The annual conference of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will take place in Milwaukee this year with the theme: The Future of Fresh Water: Leading the Way in an Era of Scarcity. Globally, access to clean water has become one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century as various trends – from skyrocketing demand and constrained public budgets to the persistent threats of pollution and floods – converge to endanger water supply, water quality, and ultimately, communities and people.

With about 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water, the communities of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region are on the frontlines of this challenge. At the same time, cities are being tasked to do more with less as their residents struggle with an affordability crisis. Mayors and municipal leaders across the region are championing the investments and innovation required to safeguard our most critical resource. Because when water is at risk, so is our economy, health, and future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and lead the way in addressing these challenges. Hosted by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, this conference will shine a spotlight on the vital role that local governments, industries, and innovators in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region play in tackling both regional and global water issues.