Michigan Communities Leading on Climate

Communities have long been leading on climate action, proving that rapid and equitable climate solutions are possible, and inspiring policies at the state & federal level.

Our new report now shows at least 17 Michigan communities have set ambitious climate goals to reach carbon neutrality or 100% renewable energy before 2050.

The report Michigan Communities Leading on Climate also includes case studies of how four Michigan cities - Ann Arbor, Highland Park, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City - are finding innovative ways to move rapidly and equitably to renewable energy. Download the full report here.

We are excited to lift up and celebrate local climate and justice work with this report. And we are committed to helping other Michigan communities push forward their climate goals - see the interactive map and lists below!

*CORRECTION - We have added Royal Oak to our list of cities with a community wide carbon neutrality goal!

Community-wide Carbon Neutral Goal

Community	Goal/Action	City Document
City of Ann Arbor	Carbon neutral by 2030	Zero Climate Action Plan
Charter Township of Kalamazoo	Carbon neutral by 2030	Resolution Endorsing Climate Emergency Declaration
City of Montague	Carbon neutral by 2040	Resolution Declaring a Climate Emergency
Oakland County	Carbon neutral by 2050	Oakland County Resolution (p.65)
City of Rockford	Carbon neutral by 2050	City Council Proclamation (p.5)
City of Royal Oak	Carbon neutral by 2050 (cut GHG 40% by 2030)	City Council Resolution
Shelby Township (Oceana County)	Carbon neutral by 2040	Shelby Township Climate Emergency Declaration
Washtenaw County	Carbon neutral by 2035	Washtenaw County Climate Emergency Declaration
City of Ypsilanti	Carbon neutral by 2035	City of Ypsilanti Sustainability Plan

Community-wide 100% RE Goal

Community	Goal/Action	City Document
City of Traverse City	100% RE by 2040, 40% RE by 2025	Traverse City Light & Power Strategic Plan
City of Petoskey	100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2035	Livable Petoskey Master Plan

Municipal 100% and Carbon Neutral Goals

Community	Goal/Action	City Document
City of Detroit	Cut GHG 100% by 2050 (35% by 2024, 75% by 2043)	Detroit Greenhouse Gas Ordinance
City of East Lansing	100% RE by 2030 for city operations	City of East Lansing Policy Resolution 2020-1
City of Grand Rapids	100% RE by 2025 for city operations	City of Grand Rapids Strategic Plan
	Carbon neutral for city operations by 2040	Declaring Climate Change a Crisis (p.13)
City of Lansing	Carbon neutral for city operations by 2040	City of Lansing Climate Action Plan 2020-2023
Meridian Township	100% RE for city operations by 2035, 50% RE by 2025	Meridian Township Climate Sustainability Plan
City of Jackson	Cut GHG 90% by 2050 for city operations	City of Jackson Environmental Action Plan

Why This Matters

The strong climate policies at the local level are resulting in meaningful reductions in climate pollution, which will help our state achieve its climate goals. Communities in this report are also working to increase local ownership of energy resources, reduce air pollution, and address energy affordability and environmental justice. Without comprehensive state climate policies, local communities have had to take it upon themselves to invest in climate solutions in a piecemeal way.

This report underscores the need for our state to have a strong, comprehensive Michigan Healthy Climate Plan to serve as a roadmap for the state's climate approach. The state is finalizing this plan right now after over 800 of you used your voice, urging the state to craft a stronger plan!

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Michigan Communities Leading on Climate