Detroit has always been a city of resilience, innovation and tenacity. Today, the Motor City is channeling these attributes into a groundbreaking initiative – a plan to convert all of its municipal buildings to solar energy. This bold step not only demonstrates Detroit’s commitment to combatting climate change, but also promises to have a profound and positive impact on Black Detroiters.
Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit is embarking on a new era of environmental consciousness. Recognizing the pressing urgency of climate change, Mayor Duggan’s administration has made an unwavering commitment to renewable energy, aiming to substantially decrease the city’s carbon footprint.
“President Biden has challenged cities across the country to convert to clean energy. Some cities, like Cincinnati and Chicago, are doing this by building huge solar fields,” Duggan said. “It’s time for Detroit to take this step.”
While Chicago and Cincinnati are building their solar fields on farmland in other communities, Mayor Duggan is set to lay out an option to allow neighborhoods and block clubs to apply to host solar farms in their areas. The plan would provide $25,000 an acre to the neighborhood in community benefits and could fight blight by closing off vacant tracts that are frequent sites for illegal dumping. Solar fields will only be placed in neighborhoods that request them. Solar field applications will be due by October 2.
The plan is audacious yet grounded. Solar panels will be installed on municipal buildings across Detroit, creating a new narrative for a city that once was the heartbeat of America’s automobile industry. The implications are far-reaching and promising, from creating jobs in the green economy to slashing energy costs providing more resources for improving services and infrastructure.
Long-time climate activists praised the boldness of the city’s initiative. “The City of Detroit is not immune from the effects of climate change. Here we have seen rising temperatures, devastating floods and other climate crises,” said Briana DuBose, director of strategic community initiatives at EcoWorks. “We believe that rapidly and equitably decarbonizing the most vulnerable households while driving systemic change is paramount to fighting the climate crisis.”
“Climate Change is a reality, and as Detroiters we have already experienced some challenges — power outages and floods to name a few,” said Donele Wilkins, president and CEO of Green Door Initiative. “Having the ability to lead in renewable energy by using Solar Panel installation will serve us all in the city. It is the kind of innovation that Detroit does, working together is essential.”
Perhaps most compellingly, this initiative promises significant positive impacts for Black Detroiters. This demographic has long borne the brunt of environmental inequities, with a disproportionate impact of pollution and the lack of access to clean, affordable energy. The solar initiative seeks to address these issues head-on, promoting both energy independence and economic empowerment.
The green jobs created by this initiative are opportunities for skills development and stable employment, significantly impacting Detroit’s predominantly Black workforce. Furthermore, by reducing the city’s reliance on traditional energy sources, which often contribute to pollution in urban areas, the project promises a cleaner, healthier environment for Black Detroiters.
Black communities, like many across the country, are at the frontlines of climate change impact, and Detroit’s solar initiative is a crucial step towards climate justice. By centering their climate action in these communities, Detroit is setting a bold and necessary example for cities nationwide.
Mayor Duggan’s administration has expressed its commitment to ensuring this initiative is rolled out in a way that engages Black Detroiters, both in its implementation and its benefits. “This isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint,” Mayor Duggan insists, “It’s about creating a city – and a world – that is fairer, cleaner and healthier for everyone. And that starts right here in Detroit.”
How will this new plan work?
- Solar field sites must be between 10-50 acres.
- To start the process, neighbors can fill out a community interest form on the city’s website starting July 1.
- Applying neighborhoods can request to be paired with a non-profit or other solar energy expert (a Neighborhood Solar Partner) to help guide their community in drafting a plan.
How will the residents benefit?
For every acre that is assembled, $25K in community benefits will be available for projects in the neighborhood such as:
- Park and recreation improvements;
- Home repairs, such as energy efficiency improvements; and
- Solar power for neighboring homes.
“Deep energy improvements to homes can help lower the energy bills of Detroit residents by hundreds of dollars a year in many cases, while improving home comfort and indoor air quality,” said Carla Walker-Miller, CEO and founder of Walker-Miller Energy Services. “We are so excited about this new plan and can’t wait to help neighbors work to build a cleaner, healthier and more beautiful Detroit.”
Detroit is built to strive, not merely to adapt but to lead – to redefine its legacy in a way that shines with hope and possibility. Detroit’s switch to solar energy is not just a shift in power source, it is an assertion of power – the power of a city to reinvent itself, the power of a community to influence change and the power of individuals to reshape their own futures.
It is a story of hope, renewal and a profound commitment to a sustainable and equitable future. It is Detroit’s story. And it is only just the beginning.
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