Our Work

Economic Development and Waterfront Community Revitalization

The unique freshwater resources of the Great Lakes fueled the region’s early development, with waterfront areas historically serving as centers of economic activity. However, the industrialization and development of the basin over the past 200 years has had an impact on the ecological health of the lakes. Currently, many coastal communities are working to restore and reclaim waterfronts and leverage fresh water assets to promote economic growth, support water-dependent industry, and sustain a high quality of life in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is accelerating this process, particularly in the region’s worst toxic hotspots. With its member states and provinces, the Great Lakes Commission is working to support the revitalization of waterfront communities and support water-dependent economy through research, policy development, information exchange and technology transfer, and stakeholder collaboration.

Revitalizing Waterfront Communities