April 19, 2023
10:30 – 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
John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Unlocking the Potential of New Housing Tools in Your Community
In December of 2023 the Housing Michigan Coalition successfully advocated for the passage of several pieces of legislation that expand programs allowing local units of government to work with developers, builders, and non-profits to rehabilitate and increase workforce housing in their area. Learn more about these new and expanded tools and how your community can put them into practice to address your unique housing needs.
Speakers
Dawn Crandall, EVP of Government Relations, Home Builders Association of Michigan
Joshua Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Get Creative: How to Thoughtfully Innovate Your Hiring Practices
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the workforce and the desires of potential employees. In the face of these changes, how do communities adjust their hiring policies and practices to meet the demands of today’s workforce? Explore creative ways to evaluate your needs, and thoughtfully innovate your approach to hiring new employees. This session will help you achieve the aspirations of your community and make your cities, villages, and urban townships even more attractive to an increasingly mobile workforce.
Speakers
Shamar Herron, Executive Director, Michigan Works Southeast
Dr. Debra Horner, Senior Program Manager, Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) at U-M
Creating Momentum for Systems Level Change in Government
Across several roles, Poppy Sias Hernandez is a champion for equity and inclusion in Michigan. In 2020, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer as the first-ever Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in the Governor’s Executive Office – a position she holds in addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Office of Global Michigan. In this session, Sias Hernandez will share highlights of her work and discuss how state agencies are working together to show up for change.
Speakers
Poppy Sias Hernandez, Executive Director, Office of Global Michigan, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Governor’s Office
Kelly Warren, Director, Equity & Member Engagement, Michigan Municipal League
Using Barrier Free Design to Address Equity Issues
Barrier free design means the absence of obstacles in an environment, therefore allowing persons with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities safer and easier access into buildings. Here from members of the Michigan’s Barrier Free Design board on steps local government can take to improve access for people of all abilities.
Speakers
Kelly L PeLong, BS; LBSW; CHRS, Executive Director, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
Ronald Campbell, Principal Planner/Preservation Architect at Oakland County
Moderator
Melissa Milton-Pung, Program Manager, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Lobbying 3.0
The League is a successful, grassroots organization largely because of the involvement of active members – that’s you! In the Lobbying 2.0 breakout session, you learned the nuts and bolts of advocacy. In 3.0, you will hear from a panel of experts as they share their best practices for lobbying and messaging to achieve results and their experiences being lobbied. Learn how to effectively communicate your message and develop coalitions and partnerships with groups and businesses to achieve your community’s goals.
Speakers
Tracy Winston, Area Director of Government Affairs, Waste Management
Monique Field-Foster, Warner Norcross
John Walsh, President and CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association
Moderator
Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Addressing Homelessness at the Community Level
There is no single experience of homelessness. For some, homelessness can be temporary and brief while for others it can last for months or years. Hear from experts as they share proven policies and ways to access available resources to improve systems and support communities to prevent and end homelessness in ways that leave no one behind.
Speakers
Kelly Rose, Chief Housing Solutions Officer, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Eric Hufnagel, Executive Director, Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
Straight from the Source: Michigan Department of Treasury Shares the Latest on Issues Impacting Local Government
Every year local governments must deal with the implications of Headlee, manage legislative changes to Michigan tax law, and comply with application and reporting requirements for grant funding made available by the state. The Michigan Department of Treasury is at the center of many of these issues.Key staff from the department will share the latest information on how inflation is impacting property taxes, recent changes to the personal property tax small taxpayer exemption, administration of the new personal property tax exemption for heavy rental equipment, and submission of applications for the municipal pension debt relief program. Much to unpack here, and Treasury officials will help break it down.
Speakers
Juanita Sarles, Michigan Department of Treasury
David Buick, Executive Director, Michigan Department of Treasury
Nick Brousseau, State Administrative Manager, Michigan Department of Treasury
Moderator
Jessica Thomas, Michigan Department of Treasury
Impacts of SECURE 2.0 on Municipal Retirement Plans
SECURE 2.0 contains 92 provisions designed to promote savings and financial wellness, streamline administration for employers, and offer more flexibility to participants. Some, but not all, of these provisions apply to municipal retirement programs. This session will cover provisions that apply to public sector retirement plans, including a timeline of those that went into immediate effect and those that are yet to come. In addition to discussing what actions plan sponsors must take today, we will explore the opportunities they now have to improve their plan design and encourage participation.
Speakers
Kristin Beals Bellar, General Counsel, Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan
John Waugh, Benefit Plan Advisor, Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan
Proposal 2 and Elections in Your Communities
Proposal 2 was passed overwhelmingly by voters in November of 2022. It will expand several rights Michiganders have when it comes to our elections, including allowing early voting and more absentee drop boxes. But what does it mean for your community and who is going to pay for this? It’s up to local governments to figure it out and this session is here to help. Join officials from the Michigan Secretary of State to get the latest on Proposal 2, and hear about potential legislation needed to implement it, and the overall impact on our communities.
Speaker
Aghogho Edevbie, Deputy Secretary of State, State of Michigan