Contact:
Jessica Weirauch
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734-669-6311

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2026

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Municipal League has named State Representative Samantha Steckloff and State Senator Sarah Anthony as Legislators of the Year. Representative Steckloff (D-19), and Senator Anthony (D-21) received the honor on March 10 at the League’s 2026 CapCon in Lansing.

This award is presented each year to lawmakers for their actions in the Michigan State Legislature on behalf of local communities. These individuals are recognized for their efforts in the passage of legislation that will benefit local governments or fighting consistently to support local government.

“We appreciate the advocacy of Representative Steckloff and Senator Anthony on behalf of local government,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “More than ever, we need committed leaders who understand the unique partnership between municipal and state government, and these two legislators are exactly that.”

Samantha Steckloff is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. A lifelong Farmington Hills resident, she began her public service in 2013 on the Farmington Hills City Council. Elected to the Michigan House in 2020, Representative Steckloff serves on the Appropriations Committee, where she is the Ranking Member of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Subcommittee.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Michigan Municipal League for this honor and for their tireless work championing local government across Michigan,” said Representative Steckloff. “My time serving on the City Council in Farmington Hills shaped my understanding of how critical strong local leadership is to the success of our state. That experience continues to guide my work in Lansing as I advocate for policies that empower our cities, villages, and townships.”

Sarah Anthony serves as mid-Michigan’s first Black woman to be elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate. Her legislative achievements include the passage of the CROWN Act, the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, and negotiating state budgets centered on priorities such as health care, housing, childcare, and education. She also served as Director of the Michigan College Access Network, partnering with education, nonprofit and business leaders to provide coordinate support for students.

“As someone who began my career in local government, I am especially honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Michigan Municipal League,” said Senator Anthony. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the budget to bring back a more equitable revenue sharing model for Michigan, restoring funds to over 1,000 communities. While this year’s work will be harder than ever, I am confident that—in keeping our people front and center and staying true to our values—we can deliver more solutions that Michigan families and communities are counting on.”

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.