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

Cutting Through the Bureaucracy: A Federal Perspective

Every day we read and watch the headlines coming out of Washington D.C., but what really goes on behind the scenes? Come listen to former members of Congress as they give you a peak behind the curtain and a firsthand account of their time in our nation’s capital. You will experience an honest conversation on where they believe we stand as a country following an intense presidential election cycle, the opportunities the lie ahead, and the challenges we may face going forward.

Speakers:
The Honorable Representative Fred Upton
The Honorable Representative Dan Kildee
The Honorable Senator Debbie Stabenow (invited)

 

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

Strategic Advocacy to Create Thriving Communities
Meeting Rooms 101-102
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.

Speakers:
John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Richard Murphy, Program Manager, Michigan Municipal League

 

Direct Pay Tax Credits: An Opportunity for Local Governments to Finance Clean Energy Projects
Meeting Rooms 103-104
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.

 

Neighborhood Impact: How Decisions Made 100 Years Ago Still Affect a Community
Meeting Room 201
Join John Willis for a gripping, fact-driven presentation that uncovers the untold story of how one of the most thriving communities in Jackson, Michigan, was systematically transformed into an urban ghetto. Using historical records, powerful images, and real accounts, this presentation unpacks the devastating effects of redlining in the 1930s and the so-called “urban renewal” of the 1960s—policies that uprooted families, stripped generational wealth, and redefined the landscape of economic inequality in Jackson. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how systemic discrimination shaped the city’s poorest neighborhood and why its impact still lingers today. Don’t miss this eye-opening session that connects the past to present-day challenges and sparks critical conversations about justice, policy, and community restoration. The presentation also shares how the City of Jackson committed $4.5 million in ARPA funds and $9 million in grant funding to this challenged community to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood improvement.

Speaker: John Willis, Chief Equity Officer, City of Jackson, MI

 

An Old Tool with a New Use and a New Tool Never Used—Help for Housing
Meeting Room 202
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.

 

Lobbying 2.0
Meeting Rooms 204-205
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.

 

2:30–3 p.m.

Afternoon Snack & Networking Break

Exhibit Hall A

 

3–4 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

From Production to Disposal: The Need to Transform Local Waste Management
Meeting Rooms 101-102
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
Meeting Rooms 103-104
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.

Speaker: Brandon Fournier, Partner, Shifman Fournier

 

The Role of Local Leaders Preparing for Mass Shootings ( Hosted by MBC-LEO)
Meeting Room 201
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.

Speaker: Sarah Peck, Director, UnitedOnGuns, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University

 

The Interaction Between Headlee and Proposal A: Why Do We Need to Fix It?
Meeting Room 202
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.

Speaker:
Anthony Minghine, Deputy Executive Director, External Strategies, Michigan Municipal League

 

Lobbying 3.0
Meeting Rooms 204-205
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.

Speakers:
John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

*Indicates additional fee