Congress Sets Regional Goal for Reduced Energy Usage

DETROIT – On December 12, 2009 the Millennial Mayors Congress, a voluntary partnership of city officials and young leaders from 20 Detroit-area communities, called for a regional goal for reduced energy consumption by local governments, aiming for a collective 25% reduction by 2015 from 2005 levels. In addition, they will encourage a more than 5% reduction by 2015 from all other energy consumers in their communities.

“Adopting this goal was a consensus decision by a diverse group of civic leaders,” said Congress Chair Suzanne Pixley, Mayor of Eastpointe. “We recognize the importance of energy efficiency, conservation and sustainability to the prosperity and vitality of metro Detroit, and we are taking a proactive lead in moving our communities toward it.”

The Millennial Mayors Congress will further develop the goal with local targets and evaluation metrics in the coming months. Its 12-member executive committee will review data and explore strategies and available resources with the support of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance’s Regional Energy Office and other experts. They plan to complete the work by summer and then begin implementation through local government adoption.

The energy reduction goals are the result of six months of inter-generational dialogue and exploration of the challenges facing metro Detroit. The Millennial Mayors Congress formed in June 2009 with the purpose of enhancing cooperation among municipalities and engaging next generation civic leaders in decisions impacting the region. Delegates from each of the participating communities include an elected official or administrator and a council-appointed 18-35 year old, or “Millennial,” resident. Initial meetings targeted their focus on sustainability and related priorities. The executive committee, made up of six government and six Millennial delegates, steered development of the goal, drawing largely from the State’s P.A. 295 as well as other models for guidance.

The Congress plans to reach out to community members, with a special focus on Millennials, to collect feedback and ideas about local strategies for achieving the adopted goals. Events are tentatively slated for spring 2010. Visit www.millennialmayors.org or Millennial Mayors Congress on Facebook to stay abreast of details.

Delegates of the Millennial Mayors Congress represent 21 communities, including Eastpointe, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Woods, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, Highland Park, Huntington, Lathrup Village, Lincoln Park, Madison Heights, Melvindale, Mount Clemens, Pleasant Ridge, Roseville, Royal Oak Township, Southfield, Southgate, Sterling Heights and Wayne.