We invite you to an important webinar hosted by the Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition, a collective of organizations and advocates working to address Michigan’s water affordability crisis and advance equitable solutions for safe, affordable water. This event is an opportunity to learn more about this urgent issue and to see how your work or organization may align with ours.

 

Webinar Details:

Title: What Now? Water Affordability Advocacy in Michigan’s Changing Landscape

Date: Thursday, January 9, 205

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EST

Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

 

Register Here.

 

Why This Issue Matters

Access to clean, affordable water is a fundamental human need, yet Michigan faces a deepening affordability crisis. Aging infrastructure, soaring water rates, and persistent inequities have left many families burdened with water bills consuming up to 25% of their monthly income, making this essential resource increasingly out of reach.

 

Michigan is at the center of the national drinking water crisis. However, it’s also where advocates, partners, and policymakers are coming together to develop groundbreaking solutions that could become a model for the nation. This makes Michigan a critical space for water work—and your voice and expertise can help drive this important movement forward.

 

Who Should Join

• Organizations Focused on Water Protection, Affordability, and Accessibility: Get exclusive updates on state and federal water policies, opportunities for collaboration, and how WEL Coalition members are leading advocacy efforts.

• Groups Working in Climate, Environmental Justice, or Public Health: Learn how water affordability policies intersect with broader environmental justice initiatives and why they are crucial for building resilient communities.

• Michigan-Based Organizations Supporting Families, Kids, or Infrastructure Development: Understand how upcoming changes in legislation could impact the services and supports available to your communities and how you can help shape those outcomes.

 

What to Expect

• Insights from Experts: Gain a deeper understanding of Michigan’s current water affordability crisis and how recent elections have shaped opportunities for reform at the state and federal levels.

• Policy Alignment: Learn how state and federal initiatives are interconnected and what that means for water policy work in 2025.

• Actionable Takeaways: Explore strategies to advocate for permanent water affordability protections in Michigan and beyond.

 

Speakers Include:

• Brian Vigue, Freshwater Policy Director, Audubon: Facilitator 

• Chad Lord: Policy Director, NPCA & HOW Coalition: Federal Policy Insights

• Todd Tennis: President, Capitol Services: State Policy Insights

• Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing): Advocate for Water Affordability

 

The WEL Coalition is proud to lead efforts in Michigan and would love to have you or your organization join us in advancing innovative solutions to ensure water equity. This webinar is also an opportunity to learn more about the coalition and connect with other advocates and partners working on these critical issues.

 

Register now and help us spread the word: https://nwf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5S2QD2KsQSmwhrwDcZVbwg

 

If you have any questions or would like more information about the WEL Coalition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristy Meyer, Campaign Director, at Kristy@WELCoalition.org. We look forward to seeing you at the webinar and working together to make safe, affordable water a reality for everyone.