Become a Member

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of municipal, First Nation, and Tribal government leaders, united through its U.S. and Canadian organizations and working collaboratively to advance economic prosperity and protect fresh water across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region.

The Coalition represents more than 425 municipal and Indigenous communities stretching from Western Lake Superior to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

Our members are centered around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region, which holds:

  • The world’s largest watershed, which holds 80% of North America’s fresh water
  • A source of drinking water for more than 40 million Americans and Canadians
  • An integrated economy representing more than $8 trillion in output – the third-largest economic region in the world
  • North America’s economic engine supporting over 50 million jobs
  • A strategic maritime corridor that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the heart of our continent

Every day, the Cities Initiative and its members work to make this region an even more attractive place to live, work, invest, and play.

Join us in shaping the future of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region and demonstrate your leadership in keeping our lakes and rivers clean, our communities healthy, and our economy strong.

Incentive Program

The Cities Initiative offers a discount on the first year of a municipality’s membership with our organization:

  • If you join between December and April, enjoy 50% off the first year of your membership and a free registration to our Annual Conference
  • If you join between May and November, enjoy 75% off the first year of your membership

If you have any questions about membership or to learn more about the Cities Initiative, please contact us at admin@glslcities.org.

View our 2025 Annual Report

Download our Membership Application Form

Regular Dues Structure

Municipal Population  Annual Contribution
0 – 999 $550
1,000 – 2,499 $1,100
2,500 – 4,999 $1,650
5,000 – 9,999 $2,200
10,000 – 24,999 $2,750
25,000 – 49,999 $3,300
50,000 – 74,999 $4,400
75,000 – 99,999 $5,500
100,000 – 249,999 $7,700
250,000 – 499,999 $11,000
 500,000 – 999,999 $16,500
1,000,000 – 1,999,999 $22,000
2,000,000 – 3,000,000 $27,500

**Membership contributions will be paid in the local currency of the municipality that is joining **