Supporting Sustainability in the City of Benton Harbor
Repairing Legacy of Emergency Management Through Sustainable Business
Partnering With City and Community Leaders
Benton Harbor was targeted by Michigan’s emergency manager law, and has since become one of the state’s definitive environmental justice communities, with a current emergency order requiring residents to use bottled water for basic needs, a sub-watershed heavily impacted by nonpoint source pollution, and chronic flooding, amongst many other social and environmental inequities.
A philosophical shift in state and federal government, regional and national NGO priorities, and corporate sustainability interests has created an unprecedented opportunity for environmental justice communities to position themselves as sustainability leaders. By leveraging such investments and support networks, City of Benton Harbor could reimagine itself as a regional lab for sustainability innovation, decarbonization and the creation of a circular economy.
Sustainability as a Catalyst
Through our Southwest Michigan Region and Equity in Sustainability program, we are providing support to the City of Benton Harbor and other stakeholders to advance several key initiatives and seed local leadership. One such effort, our collaboration with City of Benton Harbor to develop a plan for the development of local recycling infrastructure, was recognized as Best in Show at the fall NextCycle Michigan Showcase.
- Advocacy and support for Justice 40 climate and decarbonization investments.
- Partners for Places Mini-Grant to develop sustainability capacity in city government.
- Development of materials management infrastructure, including feasibility for a transfer station and compost facility.
- Process improvement for sanitation and public works.
Looking to get involved?
Whether you’re a student, professional, corporation, or just hoping to participate in a working group, we have an option for you!