CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jen Hogan
Executive Director of External Relations
University of Michigan-Flint
810-956-3149
jhogan@umich.edu

Melissa Brown
Communications
City of Flint
810-962-9043
mebrown@cityofflint.com

NEW COLLABORATION TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABILITY GOALS FOR THE CITY

Flint, Michigan - October 11, 2021: United in a common mission of improving sustainability
efforts in Flint and the region, the University of Michigan-Flint and the City of Flint are joining
forces to establish a path forward for the community that will help combat the effects of climate
change.

Faculty, staff, and students from UM-Flint are beginning work with officials to co-create an
environmental sustainability plan for the city. Early discussions between the university and the
city have been collaborative with an eye toward finalizing a plan that is realistic and
implemented in phases over the next few years. 

Heather Dawson, Executive Director of the Office of Research and Economic Development has
been a staunch advocate for progressive sustainability practices on campus and in the
community and looks forward to helping to lead the team from UM-Flint in the new partnership.

“The time has come for the university and city to combine ideas, energy, and resources to
create a plan that will benefit every person in this community,” said Dawson. “Climate change is
a priority for all of us and developing this plan for sustainability will impact generations to come.”

UM-Flint faculty with expertise in such areas as sustainability, environmental, and urban studies
will work with city employees and community members to consider several approaches in
developing the plan, and they will seek input from residents during the process. Students have a
major role to play in this initiative. UM-Flint graduate student Meghan Jeske has already signed
on to work on the planning, and interns from the university’s Urban Institute for Racial,
Economic, and Environmental Justice are exploring the possibilities of joining the effort as part
of their research projects. 

 "The City of Flint is incredibly grateful to join with UM-Flint to build a plan for environmental
sustainability. This alliance will strengthen the relationship between academia and municipal
government, giving brilliant minds the opportunity for intentional civic activism on a project of
vital importance,” said Lottie Ferguson, Chief Resilience Officer.

The university is undertaking other important sustainability efforts. This fall, Chancellor Deba
Dutta created the UM-Flint Sustainability Committee. The committee will lead and coordinate the
work of making progress toward carbon neutrality on the campus. The Sustainability Committee
will be directly involved in working with city officials on the planning process. 

“This new committee is pivotal for examining the issues and opportunities for developing a more
sustainable future for the campus and community,” said Dutta. “The collaboration with the City of
Flint will be a crucial component in this new endeavor and will inform the work of the committee
as they strive to bring recommendations and solutions that will help us to achieve carbon
neutrality.”

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley is enthusiastic about the planning process, and the involvement of
many stakeholders and experts over the next year.

​“The City of Flint looks forward to expanding our partnership with the University of Michigan-Flint
on building an environmental sustainability plan in Flint,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “The
impact of this work will create a blueprint for other urban municipalities to follow. It is purposeful
work that cultivates innovation through applied research to move Flint forward.”

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