2025 U.S. Water Leaders Summit
Partner with the Cities Initiative’s 2025 U.S. Water Leaders Summit
U.S. Water Leaders Summit in Macomb County brings 100+ leaders to advance climate resilience, economy and freshwater. Sponsored by U.S. Pipe.
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is hosting its first-ever in-person U.S. Water Leaders Summit in Macomb County, Michigan, 30 minutes northeast of Detroit, on Friday, December 5, 2025. Generously hosted by Macomb County and supported by Title Sponsor U.S. Pipe, this unique event will bring together public officials, tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, business and nonprofit leaders, and environmental stakeholders from across the Western Great Lakes to explore community-based strategies to transform the Great Lakes economy, steward our freshwater resources, and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.
Friday, December 5, 2025
10:30am – 6:30pm EST
MacRay Harbor – 30675 N River Rd, Harrison Township, MI 48045
Tickets: Members $75 | Non-Member $150 (excludes taxes/fees)
The 2025 U.S. Water Leaders Summit will bring together experts, stakeholders, leaders, and innovators from across the Great Lakes for an exciting day of learning, networking, and dialogue. Summit proceedings will cover a wide of topics relating to economic and freshwater resilience in the Great Lakes region, including building up coastal resilience through collaboration, redeveloping waterfronts to reconnect residents to our waterways, and developing the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor throughout our region.
Together, we’ll examine how Ontario can leverage its Great Lakes advantage for sustainable economic development and how our communities can grow more resilient in the face of a changing climate and world of uncertainty.
Masters of Ceremonies
Mayor Sam Cunningham, City of Waukegan, IL
Mayor Austin Bonta, City of Portage, IN
Mayor Ken Johnson, City of Muskegon, MI
Presented by U.S. Pipe
Preliminary Agenda (subject to change)
Register today to join us in Macomb County! If you are interested in learning more about the event and opportunities to sponsor or speak at the Water Leaders Summit, please contact Jack Knizhnik at jknizhnik@glslcities.org.
| 8:00am |
Project Site Tour – Coastal Resilience and Habitat Restoration (optional) Brandenburg Park (Chesterfield Township, MI) + Chapaton Park (St. Clair Shores, MI) |
| 10:30am |
Welcome Session Presented by U.S. Pipe |
| 11:00am |
Session #1 – Indigenizing Water Policy: Collaboration with U.S. Tribes Presented by Forest County Potawatomi |
| 11:45am | Networking Break |
| 12:15pm |
Session #2 – Economic Transformation: Ports, Containers, and the Future of Great Lakes Transportation Emcee:
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| 12:45pm |
Lunch Service Presented by Macomb County |
| 1:15pm |
Luncheon session: Promoting Safe Drinking Water by Pairing Lead Service Line Replacement with Enhanced Filter Distribution Presented by Brita Emcee:
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| 1:45pm | Networking Break |
| 2:15pm |
Session #3 – Financing Public Works in an Era of Tight Belts Emcee:
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3:00pm
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VIP Speaker |
| 3:15pm |
Session #4 – Flood Prevention in the Great Lakes Region Presented by the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation |
| 3:45pm | VIP Closing Address |
| 4:00pm |
Great Lakes Cocktail Reception Presented by:
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Hotel Accommodations
Looking for a place to stay? Here is a list of hotels within a 15-minute drive of MacRay Harbor. We encourage you to spend some time and visit our host community. Check out Macomb County’s website for more information on things to do while you’re in town!
TownePlace Suites Chesterfield
45255 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI
Website
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chesterfield
45800 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI
Website
Hampton Inn & Suites Chesterfield Township
45725 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI
Website
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chesterfield
45805 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI
Website
Friday, December 5, 2025
9am – 7pm EST
MacRay Harbor
30675 North River Road Harrison Township, MI 48045
Tickets: Members $75 | Non-Members: $200 (excludes taxes/fees)
