Michigan Clean Cities is a part of a network of nearly 90 coalitions in the U.S. through the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Initiative.
Michigan Clean Cities is a part of a network of nearly 90 coalitions in the U.S. through the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Initiative. Our coalition is made up of stakeholders with a mission to improve air quality and energy security in Michigan by reducing dependence on oil in transportation fuels through alternative fuel and vehicle usage, and fuel economy practices. Michigan Clean Cities staff help those stakeholders meet their goals in adopting clean transportation solutions.
Our Coalition
Michigan Clean Cities stakeholders include fleets, corporations, nonprofit organizations, utilities, local and state governments, and individuals – anyone interested in ways cleaner fuels, vehicles, and practices can improve our air quality and energy security. Are you fueled by this mission? Learn how you can get involved.
Michigan Clean Cities is a 501c3 nonprofit affiliated with and staffed by NextEnergy, a nonprofit organization accelerating smarter, cleaner, more accessible solutions for communities and cities. Together, we’re driving solutions for the clean transportation paradigm shift.
Our Leadership
Nick Thomas
Director
Nick Thomas joins the Clean Cities and Communities Coalition as Director of Michigan Clean Cities, after leading the MiNextCities initiative at NextEnergy. With extensive experience in innovation and electrification, Nick previously served as Senior Program Manager for Electrification & Net-Zero Fuels at Newlab Detroit. Earlier in his career, as Supplier Innovation Accelerator Manager at General Motors, he led supplier innovation initiatives and collaborated with industry pioneers such as Cruise, BrightDrop, and OnStar to advance cutting-edge mobility solutions.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology Management from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Detroit Mercy. Nick is excited to contribute his expertise to the coalition’s mission of promoting sustainable transportation and clean energy solutions across Michigan.
Alisha Kiovanni
Marketing Coordinator
Alisha Kiovanni plays a vital role as the Marketing Coordinator. She works closely with the Marketing and Public Relations Manager to ensure the smooth execution of marketing activities, campaigns, and projects. She is involved in various aspects of marketing, including planning, implementation, and analysis.
Alisha holds a certification in entrepreneurial business management, a culinary degree with a specialization in pastry arts, and was the proprietor of Alisha K’s Signature Cheesecake for over a decade.
Lauren Mixon
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations; Community Engagement Liaison
Lauren began her role as marketing and public relations manager at NextEnergy in the fall of 2023. Prior to joining the team, she held roles in communications, public relations, and broadcast news.
A Detroit native, Lauren graduated with honors from the University of Michigan – Flint, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication with a minor in marketing. Throughout her career, she has developed a love for storytelling, building relationships, and testing her creative limits.
Jeffrey Hoang
Communications and Engagement Associate
jeffrey@michigancleancities.org
Jeffrey Hoang is the Communications and Engagement Associate at NextEnergy. He leads stakeholder engagement initiatives, community outreach, event planning and provides essential marketing support.
With a background in organizing programs and events for political campaigns and higher education institutions, he brings valuable expertise in engaging internal and external partners.
Jeffrey has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Communication from Eastern Michigan University.
Our Board of Directors
Kellee Christensen
Director of Strategic Planning
Lansing Board of Water and Light
Dianne Holman
Company Manager, Engineer
Working Bugs
Our Work
You may be wondering what Michigan Clean Cities can do for you. If you have questions about alternative fuels or advanced technology vehicles, you have come to the right place. Our coalition can:
Help fleet managers review different scenarios for powertrains that can do the work their vehicles need to do–whether operations are on road, off road, rail, marine, or air.
Help organizations find funding sources to lower the out-of-pocket cost for these solutions.
Help raise awareness and interest among all customer segments for low- and zero-emissions powertrains and fuels.
Help communities understand, plan, and implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Help economic developers understand, plan, and implement commercial vehicle fueling for low- and zero-emission fuels like electric, hydrogen, renewable diesel, autogas, and renewable natural gas.
Featured Projects
The Affordable Mobility Platform
Launched in 2022, the Affordable Mobility Platform project which is deploying electric vehicle carsharing programs at multi-family housing communities in Michigan and nationwide.
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EMPOWER
Launched in 2022, EMPOWER is a nationwide project led by Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition and East Tennessee Clean Fuels with Michigan based activities led by MICC.
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Clear the Air for School Kids
Launched in 2009, Clear the Air for School Kids is an ongoing effort to boost clean school bus and reduce engine idling with and for school districts and students.
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Energy & Environmental Justice Initiative
Michigan Clean Cities is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion - taking actions to incorporate internal policies and external activities to center equity in our operations and our work.
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