About Us

Governing Documents

Great Lakes Basin Compact

The Great Lakes Commission was established in 1955 by the Great Lakes Basin Compact, which was signed by five states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin). New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania signed the Compact later. The Compact was ratified by the state legislatures and eventually granted consent by the U.S Congress on July 24, 1968.

Great Lakes Basin Compact (pdf)

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Great Lakes Commission Bylaws

In addition to the Great Lakes Basin Compact, the Great Lakes states also adopted Bylaws governing the operation of the Great Lakes Commission.

Great Lakes Commission Bylaws (pdf)

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Great Lakes Commission Strategic Plan

The Great Lakes Commission Strategic Plan is a statement of vision, mission, goals, objectives and strategic actions to guide the work of the Great Lakes Commission. The current strategic plan was adopted on March 3, 2023.

Great Lakes Commission Strategic Plan (pdf)

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Declaration of Partnership

The Declaration of Partnership extends Great Lakes Commission associate member status to the Governments of Ontario and Québec. As such, the Great Lakes states invite the Governments of Ontario and Québec to appoint a delegation of representatives to the Great Lakes Commission, for the purpose of participating in meetings and activities as provided for in the Great Lakes Basin Compact.

Declaration of Partnership (pdf)