Press Release
Contact:
Matt Bach
Director of Communications
Michigan Municipal League
(734) 669-6317; C: (810) 874-1073
[email protected]; www.mml.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 20, 2020
Saginaw Councilmember Receives Education Scholarship
Jamie Forbes Awarded John Barr Leadership Education Scholarship
ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Saginaw City Councilmember Jamie Forbes has received a leadership education scholarship to help her further her training as an elected official.The Michigan Municipal League Foundation awarded Forbes a $1,000 John Barr Leadership Education Scholarship to attend the Michigan Municipal League’s Capital Conference in Lansing March 24-25, 2020.
Forbes grew up just outside of Saginaw County in Reese and has been a City of Saginaw resident for nearly eight years and investing her time in community initiatives and social justice issues for over 10 years. She is a proud member of the generous, welcoming, collaborative community of Saginaw and the surrounding region pursuing community development, social change, and celebration of diversity.
Forbes applied and was selected to fill a vacated council seat in September 2019. She felt that local government was the next best place where she could continue to make positive change in Saginaw.
“I am very grateful for the John Barr Leadership Scholarship, especially since we have already exceeded our training budget for the year,” Forbes said. “As a newly elected official, I believe MML conferences are essential to my growth as a public servant. What I learn at the League’s Capital Conference in March will help me have a better understanding of issues facing Michigan communities so I can better serve my constituents.”
The John Barr Leadership Education Scholarship was established in 2017 with a generous $10,000 investment from MML Foundation Board Member and Ypsilanti City Attorney John Barr. The scholarship was created from his vision to provide local elected and appointed officials the knowledge and skills they need to lead and govern their communities. Matching donations from League members, Foundation board members, and DTE Energy reached an additional $10,000.
To be eligible, applicants need to be current members in good standing of the League. Priority will be given to members of one of the following League affiliate organizations: Michigan Municipal Executives, Michigan Association of Mayors, Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, and Michigan Women in Municipal Government. Need is considered in the scholarship committee’s decision making.
Applications for the next round of scholarships will be accepted through May 31, 2020. For more information, including an application form, visit mmlfoundation.org/scholarships and click on the John Barr Leadership Education Scholarship.
The MML Foundation is working to advance community wealth through strategic partnerships and investments in strong, diverse leadership for Michigan communities and place-based initiatives that drive equitable outcomes.