Our Work

Here’s some of the work we’re doing to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life for current and future generations.

2026 GLC Federal Priorities for the Great Lakes

The GLC released its 2026 agenda for the Great Lakes, calling for continued strategic investment in the lakes, which hold 95% of America’s fresh surface water and provide drinking water for more than 47 million people. Read our priorities and download state-specific fact sheets here.

Great Lakes Investment Tracker

The Great Lakes Investment Tracker is an interactive mapping application developed by the GLC to showcase federally-funded projects in Great Lakes states. Visit the tracker to learn more about investments in the region.

New RFPs: AIS Landing Blitz, GLSNRP

The GLC recently released two requests for proposals (RFPs): Learn more about the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz RFP, and the Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program RFP, on our news page.

The Advisor

The January 2026 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes an update on U.S. federal Great Lakes appropriations, news about our upcoming work to study the economic impacts of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and more.

New Great Lakes water use report

The 2024 Annual Report of the Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database shows that water withdrawals in the basin remained stable, with the vast majority of withdrawn water returned to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin. Read more here.

Help available to remediate erosion along Great Lakes shorelines

This winter’s extreme conditions along New York’s Great Lakes are amplifying the natural action of wind, water, ice, and storms that can cause significant shoreline erosion and economic damage to coastal businesses and personal properties, structures, and operations....

How long does pollution stay in Lake Erie?

Lake Erie’s flow and hydraulic residence time helps explain how long contaminants stay in Lake Erie’s system. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.

Great Lakes Commission releases 2026 agenda for the Great Lakes basin

Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) today released its 2026 agenda for the Great Lakes. The binational government agency calls for continued strategic investment in the lakes, which hold 95% of America’s fresh surface water and provide drinking...

Request for Proposals: Great Lakes Sediment Nutrient Reduction Program

Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) for projects that will help improve Great Lakes water quality by reducing nutrient loads from agricultural watersheds and eroding shorelines and streams. Indigenous...

Request for Proposals: Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz

Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) to support in-person outreach to recreational boaters in coordination with the annual regional Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz. This funding is...

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GREAT LAKES EVENTS

For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar