Royal Oak is a beacon of the sustainability revolution, having recently achieved gold status through the Michigan Green Communities recognition process presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. City Manager Paul Brake proudly declared a collective effort of community members, elected officials, and executive management for conquering the 50 cities participating in aspects of recycling, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and more.
Royal Oak is a shining example of environmental stewardship, as evidenced by its recognition of the prestigious gold status through the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program. City Manager Paul Brake expressed his pride in Royal Oak’s dedication to practices that combat climate change and protect the environment, which was recognized amongst the 50 cities participating in the annual MGC challenge for sustainability through energy efficiency, recycling, and climate adaptation.
He credited the success to a collective effort of elected leaders, executive management, and the Environmental Advisory Board volunteers. Established 14 years ago, MGC is a joint venture of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Royal Oak is proud of the accomplishments made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which allocated nearly $12 million for projects such as lead service line replacements, water main construction, green infrastructure, and solar panel installation at the city’s public library. Additionally, 1,000 new trees were planted in just over a year, with plans to plant 100 native species trees at the Fred A. Erb Arboretum. As a result of converting the streetlights to LED fixtures, Royal Oak was able to save a half-million dollars in energy costs the first year. The city is also evaluating locations to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers for greater public access as well as to serve a future city EV fleet, making Royal Oak a model for sustainability and climate action.
City Commissioner Brandon Kolo announced that the City of Royal Oak has allocated funds to hire a full-time sustainability manager, to ensure the city is strategic about ongoing growth and sustainability. Kolo noted that the Department of Public Services (DPS) is overseeing the planting of 1,000 trees in neighborhood rights of way and parks, while the engineering department has installed bioswales and rain gardens as part of several road projects. He highlighted the positive impact these initiatives have had on the city, remarking that “We know trees keep water out of our sewer system, which helps keep (stormwater) out of basements, which has impacted almost every resident.”
The sustainability efforts made by Royal Oak are pioneering in the city’s Green Communities challenge, with millions of dollars in projects from lead service inline replacements and solar panel installations to planting 1,000 new trees. Not only has this helped improve their energy efficiency and conservation projects, but it has done so at an impressive level economically these efforts should be celebrated as Royal Oak sets an example for other cities out there striving for environmental progress.
