Ann Arbor, MI - Ann Arbor was recognized for its environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities program. As part of the annual Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, local governments were awarded bronze, silver, or gold seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more.

Ann Arbor achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including climate resilience, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and materials management as part of implementing its ambitious A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan, and made significant progress in the past year.

In November, Ann Arbor voters passed the Community Climate Action Millage to invest an estimated $7 million per year in local climate action. Ann Arbor is piloting decarbonizing the Bryant neighborhood, incorporating health, safety, comfort, and resilience. The project was awarded a $500,000 grant from MSHDA to begin home improvements. Solarize, the City’s solar initiative, recently surpassed 4 MW of installed solar.

The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.

Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.  

Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to [email protected].