Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition


Sustainability: is the ability to meet the needs of the world today and assure that future generations will have the resources and ability to meet their needs. Sustainability is an integrated focus of assuring economic prosperity, minimizing the negative impact of human activity on the environment and the promotion of social equity – a combination of core values referred to as the ‘triple bottom line’ and recognized pathway to community success. 

Listen to an interview with Arn Boezaart, VP Programs and Renae Hesselink with the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition.

Following the example of leading communities elsewhere, and with a growing awareness of the importance of the principle of Sustainability in planning for the future of the Muskegon area, the participating members of the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition have come together since June 2006 as a body of community leaders with a common goal of advancing the principles of Sustainability throughout Muskegon County.

The Coalition acknowledges existing initiatives undertaken by both the private and public sectors that incorporate the values of Sustainability.  This includes, but is not limited to, the implementation of the Muskegon Area-Wide Plan by the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, efforts led by Muskegon Area First, Mainstreet, and the One Muskegon initiative sponsored by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and with the support of many local units of government and area leaders.  It is not the intent of the Coalition to duplicate existing planning and leadership underway, but rather to strengthen such efforts through the promotion of Sustainability as a community value that influences all community endeavors.

Emphasis will be placed on the needs and interests of all citizens for profit and non-profit entitites and units of government located in Muskegon County. In particular, the Coalition is committed to utilizing Sustainability practices as a means to control urban sprawl, to advance the revitalization of urban centers, to educate the Muskegon County population about the principles of Sustainability and to strengthen population centers in an inclusive and equitable manner throughout the entire Muskegon region.   

The Coalition is committed to advancing Sustainability practices in the business community, among non-profit organizations, units of government and for the benefit of all private citizens of Muskegon County.

The Coalition will be a clearing house for activities, events and opportunities that advance principles of Sustainability throughout the Muskegon region. The Coalition meets monthly to share information, explore opportunities and conduct business determined appropriate by participants.
 
The Coalition will foster its work by hosting one or more annual community meetings at which any interested unit of government, private entity or citizen of the Muskegon region will be welcome.

For more information about the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition, please contact Arn Boezaart.

Participating / Endorsing  Coalition Members:

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

Grand Valley State University / Annis Water Resources Institute 

Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce 

Muskegon County Environmental Coordinating Council

Mona Lake Watershed Council        
  
Muskegon Area First / Mainstreet      

Community Coordinating Council      

Muskegon Conservation District

Goodwill Industries

City of Norton Shores

City of Muskegon

Trace Analytical

Adac Automotive

H&S Companies

Nichols

Shoreline Recycling