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Shaping Greener Communities:
The Role of Local Sustainability Committees
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 7:00 pm | Online Meeting
Register Here
Local government sustainability committees play a pivotal role in shaping environmentally responsible policies, programs, and long-term community goals.
This presentation provides a clear overview of what these commissions are, how they function within municipal decision-making, and the impact they have on issues such as climate action planning, waste reduction, transportation, energy efficiency, and community education.
Attendees will gain insight into typical commission structures, responsibilities, and areas of influence, as well as the process by which residents can engage, volunteer, or apply for commission seats.
Whether you’re a community member interested in contributing to local sustainability efforts or a public official looking to strengthen civic participation, this session will offer practical guidance on getting involved and making a meaningful difference at the local level.
Read Ahead: Have a look at the Birmingham Green: Healthy Climate Plan in advance of the meeting: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae4d0ac728.html#page/16
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Our Speaker is Jess Newman, Senior Director of Agriculture and Sustainability, McCain Foods
Former Chair of Birmingham, Michigan Environmental Sustainability Commission
Jess Newman is the Senior Director of Agriculture & Sustainability at McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen French fries and appetizers. Her team of agronomists and field representatives manage McCain’s relationships with 350+ American and Canadian farmers in 7 US states and Canadian provinces. They also implement McCain’s 2025 sustainability goals related to agriculture: 100% of farmers implementing regenerative practices, 25% reduction in scope 3 emissions from potato production and storage, and the launch of three Farms of the Future. Jess works remotely from her home state of Michigan and travels frequently to support her teams.
Jess has worked at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ecologic Institute, New York City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Booz & Company, CGIAR, and Anheuser-Busch. She holds a B.A. from Harvard, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management (with Sustainability Certificate). She is proud to chair the Environmental Sustainability Commission in her hometown of Birmingham, Michigan.
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