On May 8, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative announced it has created The Mayor Richard M. Daley Water Equity Community Award.
The award was inspired by Richard Daley's passion for the region's lakes and rivers. A founder of the Cities Initiative, Richard is recognized nationally and internationally as an advocate for precious water resources. The award supports four disadvantaged communities by providing them with much-needed help to gain federal funds to remove lead lines and build needed water infrastructure in their cities.
Richard, senior counsel in Katten's Corporate practice, said it was an honor to have the award named after him, especially given current environmental and equity issues.
"Climate change is impacting all of us, but it is having a particularly severe impact on communities of color and those with considerable populations below the poverty line," he said. "This is one of the reasons why I helped found the Cities Initiative and continue to fight alongside my colleagues for the protection and restoration of our Great Lakes region."
The Water Equity Award will help disadvantaged communities that lack resources and staff with technical and grant writing support to facilitate navigating the often-complex process involved in applying for and obtaining current and newly offered public funding. These communities will also become members of the Cities Initiative, allowing them to collaborate to advocate, collaborate, and educate each other and decision-makers on water-related priorities.
"Cities Initiative Launches Richard M. Daley Water Equity Award to Provide Support to Disadvantaged Communities," Great Lakes and St. Lawrence (GLSL) Cities Initiative, May 8, 2023
Chicago
