March 19, 2025

7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Mainstreet Concourse

 

7:30–8:30 a.m.

Legislative Breakfast

Exhibit Hall A

Enjoy breakfast in a relaxed setting as you network with senators, representatives, key legislative staff members, and other top state officials. Hear their perspectives on state issues and share your views on matters that affect your community.

 

7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

Exhibit Hall A

 

8:45–10:15 a.m.

Morning General Session

Banquet Rooms 1-8

 

10:15–10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

Exhibit Hall A

 

10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

General Session

Banquet Rooms 1-8

On the Front Line: Leadership in Times of Tragedy

No one hopes for tragedy, but when one occurs, communities look to their leaders for strength and guidance. Two of Michigan’s mayors were recently placed in a position of having to help their residents persevere through a difficult time. Join us as we listen to their honest thoughts on what it takes to be a strong leader both in the moment of a tragedy and after.

 

12–1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Exhibit Hall A

 

12–1:30 p.m.

Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) Annual Meeting & Luncheon

(pre-registration required)

Governors Room

 

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

Lobbying 2.0

The Michigan 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 they share the ins and outs of the Michigan Legislature. This session is for members who are just diving into the Lansing arena and veterans seeking a refresher. Earn an Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Advocacy Credit in this session.

 

Strategic Advocacy to Create Thriving Communities

The future of Michigan relies on creating thriving communities across the state. From downtowns to small towns, local leaders are working to create places that build shared community values and create deep connections. For our communities to thrive, it is critical that the state of Michigan provide them with the necessary resources and tools. In pursuit of our legislative priorities, the League is connecting data and stories that show the importance of these policies. Come learn about how we’re connecting our legislative agenda and guiding principles to research showing the on-the-ground impact.

 

Direct Pay Tax Credits: An Opportunity for Local Governments to Finance Clean Energy Projects

If your community is looking to save money paying for renewable energy projects, installing EV chargers, or purchasing clean vehicles for your fleet, direct pay could cover 30 to 70 percent of the cost for these investments through 2032. The Inflation Reduction Act introduced direct pay (also known as elective pay), which extends clean energy tax credits to tax-exempt and government entities. This session will focus on this new opportunity to receive payment for municipal clean energy projects, EV chargers, and electric vehicles. Learn about eligibility requirements and resources available for project development, financing, and tax filing.

 

The Interaction Between Headlee and Proposal A: Why Do We Need to Fix It?

Michigan is somewhat unique in that we have not one but two constitutional limitations on property taxes. The Headlee amendment, adopted in 1978, limits taxes by rolling back the maximum millage rate of a community, and Proposal A, adopted in 1994, limits tax growth on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Individually, the concepts work, but the combination of the two has created a dysfunctional system in need of legislative attention. We will explore these issues in detail and discuss legislative solutions to address the problem.

 

An Old Tool with a New Use and a New Tool Never Used—Help for Housing

Public Act 381, the Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, was revised in 2023 to expand eligible activities for Tax Increment Financing reimbursement, including the addition of housing as an eligible activity. Public Act 233 of 2002 created the Attainable Facilities Housing Act. Learn how communities and developers are using these tools to help tackle the shortage of attainable housing, how to prepare for these incentives, and how to manage applications and projects.

 

2:30–3 p.m.

Afternoon Snack & Networking Break

Exhibit Hall A

 

3–4 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

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 our lobbyists as they break down specific legislative priorities around housing and infrastructure. Learn the nuances of these issues, what specific actions can be taken, and why those actions matter. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to work together and how to advocate for successful passage of priority legislation.

 

From Production to Disposal: The Need to Transform Local Waste Management

As local governments face increasing pressure to manage waste effectively and meet sustainability goals, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies present a powerful solution. EPR shifts the financial burden of waste management away from municipalities and onto the producers of products, helping to create a more sustainable, circular economy. With EPR laws already in place in seven states, the movement is gaining momentum in the U.S. This breakout session will introduce the fundamentals of EPR, explore its growing role in waste management, and highlight how local governments can leverage these policies to reduce costs, enhance recycling programs, and contribute to sustainability objectives.

 

Labor Policy: A Snapshot for Local Governments

Legislation on collective bargaining and workers’ rights took center stage during the 2023–2024 legislative session. There were also significant decisions made by the Michigan Supreme Court regarding paid sick leave and the minimum wage. Join us for an update on the labor policies that could have an impact on municipalities across Michigan.

 

The Role of Local Leaders Preparing for Mass Shootings

As mass shootings continue to devastate communities across our nation, preparedness and knowing how to respond are critical to public service. This session will feature subject matter experts who will discuss essential tools and resources for local leaders, so they can be ready in the event of a mass shooting. Topics will include what municipal officials can do to prepare, planning victim services, and how to ensure law enforcement officials have the training and equipment they need.

 

*Indicates additional fee