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April 2025

Detroit - Happy Spring! 

• SEWER REPAIR:
  The Private Sewer Repair Program has been expanded to more  neighborhoods. Start by checking your property's eligibility.
  
  

• ANIMAL KEEPING LICENSE:
  Residents can now apply to have chickens, bees and ducks.
  Learn more about animal keeping and licensing. 
  
  

• FREE STREET TREE: 
  Spring means, there will be crews planting trees across the city. This is the year to add that tree on your sidewalk berm. Fill out this request form. 
  
  

Building owners, you have less than 60 days to report your utilities!

Benchmark your multifamily, commercial, and industrial building and stay compliant. Buildings that are over 25,000 square feet or larger are REQUIRED to report utility usage (electric, gas, steam and water) for the 2024 calendar year by June 1, 2025. 

The good news?
You are not alone on this journey! The City has partnered with the Detroit 2030 District and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) to bring  FREE technical assistance events: 

• Register for an April in-person event here:
  tinyurl.com/DistrictSession
  
  
• Register for a May in-person event here:
  tinyurl.com/DataJam2025

Solar Neighborhoods Initiative Update

Phase 1 of the City of Detroit’s Solar Neighborhood Initiative is well underway, with the City having secured title to all parcels within the designated solar footprint. To date, 60% of the parcels have been demolished and graded, preparing the area for the next phase—construction of solar arrays by developers DTE and Lightstar Renewables.

In addition to the construction of the arrays, owner occupied homes in the surrounding  area are receiving energy efficiency upgrades, which will help lower the energy costs within their homes. As of April 1, 2025:

• 160+ Homes will be receiving energy efficiency upgrades
• 75 Energy assessments have been or will soon be completed
• 9 Homeowners have or will soon sign off on their scope of work for construction to begin
• 2 Homes have begun construction

Phase 2 of the project began in early 2025, building on the progress made in Phase 1. The City has begun voluntary acquisitions and initiated demolition activities similar to those carried out in the first phase. This continued effort marks another key step toward expanding on the City’s clean energy goals.

Urban agriculture has become a cornerstone of Detroit's sustainability movement, transforming vacant lots into productive green spaces that nourish our communities in multiple ways.

Did you know that urban farms and gardens help manage storm-water runoff, reduce urban heat island effects, and support local biodiversity?

As you prepare your garden this spring, consider planting native pollinator-friendly flowers alongside your vegetables – plants like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan not only attract beneficial insects that improve crop yields but also require less water once established, making them perfect additions to a sustainable urban garden.

Need help with your urban farm or have questions?

The Office of Sustainability - Urban Agriculture Division hosts weekly office hours on Tuesdays or you can attend the monthly Land Based Projects meeting: 

• • Weekly Urban Agriculture Office Hours
    Virtually on Tuesdays: 5 pm - 6 pm 
    Teams Meeting Link
    In Person on Thursdays: 9 am - 10:30 am 
    Coleman A. Young Municipal Center - Suite 646
    
    
  • Land Based Projects - First Thursdays of Every Month 
    Upcoming: May 1st - 12 pm - 1 pm 
    Teams Meeting Link (be sure to add it to your calendar)

Are you a farmer that needs support this season?
Sign-up to get matched with volunteers.
Urban Farmer - Sign-up to Request Volunteer 

Have you wanted to learn from an urban farmer or want a reason to enjoy the outdoors? Sign up to volunteer!
Volunteers - Sign-up to get match with Farmers

Join the City of Detroit - Office of Sustainability for various events during the week of April 21st, including tours, tree plantings and a friendly meet- ups after work hours. Details and event registration to follow next week. 

Do you have Earth Day Events you would like us to feature? Submit the details to your event by e-mailing: sustainability@detroitmi.gov (be sure to include, date, time, location, link to the event and a few details on what to expect). 

Additional Events:

• Green Taskforce Earth Day Award Breakfast 
  Saturday, April 26th - 10 am - 12 pm
  FREE! - Please register to attend. 

• EGLE's MI Healthy Climate Conference
  Tuesday, April 22nd and Wednesday April 23rd
  Registration Required by April 13th. Visit their Website.

• Motor City Makeover - Save the Dates: 
  Join your neighbors to clean up and improve your block. 
  May 3rd - District 1,2 &3
  May 10th - District 4 & 5
  May 17th - District 6 & 7
  

Contact the Detroit - Office of Sustainability: 

• Visit: www.detroitmi.gov/sustainability 
• E-mail: sustainability@detroitmi.gov
• Phone: 313-224-1409
  Monday - Thursday 9 am - 4:30 pm 

For Benchmarking specific questions (for buildings 25,000 sqft and greater): 
Upcoming Deadline - June 1st, 2025

• Visit: www.detroitmi.gov/benchmarking 
• E-mail: benchmarking@detroitmi.gov 
• Book your 30 minute session with staff