Decades of underinvestment in water infrastructure have caused major issues—lead pipes, sewer overflows, and stormwater failures—in cities like Benton Harbor, Michigan and Mount Vernon, New York.

In this episode, Mayor Marcus Muhammad of Benton Harbor and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon share how federal investments have made a real difference in rebuilding water systems, protecting public health, and boosting local economies.

Recorded at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C., this conversation highlights the critical role of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the dangers of federal funding freezes, and the economic value of clean, reliable water.

Both mayors were part of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, calling on Congress and the White House to prioritize water infrastructure and support vulnerable communities.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center.