In the latter portion of 2021, the City was approached by NextEnergy, a Detroit based non-profit that is partnered with EGLE to start the MiNextCities program. MiNextCities chose three communities statewide (Marquette, Flint, and Dearborn) to identify and deploy tailored solutions that improve energy solutions backed by research, policy, and urban planning for a broad spectrum of residents. Following Commission approval to engage with the program in 2022, the City Manager’s office began meeting biweekly with NextEnergy staff to develop a model plan that is in line with the City’s climate resolution, clean energy goals, and departmental needs. Meetings were coordinated with Department Heads and appropriate supervisors throughout the City to assess energy, asset, and facility needs that could be provided a solution with the funding attached to the program.

The City’s prior investment into energy performance and efficiency through the JCI program completed many of the “low hanging fruit” projects and significant research into rooftop solar for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lakeview Arena found that those projects still lack a feasible return on investment with the current price of materials and technology. NextEnergy’s final recommendation centers on the development and jump start of a fleet electrification program that will entail funding the installation of charging infrastructure, vehicles, and a future fleet plan. This grant agreement provides for the purchase and installation of two level-two EV chargers, two Ford E-Transit vans, and a Mean Green electric mower. This plan was developed in close coordination with the Facilities Director and Motor Pool supervisor, and the motor pool asset replacement schedule was utilized to balance the market availability of the vehicles and the highest and best use for organizational deployment. One van will be deployed to the Public Works department, the other will be deployed to Engineering, and the lawnmower will be used by Facilities.

This entire initiative will be grant-funded with no match required from the City and represents a significant step forward in introducing City operations and employees to the future of electric vehicles within a Municipal fleet, as well as an estimated investment of $200,000 into the City’s motor pool from external funding sources.