June 23, 2010

James Howard Kunstler to Speak at League Convention

A nationally known author, social critic, urban planning expert and journalist is coming to the Michigan Municipal League’s 2010 Annual Convention in September.

The League is excited to have James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere and Home from Nowhere featured among the high-energy, engaging speakers for the League’s 112th Annual Convention, September 21-24 in Dearborn. Click here to register.

Congrats Community Excellence Award Nominees!

Congratulations to all communities for their successful projects entered in the 2010 Community Excellence Award “Race for the Cup!” Click below to read about the nominees and projects from each region.

Region 1 – Monroe
Region 2 – East Lansing
Region 3 – Grand Haven
Region 4 – Saginaw
Region 5 – Harbor Beach
Region 6 – Kingsley
Region 7 – St. Ignace

Join your fellow region attendees at the 2010 League Convention, September 21-24, in Dearborn to vote for your favorite project!

Elected Officials Academy Weekender Program
July 16-17, 2010, Traverse City

Don’t miss this opportunity and register today!

Enhance your skills as an elected official by attending the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Core Weekender, July 16-17 at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. Attendees will learn roles and responsibilities, the fundamentals of financial management, the essentials of organization, and the basics of planning and zoning.

For those that have already attended the Core Weekender, you won’t want to miss the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Advanced Weekender also July 16-17 in Traverse City. Topics to be covered are regional cooperation, financial modeling, and a toolbox for growth.

For more information on the EOA Weekenders and other upcoming events, please click here.

Affiliate News

Michigan Association of Mayors –
Summer Workshop Featuring Technology

Don’t forget to register for the Mayors Summer Workshop! Come to beautiful St. Ignace August 4-6 and enjoy a workshop filled with technology and social media tips that can help save your community money! This year’s theme is “Saving Your Community Money, One Technology At A Time.” Sessions will include the latest technology trends, how to use social media tools to communicate to residents, legal aspects to keep in mind when using social media, and much more! Along with the workshop, enjoy a tour of St. Ignace, networking with peers, fabulous food and great conversation! Register today!

Other Events

Symposium to Provide Opportunity for Discussion on Municipal Responses to New Medical Marihuana Law

When Michigan voters passed the Medical Marihuana ballot initiative in November 2008, it was obvious that few knew what this would mean for patients, caregivers and others in the community. From drive-through dispensaries to medical marihuana lounges, a wide range of issues have arisen as a result of this new legislation.

To learn more about this unconventional law, address differing perspectives, and discuss its implications for municipalities, the Michigan Townships Association (MTA), Michigan Municipal League (MML) and Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) are hosting a symposium on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Ypsilanti Charter Township Civic Center in Washtenaw County. “Municipal Responses to Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act—A Symposium to Discuss the Relevant Issues” will feature an array of experts and include an overview of the law as well as panel discussions on law enforcement issues, land use considerations, and zoning provisions.

To register, contact Rebecca at 517-321-6467, ext. 227, or email: rebecca@michigantownships.org with your name, position, municipality, and an email address (or phone number). Registrations will be accepted until July 15, or sooner if capacity is reached.

For more training and education opportunities, please visit our League calendar.