GENERAL SESSIONS
October 19, 2022
9:00 – 10:30 am
A Local Perspective for Michiganders by Michiganders
Everyone is talking about the housing market. Let’s go behind the scenes with a real estate agent to get their take. Chat with Brenda Harris, a well-known realtor and short-term rental business owner in Muskegon and the region. Brenda will join the MML’s Selma Tucker for the inside scoop on the issues real people and their communities care about—attainable and affordable housing, new supply, funding, and—yes—short-term rentals. You might be surprised by what she has to say.
Moderator
Selma Tucker, Director, Strategic Communications, Michigan Municipal League
Speakers
Brenda Harris, Realtor, Fivestar* Real Estate
October 20, 2022
8:30 – 10:30 am
Public Service from Omaha to the White House
Why are you a public servant? It probably has something to do with where you’re from and how that community shaped your future. Symone Sanders-Townsend is creating a legacy of public service at the national level rooted in the values of her hometown of North Omaha, Nebraska. Those values have catapulted Symone to rarified air on that national stage having held senior positions in presidential campaigns, the White House, and now her own show, “Symone,” on MSNBC. At 32, Symone speaks from a generation of public servants investing heavily in a future that has more opportunity, equity, and joy.
Speaker
Rebecca Chamberlain-Creanga, Councilmember, City of Troy
Shanna Draheim, Director, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League
Daniel Eichinger, Director, Department of Natural Resources
Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director & CEO, Michigan Municipal League
Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, MSNBC
Mariah Walton, City Manager, City of Eastpointe
12:30 – 1:45 pm
Strengthening Community Through Music
Michigan has a special relationship with music. Motown was created in Detroit. Bob Seger, Eminem, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The White Stripes, Madonna, Diana Ross, Kid Rock, Smokey Robinson and many other marquee names were born and, in many cases, raised in one of our communities. Add the rich history of concert venues from Idlewild to Houghton and it becomes clear that music is a Michigan asset. How can communities support their local musicians? How can music help bring us together when we feel so far apart? Answers and more at this lively and interactive session.
Speakers
John Sinkevics, Editor and Publisher, Local Spins Online Magazine
October 21, 2022
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Political Pundits Pontificate: Discussing the 2022 Elections & What it Means for You
With the November general election right around the corner, we’re gathering a panel of political experts to talk about the election, give some of their predictions, discuss key races and ballot issues our members care the most about, and debate other hot political topics, including short-term rentals, revenue sharing, pension reform, and more. This is your chance to ask the media and political experts your burning questions. You won’t want to miss this closing general session.
Moderator
Zoe Clark, Political Director, Michigan Radio
Speakers
Rick Pluta, Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Public Radio Network
John Sellek, Founder and CEO, Harbor Strategic Public Affairs
Alexis Wiley, Founder and CEO, Moment Strategies