The IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme honored the MWRD for its Climate Action Plan, placing it among the top three finalists under the Achiever category.

MWRD programs such as the Green Infrastructure Partnership Program and the Real Estate Program can help provide resources through local partnerships to support urban agriculture, such as community gardens.

President Steele reflected on her ascent from MWRD intern to chemist to Board president, while also detailing the MWRD’s commitment to clean water.

Kari K. Steele was elected November 6, 2012, to her first term as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and re-elected in 2018 for a second term.

Promoting inclusion, representation and opportunity, this event encouraged entrepreneurs, professionals, industry experts and area leaders to learn more about contract and certification opportunities with the MWRD.

The awards recognize the activities and innovations from entities such as cities and villages, schools, houses of worship, businesses and others.

The event showcased a lineup of prominent diversity leaders from both the business and government sectors.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski and plant staff led the visit, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.

After completing extensive renovations, MWRD commissioners were joined by city leaders to reopen the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain to again captivate onlookers to the fountain and its cannon.

Originally built in honor of the MWRD's 100-year anniversary in 1989, the fountain represents a century of progress and commitment to improve the quality of the Chicago River, enhance waterway ecology, and serve as a welcome entrance to Chicago.