Melinda Jones

My name is Melinda Jones, and I have been a Highland Park resident since 2019. I hold an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and have nearly five years of experience in the field. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and Law at Wayne State University. Through my mother, I became involved with Soulardarity and its mission for environmental justice. As a resident, I have witnessed energy-related injustices and want to help drive the change Highland Park needs to grow and thrive. I am passionate about advancing solar energy and partnering with Soulardarity to make a sustainable energy future a reality for our community.

As a Highland Park resident and paralegal, I bring extensive experience in contract law and strong skills in reading, interpreting, and explaining complex agreements. I approach challenges with innovation and focus on solutions that are reasonable, efficient, and achieve the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

Energy democracy matters to me because it gives communities—not big corporations—a real say in how energy is produced and used. It ensures everyone has access to clean, affordable energy, while also supporting local ownership of resources like solar panels and wind projects. By doing this, communities become stronger and more resilient, pollution is reduced, and energy decisions are fairer for everyone. It also helps fight climate change in a way that benefits the people who live in our neighborhoods. Simply put, energy democracy is about creating a system that is fair, sustainable, and puts power back into the hands of the people.

Community solar means clean, renewable energy that is accessible to everyone, not just homeowners with sunny roofs. By allowing people to buy or subscribe to a share of a local solar project, it gives renters, low-income households, and others who cannot install their own panels the chance to save on electricity bills and support sustainable energy. It also strengthens communities by investing in local projects, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and helps fight climate change in a way that benefits everyone—not just a few. Simply put, community solar is about making clean energy fair, affordable, and part of the neighborhood.