Tecumseh Michigan. Photo by Barbara Eckstein
Program: Center for EmPowering Communities
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The Sustainable Towns program connects Michigan local governments with University of Michigan (U-M) students to enhance community sustainability efforts and build local capacity. Selected local government partners (LGPs) collaborate with small student teams to conduct a sustainability assessment using the Michigan Green Communities Challenge as a framework.
During the fall semester, students establish a community's sustainability baseline and help LGPs identify future goals and develop short-term work plans. During the spring semester, student teams assist in implementing these plans. By the program's end, LGPs should be well-positioned to officially submit to the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, aiming for at least a Bronze certification. This certification will open the door to additional technical assistance through EGLE’s Catalyst Communities Initiative.
Sustainable Towns is supported by the U-M Program in the Environment (PitE), the Graham Sustainability Institute, and EGLE. The program is designed to minimize the burden on local governments, with no hosting requirements or fees, as students earn course credit for their work.
- Pass a resolution: Ensure commitment by passing an official resolution.
- Provide contacts: Designate a primary and secondary contact for ongoing communication and student support.
- Engage regularly: Participate in meetings, provide feedback, and review student deliverables to ensure program success.
- Share data: Supply relevant data and systems access as needed, such as utility bills for energy benchmarking. Shared data will only be used for project work during the program and nothing else by U-M.
- Provide feedback: Complete a program evaluation form each semester.
- Program in the Environment (PitE): PitE offers a multidisciplinary curriculum exploring the interactions between humans and their environment. The Sustainable Towns course, taught by Dr. Kim Smith, focuses on sustainable development in smaller, rural communities. Dr. Smith oversees the course curriculum, grades, and student learning outcomes. Contact: Kim Smith, [email protected]
- Graham Sustainability Institute’s Center for EmPowering Communities (EPC): EPC combines social science research, technology design, community engagement, and policymaking to support decarbonization solutions aligned with community goals. In partnership with EGLE, EPC’s Sarah Lee assists local governments in advancing sustainability goals through cohorts, technical assistance, and resource development. Sarah manages student-LGP engagement and project support. Contact: Sarah Lee, [email protected]
- EGLE’s Catalyst Communities Initiative: This initiative provides resources, training, and technical support to local governments working towards sustainability goals. By participating in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, LGPs can join cohorts like the Catalyst Leadership Circle and receive additional technical assistance. Contact: Danielle Beard, [email protected] | Julie Staveland, [email protected]