The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) brought together environmental leaders, municipal officials and community partners on Oct. 22 for its 14th Annual Sustainability Summit, highlighting projects and partnerships that help reduce flooding, protect water resources and build more resilient communities throughout Cook County.

The summit, held at the Town of Cicero Community Center, featured presentations on stormwater management, green infrastructure, environmental education and community-led sustainability initiatives.

“The Sustainability Summit continues to demonstrate what we can achieve when communities, local leaders and environmental partners come together around shared goals,” MWRD President Kari K. Steele said. “By exchanging ideas and highlighting innovative, practical solutions, we are strengthening our region’s resilience, protecting our waterways and helping build healthier, more sustainable communities. Thank you to all of our partners for sharing their knowledge and continuing this important work with us.”

In addition to President Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn and Commissioners Precious Brady-Davis, Eira Corral Sepúlveda and Beth McElroy Kirkwood presented at the event. Other speakers included: 

• MWRD Managing Civil Engineer Holly Sauter
• Nedra Sims Fears, Executive Director of The Greater Chatham Initiative 
• Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Director, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability 
• Eleanor Sweeney, Executive Director, Collective Learning Lab 
• Tom Tomschin, Director of Housing, Town of Cicero   

The summit also honored communities and organizations for their work advancing sustainability, improving stormwater management and promoting environmental education.

The Village of River Grove received the Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability award for installing a permeable parking lot at its Village Hall.

“The Village of River Grove is proud of our continued partnership with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago,” said Mayor David B. Guerin. “Receiving the Sustainable Stormwater Management Award highlights our commitment to our residents and neighboring communities by helping to manage stormwater. We are honored and proud to accept this recognition and will strive to continue prioritizing environmentally friendly infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for our residents.”

The MWRD also saluted the Forest Preserves of Cook County for partnering with the District to remove excess pavement and restore land to more natural conditions. These efforts help reduce stormwater runoff and reconnect fragmented habitats.

“The Forest Preserve District of Cook County has been working with MWRD to remove excess pavement and restore land to a natural state, reducing stormwater runoff and connecting fragmented habitats,” said Aren Kriks, chief civil engineer for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “We are excited to continue this partnership, with several depaving projects recently completed and more planned over the coming years.”

The Village of Niles received the Excellence in Maintaining Green Infrastructure Award for maintaining a 2017 installation featuring native plantings and permeable concrete.

The Village of LaGrange Park was rewarded for its innovative use of permeable intersections and commitment to forward-thinking stormwater solutions. 

"The Village of La Grange Park is honored to receive this recognition from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Investing in green infrastructure is an important part of our ongoing commitment to reducing stormwater impacts, improving drainage, and protecting our neighborhoods. We appreciate the MWRDGC’s partnership and support as we continue working toward sustainable solutions that strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

The MWRD also recognized Collective Learning Lab for its work empowering students and communities through hands-on environmental education. Eleanor Sweeney accepted the award.