January 28, 2026
Partnership in Action: Toledo
Partnerships and coalitions are how the OEC works with communities around Ohio to bring impactful changes that benefit the health and well-being of the environment and those who live in it.
Last week, our Managing Director of Water Policy, Doug Babcock, and Agriculture & Water Manager, Emily Arthur, traveled to Toledo with OEC Board Members Ellen Greene Bush and Laura Koprowski to meet with Alicia Smith, Alexis Smith, and Donald Wiggins of Junction Coalition.
Junction Coalition is one of Toledo’s most influential, community‑rooted environmental justice organizations, born out of the Toledo Water Crisis and sustained by deep neighborhood leadership. It plays a central role in addressing water justice, environmental health, and equitable development in the Junction neighborhood—one of the city’s most historically disinvested areas.
OEC and Junction Coalition have a long-standing partnership focused on elevating community water priorities, influencing federal water policy, and uplifting water-focused initiatives throughout the Toledo region. Our work began during the 2014 Toledo Water Crisis, providing resources and support, and continues a decade later as we amplify community voices. As co–State Leads for the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition, we support Ohio constituents in sharing their stories with decision-makers and advocating for stronger water protections. Together, we highlight the results of water restoration investments and the ongoing need for safe, affordable, and resilient water for all residents.
During our visit, Junction Coalition showcased the powerful impact of their work—from neighborhood renewable energy installations and a thriving community garden to bioswales that reduce flooding and other restoration projects. Their efforts demonstrate how environmental restoration can also create vibrant community spaces that foster both ecological health and neighborhood growth.
This work is only possible with your support.
–Support OEC
–Support Junction Coalition
