Dearborn named a "gold" community for green leadership
Dearborn was one of 25 local governments recognized for environmental leadership at the Michigan Green Communities conference in Lansing on Friday, November 2.
The City of Dearborn was named one of seven "gold" communties, the highest honor.
These cities are the first governments recognized under the recently expanded Michigan Green Communities Challenge (http://mml.org/green), which helps local leaders measure their progress in implementing energy, economic development and environmental improvements. Awards were given at four levels of accomplishment:
Gold: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Delhi Township, Dexter, Oakland County, Rogers City, and Williamstown Township.
Silver: Curtis Township, Delta Township, Farmington Hills, Lathrup Village, Meridian Township, Monroe County, Quincy, and Ypsilanti.
Bronze: Ferndale, Fruitport, Novi, Saline, and Troy.
Member: Birmingham, Clawson, East Jordan, Roseville, and Sterling Heights.
The Challenge is supported by the Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Energy Office, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships
Association. It uses a rating system to recognize sustainability accomplishments and serves as a guide for community leaders looking to learn from their peers. Participation is free and open to all local governments in Michigan as part of the statewide Michigan Green Communities network that aims to support local sustainability efforts.
The Challenge launched in 2009 and emphasized energy efficiency projects in an effort to help local governments prepare for and make the best use of federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds.
Over the last year, a team of graduate students from the University of Michigan worked with Challenge participants and staff of partner organizations to update the program. The updated Challenge reflects broader topics, such as green economic development, resource conservation and water quality in addition to maintaining a strong energy component.