Upon receiving a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Michael held several positions within local and regional governmental organizations in Iowa in solid waste management planning and education. Michael recently moved to Chicago where he initially worked for the Chicago Park District as a Project Manager in Capital Construction. During his tenure at the Park District, he managed several large-scale capital improvement projects, including the reconstruction of South Lake Shore Drive, which runs through historically significant Burnham and Jackson Parks, and the restoration of the Palm House at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

He is now with the Department of Planning and Development developing and implementing public policy and incentives that encourage the use of green roofs and sustainable urban and building design in the private sector. Michael led an inter-departmental team that developed the Building Green/Green Roof Policy that requires private developers to include sustainable strategies in projects that are receiving financial or zoning assistance from the City. As of January 2007, this policy has required the design of over 300 green roofs, totaling nearly 3 million square feet of vegetative cover. Michael has also been involved with the development of several innovative green roof incentive programs and is coordinating the creation of the City’s Green Urban Design Framework Plan.

Abstract: Chicago Green Homes Programs
The Chicago Green Homes Program provides the tools and strategies for building homes and multi-family buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally responsible.