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
8:00am – 5:00pm 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 U.S. 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. 

Hotel Accommodations 

Looking for a place to stay? We have a room block reserved at Tru by Hilton Chesterfield Township Detroit for December 4, 2025 through December 6, 2025. Reservations must be made by Thursday, November 27, 2025 to receive group rate (see details below)

Tru by Hilton Chesterfield Township
45301 Marketplace Blvd | Chesterfield, MI 48051
586-949-2000
Click here to book a room

Room & Rates
– King Bed W/walk in Shower – $84.00
– Queen Beds W/walk in Shower – $84.00

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! 

 

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)

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