March 13, 2024

7:00 am–3:30 pm

Conference Registration

7:30–8:30 am

Legislative Breakfast

7:30 am–3:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Open

8:45–10:15 am

Morning General Session

Growing Michigan Through Thriving Communities
In December 2023, the Growing Michigan Together Council (GMTC) released a set of recommendations to grow Michigan’s population that includes significant investments in placemaking, transit, infrastructure, and more. Join us during our morning General Session for a conversation with Michigan leaders to learn about the GMTC’s process, feedback received from Michiganders throughout the state, the Council’s recommendations, why we must take bold steps to ensure Michigan’s future success, and how each of our communities can participate in these efforts. 

Speakers
Hilary Doe, Talent & Growth Strategy Executive, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP 
Aidan Sova, Trustee and Secretary, Ann Arbor District Library 
Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League (moderator) 

10:15–10:45 am

Exhibit Hall Networking Break

10:45–11:45 am

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.

Speakers
Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League 
Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League 

The Impact of Tobacco Policies on Local Government and Health Equity
Hosted by: Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO)
Policies around the regulation of tobacco products have long been a hot topic in Michigan and nationally. From the licensing of retailers and flavor restrictions to the raising of the minimum legal sale age, Michigan has observed its fair share of proposed policies. There has been a push to allow local governments more control over these restrictions. Advocates for this say it will help reduce disparities among groups most affected by tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Recently, the Michigan Senate introduced legislation to repeal some local preemption provisions in addition to implementing changes designed to limit exposure, particularly among our most vulnerable populations. Join us for an update on the senate package.

Speaker
Minou Jones, CEO and Founder, Making it Count Community Development Corporation

The Power to Transform Michigan Internet is in Your Hands
Seize this moment to directly impact your internet quality! Michigan is receiving $1.6 billion to upgrade internet infrastructure via the BEAD program, and your voice is the key to securing a share for your area. The BEAD Program provides federal funding to make grants to eligible entities for broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption projects. Incorrect mapping means no funding – it’s that simple. Join us for a conversation on the BEAD Program to date, what will come next with the completion of the State Challenge Process, and what local governments can do to continue their preparations to ensure every Michigander is empowered to access quality broadband connectivity that meets their needs.

Speaker
Chris Greene Hutchings, Michigan Moonshot Program Manager, Merit Network

Hitting Home on Housing: Tools for Knowledge and Action
Housing is at the forefront of nearly every community dialogue. This session will examine tools for housing data research and how to respond to shifting needs with increased housing variety. First up, MIHousingData.org, a free public resource designed to help community members and housing stakeholders across the state with greater access to their data. Next, new building options. The Pattern Book Homes project, launched in 2022 and expanded in 2023, features six free building plans, zoning reform how-to, a discussion of cost-effective energy efficiency features, and notes on housing financing tools.

Speakers
David Allen, Manager, Office of Market Research, Michigan State Housing Development Authority 
Melissa Milton-Pung, Program Manager, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League 

Community Excellence Unveiled: Winning Strategies from Local Projects Building Community Wealth
Step into the success stories of two communities that have embraced innovation and were awarded the League’s Community Excellence Award (CEA). These award-winning projects showcase the power of creative placemaking, addressing economic prosperity, a sense of place, natural assets, and cultural substance. In this breakout session, your peers will share the secrets behind their CEA-winning projects by showing how they navigated challenges, ideated transformative initiatives, and ultimately secured their place as leaders in community development. This session will inspire and leave you with actionable strategies for initiating innovative projects in your own unique context.

Speakers
Juan Ganum, City Manager, City of Bridgman
Julie Strating, Co-Founder, Changemaker Studio 
Emilie LaGrow, Village Manager, Village of Cassopolis 
Emily Kieliszewski, Assistant Director of Member Experience and Learning, Michigan Municipal League (moderator) 

11:45–1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Annual Meeting & Lunch

Exhibits Hall open during lunch

1:30–2:30 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Lobbying 3.0 
The League is a successful, grassroots organization largely because of the involvement of active members. In the Lobbying 2.0 breakout session, you learned the nuts and bolts of advocacy. In this session, 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
Andrea M. Cascarilla, Government Policy Advisor, Dykema
Monique Field-Foster, Executive Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Melvin Henley, Policy Manager, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM)
John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League (moderator) 

Siting Renewable Energy: The Ins and Outs of Options for Local Governments
Public Act 233 and 234 of 2023 brought sweeping changes to the landscape of renewable energy in Michigan, specifically, to the role of local governments. Join us for a conversation on one of the most significant changes: the creation of the compatible renewable energy ordinance (CREO). Only through a CREO, which must comply with state statue, can a local government guarantee that the project be sited at the local level. During this session, we’ll break down the expectations of a CREO, identify the steps to make existing ordinances compatible, and the consequences for a local unit without one.

Speaker
Dr. Sarah Mills, Director, Center for EmPowering Communities, University of Michigan

Approving New Housing Options – What Makes or Breaks the Deal?
In the last several years, the demand for housing options at all income levels has increased. New financial resources, revamped state policies, and a growing list of creative tools have positioned communities for success. Hear from developers who are spearheading projects in large and small towns across Michigan as they discuss what can help these projects cross the finish line or cause them to walk away. You won’t want to miss this informative discussion on one of Michigan’s most pressing needs.

Speakers
Jill Ferrari, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Renovare Development
Shannon Morgan, Managing Partner, Renovare Development

Collective Bargaining and Changes in Your Communities
The Michigan Legislature passed several bills this session that will change the topics and requirements local governments must entertain from labor organizations and during collective bargaining. More bills are slated for legislative discussion in 2024. What does this mean for your community? Join us for an update on some of the changes that will impact municipalities across Michigan, from intergovernmental agreements and minimum staffing levels to workers’ rights.

Speakers
Brandon Fournier, Partner, Shifman Fournier 
Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League (moderator) 

Railroad Crossing Safety: Regulatory Functions and Project Funding Opportunities
Join The Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Rail for a discussion regarding safety issues at railroad crossings and an overview of state and federal grant programs that are available to assist local road agencies with crossing projects. Topics will include our regulatory authority, statutory requirements, crossing inspections, notices regarding maintenance concerns, and details on programs that provide opportunities for local agencies to apply for funding and assistance with making improvements at railroad crossings.

Speakers
Kristian Foondle, Rail Safety Manager, MDOT Office of Rail
Alexis Louth, Local Grade Crossing Program Analyst, Michigan Department of Transportation

2:30–2:45 pm

Exhibit Hall Networking Break and Dessert

2:45–4:30 pm

Closing General Session

Politics, Place, and People: Moving Michigan Forward
Hear the story beyond the headlines. Political insiders will answer a series of questions designed to give the audience a peak behind the curtain of state and national politics and policy. This session will build on the conversation of what Michiganders want in a thriving community, the challenges state leaders face to deliver on these desires, the role state and national elections will have in 2024, and much more.

Speakers
Michael Griffie, Detroit Metro Leader, AECOM 
Jenell Leonard, Owner, Marketing Resource Group, LLC 
John Proos, CEO/Founder, JP4 Government Solutions, LLC 
Orlando Bailey, Engagement Director, BridgeDetroit (moderator) 

 

*Indicates additional fee