Michigan City Sustainability Commission August 13, 2026

The Michigan City Sustainability Commission held a meeting on August 13, 2026, focusing on various environmental and sustainability initiatives. Key procurement-related discussions included a potential project to encourage reusable bag use at local stores with a proposed 5-cent discount, and a bid being sought by the central maintenance director for retrofitting the maintenance garage to service compressed natural gas vehicles. Updates were provided on solar panel maintenance contracts, grant applications for the police department, and ongoing efforts to certify native habitats and promote green burial cost structures. The commission also discussed the possibility of extending the Michigan City Promise scholarship to include certification programs related to union and journeyman training, which may require ordinance changes and city council approval. Additionally, the group reviewed participation in the Indiana Clean Community Program and upcoming events related to hazardous waste collection and sustainability awards. A unanimous vote was taken to award the Nora L. Schultz Tribute Award for Sustainability to a community member for outstanding environmental contributions. No direct contract awards or large capital project approvals were reported, but several procurement and funding-related action items were noted for follow-up.