Complete the Michigan Green Communities Challenge
The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is an annual sustainability recognition program that serves as a guide to help communities embed environmental sustainability into their operations, policies, and programs.
The 2025 Challenge, for actions taken through the 2025 calendar year will be open from January 1, 2026 - May 1, 2026.
The Challenge includes nine categories, and each is comprised of several action items. Communities earn points by completing or working toward completing these action items. Each completed action item is worth 2 points, and each action item in progress is worth 1 point. Some action items are not applicable to all local units of government (e.g., action items related to septic systems or sewer systems).
Participation is free and open to any county, township, city, or village in Michigan.
Recognition Awards: When a local government completes the online MGC Challenge form, they will earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum certification status based on their total points. Platinum certification also requires progress made on at least four metrics. Challenge participants receive a digital award for their website, social media, and print materials. The certified communities are recognized in a press release and at the annual Michigan Sustainability Conference (MISCON) hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
2024 MGC Challenge Certified Local Governments
PLATINUM
City of Ann Arbor
City of Grand Rapids
GOLD
Canton Charter Township
City of Battle Creek
City of Berkley
City of Birmingham
City of Clare
City of Coldwater
City of Dearborn
City of Detroit
City of East Grand Rapids
City of East Lansing
City of Ferndale
City of Grand Blanc
City of Grand Haven
City of Hancock
City of Holland
City of Kalamazoo
City of Lansing
City of Marquette
City of Northville
City of Novi
City of Petoskey
City of Portage
City of Rockford
City of Royal Oak
City of Southfield
City of Sterling Heights
City of Tecumseh
City of Traverse City
City of Ypsilanti
Delhi Charter Township
Macomb County
Marquette County
Meridian Charter Township
Oakland County
Orion Charter Township
Pittsfield Charter Township
Township of Scio
Village of Elk Rapids
Washtenaw County
Wayne County
West Bloomfield Charter Township
SILVER
Buena Vista Charter Township
City of Bay City
City of Benton Harbor
City of Eastpointe
City of Fennville
City of Grandville
City of Kentwood
City of Livonia
City of Madison Heights
City of Plymouth
City of St. Joseph
City of Troy
Ingham County
Kalamzoo County
Lyndon Township
Saugatuck Township
Sheridan Township
Village of Milford
BRONZE
City of Brighton
City of Ferrysburg
Monroe County
Village of Mackinaw City
Village of Pentwater
Village of Stockbridge
