Upcoming Events

Webinar Series

Upcoming Webinars

The Cities Initiative will continue its monthly webinar series.  Check back often for additional webinars.

IJC Climate Adaptation Guide Virtual Dialogue

December 13, 2023: 12:30pm CT / 1:30pm ET

 

The Cities Initiative is hosting a dialogue to gather feedback on a new climate adaptation guide being developed by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to support small- and medium-sized Great Lakes communities in accessing tools and resources to support their climate adaptation efforts. This event will begin with a short presentation on the guide. Participants will be asked to comment on and critique the guide and provide any other feedback relevant to their community's needs regarding climate adaptation. We welcome representatives from regional planning agencies, municipal leadership and staff, and other potential end-users of this guide from all of the Great Lakes states and provinces.

Launching the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts in Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake St. Clair Communities

January 17, 2024:  10:00am CT | 11:00am ET

 

Join NOAA and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative for an introductory webinar on the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts! This initiative brings scientific expertise, training, and technical assistance to communities looking to restore coastal habitats and improve climate resilience. Ultimately, at least eight site-specific projects will receive engineering design support (with no local match) through the program to help move projects toward implementation. Communities along Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Superior as well as communities along the Detroit River, St. Clair River, and St. Mary's River are invited to participate.

Learn More about the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts.

About the Partners

  • The Cities Initiative represents more than 250 communities across the multinational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region.
  • NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is the federal arm of this nation’s efforts to sustainably manage the nation’s coastal zone.
  • Your coastal community brings local knowledge and project opportunities.

All Eyes on Lead: How to Create an Equitable and Efficient Lead Service Line Replacement Program

February 22, 2024:  11:00am CT | 12:00pm ET

 

Maintaining the trust of residents requires municipalities to be mindful of equity in a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program. Lower income neighborhoods have a higher prevalence of lead service lines when compared to higher income neighborhoods and costs associated with replacing the private property portion of a lead service line can be prohibitive for low-income residents. This is an environmental justice issue that can be partly addressed by following principles developed by LSLR advocates. In implementing an LSLR program, policymakers will have to focus on both equity and efficiency, ensuring the dollars are used efficiently, the most vulnerable neighborhoods are prioritized, and residents in the most affected neighborhoods are engaged. In this webinar, you will hear directly from municipal leaders who have incorporated equity into their LSLR programs as well as experts who advise communities on this process. You will walk away with action items to assist in the rollout or expansion of your own community’s LSLR program.