Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative hits milestone

GREEN BAY – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is celebrating a major milestone in 2025, expanding its coalition to over 325 member communities in just the first three months of the year — a coalition which includes the city of Green Bay.

The organization, made up of municipal and Indigenous government leaders, works to protect freshwater, advocate for sustainable economic development, and address environmental challenges across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region holds 20% of the world’s surface freshwater and supports millions of people through drinking water, recreation, and trade.

Protecting this critical resource is at the heart of the initiative’s mission.

The organization helps coordinate action among cities, Tribes and First Nations, ensuring that local leaders have a strong voice in shaping policies that affect their communities and the environment.

A significant part of this year’s growth comes from the addition of 39 Tribes and First Nations from across the United States and Canada.

Their membership reflects the Initiative’s commitment to ensuring historically underrepresented communities are included in protecting the future of the region.

“Our organization is deeply committed to making sure every community has a voice in shaping the future of our shared waters,” said Mayor Ryan Sorenson, co-chair of the Cities Initiative.

“That’s why we’ve launched two new scholarships to help support the engagement of First Nations, Tribal leaders, and communities of color in our advocacy, collaboration, and education programs. The strength of our work depends on inclusion.”

The Initiative is also building momentum through new strategic partnerships.

Recent agreements with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Great Lakes Tribal Caucus, and the Biinagami Initiative will align efforts across municipal and Indigenous governments, working together on shared goals like protecting drinking water, strengthening the regional economy, and building climate resilience.

Indigenous leaders emphasized the importance of partnerships in safeguarding clean water for future generations.

“Protecting our environment is a foundational value for our people—to ensure clean water for future generations,” said Joey Awonohopay, Chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and a board member of the Cities Initiative. “Our engagement with mayors and communities along these waterways is vital to making sure Indigenous voices are heard and respected in this collective effort.”

Participation in the Initiative’s advocacy efforts is also growing.

More than 28 mayors traveled to Washington, D.C., for Great Lakes Day this year, pressing for stronger federal action on key regional issues, including environmental protections and cross-border economic stability.

“We are experiencing unprecedented engagement and unity in 2025,” said Mayor Gino Moretti, Co-Chair of the Cities Initiative.

“From tariff challenges to federal funding limitations, mayors are stepping up with a renewed sense of urgency. Our bi-national economy—and our communities—depend on bold, coordinated action to protect our waters and our future.”

With record growth and renewed collaboration, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is strengthening its role as a vital advocate for one of North America’s most important natural and economic resources.