Chris Holman welcomes back Palencia Mobley, PE, (founder and CEO of Mode Collective) Chair, of Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC), Detroit metro, MI.

Watch Palencia and Chris discuss water infrastructure goals, equity, and the Michigan Infrastructure Council’s nomination search in the YouTube video shared below:

Chris had several things he wanted to find out from Palencia during their conversation:

● Welcome back, what is the Water Asset Management Council and what are some of its goals? 

● What specific qualities or experience are you looking for in the new Water Asset Management Council representative,  and how will their role contribute to advancing Michigan’s water infrastructure? 

● What do you believe are the most pressing water infrastructure concerns that the new representative will need to focus on? 

● How does the council ensure equity in water infrastructure improvements across diverse communities, particularly as it relates to cost, access, and environmental impact?

Michigan Infrastructure Council Seeks Nominations for Water Asset Management Council Representative Selected Representative Will Help Communities Provide Safe Drinking Water, Protect Natural Resources.

Shared below is the press release associated with this topic for more details! 

Selected Representative Will Help Communities Provide Safe Drinking Water, Protect Natural Resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is seeking nominations for a key representative to join the Water Asset Management Council (WAMC), an entity within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The WAMC helps communities enhance drinking water, wastewater and stormwater asset management programs. Nominations are due by November 15, 2024.

WAMC recognizes that effective water management requires a collaborative and community-centered approach. Through close collaboration with state and local governments, utilities and residents, the WAMC promotes community engagement to build a more sustainable and equitable water system in Michigan that reduces infrastructure costs, protects public health and safeguards natural resources.

“Water is one of Michigan’s most valuable resources and managing it responsibly is essential to our future,” said Water Asset Management Council chairperson Sue McCormick. “This position on the WAMC gives individuals the opportunity to influence water infrastructure strategies that not only improve system reliability but also enhance environmental stewardship. Strong leadership on this council will help ensure that all communities, particularly those that are underserved, have access to clean, safe and sustainable water systems.”

Nominations are open to individuals who are actively involved in a water infrastructure association and have a strong understanding of asset management principles. The selected representative will play a key role in shaping policies and initiatives that support the enhancement of water infrastructure across Michigan. Key responsibilities include:

• Actively participate and attend in-person WAMC meetings and discussions in Lansing
• Collaborate with other council members to develop and implement comprehensive asset management strategies across water infrastructure systems.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the MIC, contributing to the state’s 30-Year Integrated Infrastructure Strategy.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote the importance of proactive and effective water infrastructure management, especially in underserved areas.
• Committing to a term starting January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028.

Service on the council begins January 1, 2025 and goes through December 31, 2028. All nomination materials should be sent to Ryan Laruwe Laruwer1@michigan.gov. 

To nominate a candidate, please submit the following by November 15, 2024

• A letter of support from the relevant water association.
• The candidate’s resume.
• A brief biography outlining the candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position.

For more information, please visit the WAMC website or contact Ryan Laruwe directly.

About the Michigan Infrastructure Council

Cultivating partnerships that strengthen Michigan's Infrastructure to provide the foundation for public and environmental health, economic prosperity and quality of life.

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Here was Palencia's previous interview on the Michigan Business Beat: