Empower Muskegon: Unveiling the Health and Wealth Benefits of Justice 40
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and Muskegon Community College will host a community discussion exploring the Justice 40 initiative and its potential to enhance public health and financial prosperity in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights.
Justice 40 is a commitment from the Biden and Whitmer administrations to ensure that at least 40% of investments to address climate change go to the communities most impacted by climate change, especially communities of color. The Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Mi Healthy Climate Plan and other state and federal investments will provide billions of dollars to Michigan for electric vehicles, renewable energy and energy efficiency, public transportation, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, recycling, agriculture, clean water, and other infrastructure and economic development projects.
Most of the City of Muskegon and all of Muskegon Heights qualify for Justice 40 investments, an enormous opportunity to improve public health, reduce pollution, create job opportunities, and promote equity for local black and brown communities.
The event will provide an introduction to the Justice 40 initiative, highlight how peer communities are benefiting from these investments, and discuss potential opportunities for the Muskegon area. Panelists will share how City of Benton Harbor is and has leveraged federal and state investments to completely update its clean water infrastructure, improve coastal resilience and public spaces, and develop potential recycling infrastructure. Benton Harbor is a black-majority city that was severely impacted by the state’s emergency manager law.
Panelists will also discuss how nonprofit organizations and municipalities in Southeast Michigan have accessed millions of dollars for workforce development through the Justice 40 accelerator and similar programs.
Refreshments will be provided.
Panelists Include:
- Alex Little, Assistant Manager, City of Benton Harbor
- Bobby Boyd, Equity Program Manager, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
- Tim Skrotzki, Associate Director, Elevate
Agenda:
5:00pm – Networking and Refreshments
5:30pm – Panel Discussion: Uniting Health and Financial Empowerment
6:00pm – Breakout Sessions: Collaborating for Healthier Lives and Stronger Finances
6:30pm – Q&A Session: Addressing Your Queries
7:00pm – Adjourn
Highlights:
- Explore how the Justice 40 initiative aligns with our community’s aspirations for better health and financial well-being.
- Discuss potential benefits of Justice 40 program with experts from across the state and local community leaders.
- Uncover actionable steps to improve public health and increase prosperity for black and brown community in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights.
Whether you’re deeply knowledgeable about health and wealth matters or are just beginning to explore them, your perspective matters. This event is an opportunity to contribute to a healthier and wealthier future for our community.