leave with new skills, a portfolio of work, professional connections and WMEAC’s appreciation.

Action Items


EGLE to accept public comments on new interactive environmental justice tool

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has opened a 60-day public comment period on a newly developed draft interactive mapping tool to help identify Michigan communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.

The draft Michigan Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening Tool (MiEJScreen) allows users to explore environmental, health, and socio-economic indicators. These indicators are guides to help identify where populations are more vulnerable, what challenges communities face, and provide data to move toward environmental equity. The creation of the tool was a cooperative effort with EGLE’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, and the Michigan Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.

The purpose of the tool is to:

  • Help EGLE and other state departments identify Michigan communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. Examine and map cumulative factors to identify communities that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.
  • Assist EGLE and other state departments with decisions, such as prioritizing resources, identifying areas for additional outreach, guiding policy decisions, prioritizing programs, and planning for the future.
  • Inform future planning to improve the environment and quality of life for all residents of and visitors to Michigan.
  • Provide a resource for the public and stakeholders.

Where can I learn more?

More information on the background and development of the tool and links to register for other opportunities to ask questions and provide comments can be found at Michigan.gov/EnvironmentalJustice.

Provide Comments

Public comments on the tool are welcome in any of the following ways by May 16, 2022:

EGLE Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate,
Constitution Hall, P.O. Box 30473,
Lansing, MI  48909-7973

If you have questions about the tool or how to provide comment, please contact the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate at EGLE-EnvironmentalJustice@Michigan.gov.
 




Michigan Sustainable Business Forum currently hosts five working groups that provide opportunities for members and other stakeholders to learn from each other and collaborate. All of our groups are now meeting virtually and have expanded their scope to include participation statewide.
  • Green Stormwater Infrastructure Task Force
  • Circular Economy Working Group
  • Michigan Campus Sustainability Collective
  • Solid Waste Task Force
  • Food Policy Council Action Team

Contact Carrie Veldman to learn more about how you can get involved.
Read more about the working groups here

Events


Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Great Lakes Water Infrastructure Conference
May 10th - 11th, 2022

Join EGLE for this free virtual conference focused on the water infrastructure challenges faced by the Great Lakes region and solutions to those challenges. Infrastructure is the unseen backbone supporting our modern lives, but investment has lagged nationwide and much of it is aging. The communities of the Great Lakes Basin face critical water infrastructure needs for rehabilitation and replacement. Shifting population patterns and the need for preparedness against man-made and natural threats place increasing demands on drinking water and wastewater utilities. 

This conference will focus on sharing how Great Lakes states are addressing their water infrastructure challenges, imagining a better future, and mapping out how to get there.
 



Institute for Policy Integrity

Advancing Energy Justice: Tools for Justice40 and Equitable Deep Decarbonization
May 11, 2022 - May 12, 2022 from 12pm - 5:30pm EST 
This two-day virtual conference will bring together federal agency staff working to implement Justice40 with researchers to discuss how academic research can be better and more responsive to communities’ needs. Speakers and attendees will work to identify implementation challenges and opportunities for Justice40 and other energy justice initiatives. The goal is to enable researchers to develop methods, interdisciplinary connections, and frameworks that can help make deep decarbonization efforts more consistent with the tenets of energy justice. Shalanda Baker (Deputy Director for Energy Justice, U.S. Department of Energy) will provide keynote remarks, and dozens of experts will take part in panel discussions.

 

Michigan Recycling Coalition
Together We Can: 40th Annual Recycling & Organics Conference
May 11th - 13th, 2022
Your one stop shop for recycling information & expertise. Explore the future of recycling, organics & sustainable materials management in Michigan. Benefit from fantastic networking opportunities. Learn from thought-provoking keynotes, tours, and presentations. Meet with service providers & product manufacturers that can help you achieve your goals. Participate in informative educational & training sessions. Get motivated to make even more of a difference than you already do… and have fun doing it!  A striving for Zero Waste event.

Rural Partners of Michigan
2022 Small Town and Rural Development Conference
May 16th - 18th, 2022

2022 Wege Prize Awards
Friday, May 20, 2022 at 10am
Hear from the 2022 Wege Prize Finalist teams as they present their circular design projects for a more sustainable future and compete for $65k in cash prizes. Listen as the judges -- seasoned professionals from around the world -- provide feedback, ask questions, and ultimately determine who will be our winning teams.

The Wege Foundation
25th Annual Wege Speaker Series
Thursday, May 26th, 2022 from 4pm - 5:30pm

The Wege Foundation presents its 25th Annual Speaker on May 26, 2022. This year’s lecturer will be Dr. Beverly Wright, award-winning environmental justice scholar, advocate, author, civic leader and professor. She is the founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice in New Orleans.

As a child growing up in southern Louisiana, Wright’s understanding of environmentally compromised communities was close to home. She lived along the highly polluted 85-mile stretch of land between Baton Rouge and New Orleans known as ”cancer alley.” These childhood experiences shaped her eventual career choices in research and activism.

Dr. Wright is the author of numerous scholarly articles and has co-authored the books Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After Hurricane Katrina and The Wrong Complexion for Protection: How the Government Response to Disaster Endangers African-American Communities.

RSVP by May 25, 2022. A link will be emailed to you prior to the event.

Partners:

City of Grand Rapids

Michigan Black Expo

U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan

Urban Core Collective



Michigan Climate Action Network
Michigan Climate & Energy Summit
Thursday, June 9th, 2022 from 1pm - 6pm
These are essential days for our planet, our state, our communities, and our families. Join in a day of idea-sharing, inspiration, and advice for how you can move Michigan to an equitable, carbon-free future.

General Information


The results are in! After a tight competition with many impressive projects and proposals, Wege Prize has announced the 5 finalists teams who will present their ideas to the world at our live finals event on May 20. The finalist teams are:

  • AquaPro: a super-efficient aquaponics system to grow fish, vegetables and duckweed
  • Green Promoters: a team creating an organic pesticide fertilizer to replace chemical products
  • Neocycle: a plan to recycle valuable rare-earth elements from electronics waste 
  • ROBUST: a method for transforming banana fiber waste into textiles and paper bags
  • SCUP Aquaculture: an ocean platform concept benefiting fish biodiversity and allied industries

Read more about these teams and their projects in the official press release.


Resources

Sierra Club's Energy Burden Calculator
The tool calculates and explains what your specific energy burden means and then connects you to available resources in your state.

 


News

NYT: Climate activist dies after setting himself on fire at Supreme Court (Apr. 24, 2022)

State of Michigan: Whitmer unveils MI Healthy Climate Plan (Apr. 21, 2022)

Vox: How to fight the affordable housing and climate crises at once: It's all about the energy bills (Apr. 17, 2022)

NBI: New study on electrification costs shows benefits to building owners and society (Apr. 14, 2022)

Bridge MI: Smokestacks and forgotten residents: Dearborn opens new health department (Apr. 11, 2022)


WOODTV8: Goal: Diversity in river restoration project (Apr. 7, 2022) 

NYT: We have reason for hope on climate change (Apr. 3, 2022)

MLive: With ‘historic’ $55M investment, Grand Rapids officials set sights on transformative park, trail projects (Mar. 30, 2022) 

MiBiz: GR neighborhood pushes for less pollution, truck traffic from US-131  (Mar. 27, 2022) 

MLive: 16 Michigan town plan to achieve ‘real reductions’ in pollution by 2050 (Mar. 23, 2022) 

MiCAN: Michigan Communities Leading on Climate (Mar. 22, 2022) 

Second Wave: Michiganders take action against food apartheid (Mar. 16, 2022) 

Subscribe
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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