2018 Capital Conference Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions are designed for smaller groups of conference attendees to delve into topics of interest. The sessions listed below will connect attendees with ready-to-use resources and opportunities to help their communities thrive. Several sessions are scheduled during each time block, so choose the one that is most relevant to your community’s needs.

Wednesday, March 21

10:45 – 11:45 am

Lobbying 2.0

The Legislature is constantly changing and taking on new issues. How can you keep up with it all? Join members of the League’s lobbying staff as we discuss the ins and outs of understanding the Michigan Legislature. This session is for members who are just diving into the Lansing arena, as well as veterans seeking a refresher. Earn an Elected Officials Academy Advocacy Credit in this session!

Speakers

Chris Hackbarth, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
John LaMacchia, Asst. Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Jennifer Rigterink, Legislative Associate, Michigan Municipal League

Local Charters & Michigan Election Law

As state law changes, learn how it interacts with your charter and election operations. Hear from state experts and other communities as they work through conflicting situations.

Speakers

Lori Bourbonais, Election Liaison Section Manager, Michigan Bureau of Elections
Oliver Turner, City Manager, Sault Sainte Marie

Retiree Health Insurance

Legacy costs are one of the key cost drivers for municipal budgets. Come learn about the latest reform efforts in Lansing and critical state and federal court decisions that will impact your community.

Speakers

Erin Boertman, Customer Relations Director, MERS of Michigan
Brandon Fournier, Partner, Shifman Law
Michelle Watterworth, Partner, Plante Moran

Public Engagement and Civility in Local Government

Talking about sensitive issues and projects in your community or the political climate in Washington can be difficult and stressful. In addition, many of these topics are being discussed on social media and fake news is running rampant. All of this can lead to unproductive meetings and poor relationships with members of your community. Learn how to effectively combat these types of situations using good public engagement skills. Turn the focus to what’s most important: moving your community forward.

Speaker

Representative Donna Lasinski, Michigan House of Representatives

Office Hours with the State Treasurer

Come hear from State Treasurer Nick Khouri and key members of his department as they discuss the Treasury’s interaction with local units of government. Get the latest on a variety of municipal finance issues, including revenue sharing, the implementation of the new OPEB and pension reporting, and the new personal property tax system.

Speaker

Nick Khouri, State Treasurer

Wednesday, March 21

3:45 – 4:45 pm

Lead and Copper: How the New Proposed Rule Could Affect Your Community

In early 2017, Governor Snyder announced plans to revamp the lead and copper rule in Michigan. Since then, the Department of Environmental Quality, along with input from stakeholders, has been working to revise the rule. Come and listen to representatives from the DEQ explain those revisions and how they could impact your community.

Speaker

Eric Oswald, Director, Drinking Water & Municipal Assistance Division, MDEQ

Lobbying 3.0

The League is a successful grassroots organization largely because of the involvement of active members. In the Lobbying 2.0 session, you heard about the nuts and bolts of lobbying. Now, learn about upcoming issues we will be working on in this legislative session and how you can become actively engaged in the conversation. Earn an Elected Officials Academy Advocacy Credit in this session!

Speakers

Medical Marihuana – Where Are We Now?

Licensing applications have been submitted, legislative changes made, rules promulgated and more. Attend this session to hear the latest updates on Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act implementation.

Speaker

Andrew Brisbo, Director, LARA-Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation

Smart Technology and Infrastructure: How are they Changing Cities?

Technology and smart city infrastructure are increasingly changing the way cities are managing services and planning for future growth. How can communities use technology to collect and evaluate data for decision-making, increase efficiencies, broaden the type of services they offer, and improve communication and public engagement? What impacts will smart infrastructure have on traditional land use planning, transportation, facilities management, and economic development efforts?

Join us for a panel discussion with some of today’s leaders in deploying smart city solutions and tools to address new and emerging city service issues.

Speakers

Daniel Bourdeau, Cheif Innovation Officer, Westland
Katherine Flanigan, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan Urban Collaboratory
Gina Schrader, Director, Business Model Innovation, NextEnergy

Reversing the Opioid Epidemic: Strategies to Save Lives and Communities

America’s opioid crisis has not just decimated communities and destroyed families, but it has become a financial crisis for local governments which simply don’t have the money to pay for the fallout. Through new approaches, community outreach and education, and even legal action, local governments are continuing to lead comprehensive efforts in the battle against widespread opioid addiction.

Speakers

Christopher L. Dore, Edelson, PC
Heather Sumner, Deputy City Attorney, Lansing