To the editor,

River Falls has been hailed for its sustainability leadership for the past 15 years, largely because of Mike Noreen, the city’s former sustainability coordinator. Mike was the linchpin for a myriad of community, regional, and statewide efforts that put our small city on the sustainability map. And, year after year, Mike helped our city not only meet – but exceed – its sustainability goals in ways too numerous to count. Here are some highlights:

During his time with the city, Mike led the development of the state’s first community solar garden and later worked with community organizations and businesses to install ground mounted and rooftop solar panels. He also led a citywide initiative to ensure that, on Jan. 1, 2020, the city became the first municipality in the state to power all city buildings using 100% renewable energy. 

Mike was also a tireless champion of the city’s Green Block Program, which for several years in a row, landed the city first in Wisconsin and second in the country for green energy participation.

Area groups and institutions, like UW-River Falls and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), benefited from the resources and expertise that Mike brought to the table as they worked to meet their own sustainability goals. Three years ago, Mike co-founded Earth Fest, held again this past April when volunteers, businesses, faith communities, educational institutions, and other nonprofits shared sustainability efforts with each other as well as individuals and families interested in playing their part.

Mike has a lot of compassion for all people, including our lower-income residents. As a community volunteer, he has raised money for student scholarships, families in need, and other programs that help those less privileged. Professionally, he managed the city’s low-income programs that worked to reduce the energy burden and respect the dignity of the participants. In the spring of 2024, he helped to secure a Department of Energy grant of $500,000 to build capacity for the weatherization and beneficial electrification of low to moderate income homes in our area.

Mike also held (and continues to hold) significant leadership roles that brought innovative ideas, resources, and partnerships to the city. Over the years, he served on various boards and committees of the American Public Power Association, WPPI Energy and CVTC. In 2023, Gov. Tony Evers appointed Mike to serve on his Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation along with other statewide leaders in the clean energy and equitably fields.

Meeting and exceeding our city’s sustainability goals over the past 15 years is a testament not only to Mike, but also to this community’s passion and commitment to a more sustainable future.

However, we cannot – and must not – rest on our laurels! As city leaders begin to form their vision for a sustainable future, we must not lose traction. The passion, programs, and community partnerships that Mike put into place, must continue to grow, and thrive if we are to meet the city’s mission to “coordinate and deliver essential services and ensure a sustainable future.”

Carol Ackley

River Falls