As the City of Traverse City’s Green Team facilitator, SEEDS is honored to share that the City received the gold certification for the Green Communities Challenge!
The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is an annual program that serves as a guide to help communities measure their progress towards sustainability. Gold is the highest level, placing the City of Traverse City into the same category as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Marquette.
“SEEDS is honored to have walked with Traverse City for over a decade, supporting continuous improvement on its green goals. This gold status is a celebratory achievement and marks Traverse City as a municipal leader in Michigan. While the work is far from done, opportunities and allies are growing within the City, across the state, and beyond.” – Sarna Salzman, SEEDS Executive Director
In 2016, the City Commission passed a Clean Energy Resolution committing the City to meet 100% of operational electricity demands as reflected by the yearly total of all municipal electric meters with clean, renewable energy sources by 2020 (which they did!). The City developed the Green Team, composed of both department and community liaisons, to create a plan to become “carbon neutral before mid-century.” SEEDS was engaged to manage the City’s efforts.
“Investing in green initiatives for a more sustainable future continues to be implemented throughout the City’s municipal services. As the City anticipates continued efforts toward its renewable energy goals, staff is working diligently to implement clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solutions that are attainable, and will serve as a more equitable and prosperous future for City residents, visitors, and businesses.” – Martin Colburn, City Manager
This year’s application for the Green Communities Challenge contained 160+ questions and provided insights into strategic areas of improvement and activities related to the City’s Green Team and resilience goals. Each category is comprised of action items that include Planning for Inclusive & Lasting Impacts, Climate Resilience & Adaptation, and Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, to name a few. Communities earn points by completing these action items. Participation is free and open to any local government in Michigan.
