Tues., March 22

Workshops

Neighborhood Revitalization
Neighborhoods occupy many points along a continuum, from the strongest-market neighborhoods, with low rates of vacancy and competitive home values, to the weakest, with high rates of tax delinquency and depressed home values. While every neighborhood deserves intervention, applying an identical strategy across each neighborhood is unlikely to produce equally desirable results. This session will discuss sources of information that can be analyzed to better understand different types of neighborhood markets and develop a more effective revitalization strategy. Participants will hear from experts in two Michigan communities who are strategically addressing vacancy and blight more effectively with the help of neighborhood market data. Participants will also have the opportunity to test out session concepts with their peers through a hypothetical city scenario.

 

 

Inclusive Communities
America’s demographics are changing at an accelerated pace. In that light, the economic growth and sustainability of Michigan communities is linked to our willingness to include diverse groups of people. Communities that welcome, foster trust, and proactively integrate everyone into the fabric of everyday life are at a distinct advantage over those who do not. This session will educate participants about the importance and benefits of creating a diverse and inclusive community, increase awareness of current inequities within the community, and provide strategies for overcoming bias and creating an inclusive community.

 

Signs of the Times
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Reed v. Gilbert, municipalities nationwide must review their sign regulations immediately and correct any First Amendment violations. A city planner, constitutional lawyers, and sign industry expert will discuss the basis of sign regulations, show how effective sign regulations can enhance the character of your community, and provide examples of unconstitutional sign regulations and how you can correct them.

General Session

The Flint Water Crisis
The news is filled with stories of the serious health and environmental challenges the people of Flint are facing as a result of the city’s lead-contaminated water crisis. Flint Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver will share with us how the city’s water system got to this point, and what can be done to remedy the situation in the short- and long-term.

 

Municipal Finance Reform

Last year, the League’s Board of Trustees made municipal finance reform a top legislative priority. Since then, League staff have been working behind the scenes to build a legislative and policy case for why communities matter and how there has been a consistent disinvestment in communities at the state level. The League’s Anthony Minghine will unveil some of our findings and lay out the next steps in this significant effort to reshape policy making around this important issue.

League Legislative Team Breaks it Down
See today’s political landscape through the eyes of your Michigan Municipal League lobbyists. We’ll decode the challenges and opportunities ahead and explain how communities can influence the biggest legislative issues of 2016.

Wed., March 23

General Session

Meet TED: New Department Design Focuses on Community Development
Talent attraction, retention, and training are the currency for the State’s future economic growth. The Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) allows the state to leverage its ability to build talent with in-demand skills while helping state businesses grow and thrive. Joining job creation and economic development efforts under one umbrella, TED consists of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Michigan Strategic Fund, and the newly-created Talent Investment Agency (TIA). In this session, you’ll learn how TED can help your community grow and prosper.

 

 

Breakout Sessions

The Case for Fixing Municipal Finance in Michigan
The League has made a substantial commitment to reform the state’s broken municipal finance system and provide a fiscally strong future for Michigan’s local governments. The first phase of this effort involved a comprehensive evaluation of why communities are vital to the economic future of our state and what factors are preventing them from being able to provide the services and development that lead to prosperity. Come hear experts discuss the findings of their research and lay out the case for fixing municipal finance in Michigan.

 

The Emerging New Mobility Industry
We’re quickly moving past the auto-dominated transportation system of the 20th century, and disruptively transitioning to a smart, integrated, IT-enabled multi-modal system that can move people more efficiently, in the ways they prefer to travel, and allows them to do the things they need to do, on demand. Learn about the assets Michigan has in place to lead this revolution and what communities will need to do to put the right policies in place to deploy the platforms that will support the new mobility industry.

 

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!

 

Dark Stores: What Are They and How Do They Impact Your Community?
The “Dark Store” theory of appealing property tax assessments is looming large over communities throughout the state of Michigan. Unfortunately, it could soon be coming to a city, village, township or county near you. In fact, it may already be there. Learn more about this important issue and the steps being taken in Lansing to protect Michigan communities from these unfair property tax assessments.

 

Delivering Value-Based Solutions for Michigan Communities
The Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA) is a public-private partnership created to deliver shared services and functions to local units of government throughout the state of Michigan. Learn about their vision to revolutionize the delivery of services and functions by local governments across the state through access to best practices and shared services in order to contain costs, manage resources, and enhance the quality of life, as well as state funding available to participating communities.

 

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.

 

Fact or Advocacy: Communicating with Your Residents about a Local Ballot Question
Communicating factual information to residents about a local millage, annexation, or a charter amendment, is a critical function of local government. Recent actions in Lansing have raised significant questions about how a community can provide that information to their residents. Hear from the experts about how your community can comply with state law and still effectively communicate with your citizens.