Initiatives

Johnson speaks at annual ‘Cities Initiative’ climate change conference

CHICAGO – Wednesday marked the 20th anniversary of the annual meeting of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence “Cities Initiative.”  Leaders from over 230 member cities across the United States and Canada, including Chicago, gathered to discuss pressing environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region.  View video

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Touts Vision for Climate Action and Environmental Justice

CHICAGO, IL, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative was pleased to host Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago at its 20th anniversary Annual General Meeting today, where he continued to outline his vision for climate action and environmental justice.  Read article.

Most communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin will spend up to $10 million over the coming years to protect their coastlines

CHICAGO, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s most recent annual survey of cities, villages and other local jurisdictions in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin shows that the majority of communities will spend an additional $1 million to $10 million between now and 2026 to make their… Read More

Cities Initiative Launches Richard M. Daley Water Equity Award to Provide Support to Disadvantaged Communities

CHICAGO, IL, May 8, 2023 -The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to announce the creation of the Richard M. Daley Water Equity Award, which will help provide support to disadvantaged communities who are working to remove lead lines and modernize water infrastructure.

The Archipelago reeve joins Summit on Fresh Water in Ottawa

Summit highlighted importance of Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River to Canada’s economy, quality of life – Read the article. Parry Sound North Star Friday, February 17, 2023

Cities Initiative Applauds Illinois and Michigan Budget Proposals to Protect the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Mayors Play a Key Role in Freshwater Summit in Ottawa

Cities Initiative Joins Biden-Harris Partnership to Accelerate Progress on Lead Service Line Replacement

Protecting Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence

More than 135 mayors and local officials in Canada and the United States are working together to protect and restore the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.  Listen to the interview. Belleville, ON, Canada / Quinte News Mary Thomas Nov 27, 2021 | 6:35 AM  

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Applauds Passage of the Infrastructure Bill

By wwdmag.com | The Build Back Better legislation currently provides funding for key priorities for Great Lakes cities With the successful passage of the Infrastructure bill, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is now urging Congress to take immediate action on the Build Back Better reconciliation package. “While the infrastructure bill will… Read More