Luis Calderón on Climate Action in Burton Heights: Empowering Hispanic Communities Through Local Events, Green Jobs, and Civic Engagement

Sustainability Associate Hanna De La Vega Sanchez recently sat down with Luis Calderón as part of the Forum’s monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio in Grand Rapids. (Una versión en español de esta publicación está disponible aquí).

Luis Calderón sees local events as more than gatherings; they are catalysts for awareness, inclusion, and economic opportunity. As a business and community leader in Burton Heights, he believes that bringing neighbors together can spark real change on climate, sustainability, and local resilience.

“Future climate-related events can bring attention to energy savings, job programs, and resilience, making sure our neighborhoods are not just surviving, but thriving,” Luis explained. Initiatives like Taste of Burton Heights connect residents, businesses, and leaders while highlighting practical ways to reduce emissions and create green jobs.

Luis also stresses the opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses. Federal investments, including those under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), help small businesses access energy-efficient upgrades, sustainable contracts, and resources to grow responsibly while advancing climate goals.

Civic engagement is equally essential. “If we don’t speak up, we get left out. We have to encourage our community to participate, vote, and join clean energy boards. Engaging means shaping the future not just for us, but for our children,” he said. By fostering collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers, communities ensure climate programs deliver equitable benefits.

For Luis, climate action is practical, local, and inclusive building stronger neighborhoods, creating green jobs, and shaping a sustainable future for the next generation.

Listen to the segment in Spanish below:

Discussion on how to strengthen Burton Heights through community events.

Luis shares about ways to stay involved and support the Hispanic community.