Keeping the community engaged: MWRD forms unique council at one of world’s largest wastewater treatment plants

November 26, 2024

As part of a visionary five-year strategic plan, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) launched the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) Community Partnership Council (CPC) during the 12^th Annual Sustainability Summit on October 29. This initiative brings together local voices, experts, and MWRD leaders to strengthen community collaboration and advance sustainable water management.

(From L-R): Members of the Stickney Water Reclamation District Community Partnership Council met in person for the first time at the MWRD's Sustainability Summit on October 29 with MWRD Board of Commissioners members: David Bryant, Susan Joseph, Meg Kelly, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, President Kari K. Steele, Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Rich Leschina, Jacqueline Candelas, Delia Barajas, and Rebecca Fiala.

Over the next two years, MWRD staff will facilitate dialogue and work with members to promote transparency and explore partnership opportunities to address local concerns and enhance the quality of life in the Stickney/Cicero area. The creation of a CPC was brought forward in the goals outlined in the MWRD's 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and follows a similar CPC established at the MWRD's Calumet WRP on the Far South Side of Chicago.

"We are excited to launch the Stickney Community Partnership Council and build upon the success of the Calumet CPC," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "This initiative underscores our dedication to being a responsive neighbor and inclusive partner in the communities we serve."

The formation of the Stickney CPC marks an important step in the MWRD's commitment to community-centered governance and sustainable development. The council will provide input into the MWRD's efforts to address flooding concerns, environmental stewardship, and community well-being in the Cicero/Stickney area.

The Stickney CPC is comprised of members representing diverse perspectives and expertise from the local community, representing both local residents and local businesses that are served by the Stickney WRP. Members include Delia Barajas, Cicero; David Bryant, LaGrange Park; Jill Bush, Chicago; Jacqueline Candelas, Cicero; Rebecca Fiala, Brookfield; Brittini Flatley, Chicago; Susan Joseph, North Riverside; Meg Kelly, Chicago; Richard Leschina, Cicero; Lido Manetti, Cicero; Larry Meyer, Stickney; Dave Peterson, Berwyn; and Ankur Singh, Cicero.

"We believe that through open dialogue and collaboration, we can address challenges and identify opportunities for positive change," said Commissioner Yumeka Brown. "Together, we will work towards enhancing communication, fostering mutual understanding, and identifying solutions to shared challenges.

The Stickney WRP serves about 2.2 million people, cleans an average of 700 million gallons of wastewater per day, and has the capacity to treat 1.44 billion gallons per day, making it one of the largest treatment facilities by volume in the world.