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.–1:30 p.m.

Expo Hall Open

Exhibit Hall A

8:45–10:15 a.m.

General Session

The Next Chapter: A Vision for Michigan

Banquet Rooms 1–8

Join gubernatorial candidates as they take the stage to share their ideas for Michigan’s future. This session will provide a platform for each candidate to highlight their policy priorities and how they plan to enact that agenda. Members will hear directly from the candidates about their commitment to addressing the unique challenges Michigan and its communities face. Don’t miss this chance to be informed about Michigan’s future.

Speakers

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (confirmed)

Former Attorney General Mike Cox (confirmed)

Mike Duggan, Former Mayor, City of Detroit (invited)

United States Representative John James (invited)

Former Speaker of the House Tom Leonard (confirmed)

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (confirmed)

Ralph Rebandt (confirmed)

Sheriff Chris Swanson (confirmed)

CC 6: Strategic Leadership
CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation

10:15–10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

Exhibit Hall A

10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

General Session

Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation

Banquet Rooms 1–8

Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy

Michigan’s 2023 clean energy legislative reforms fundamentally change the regulatory landscape for local governments, utilities, and community energy planning. Local leaders are navigating evolving expectations for planning, community benefit agreements, and infrastructure coordination, while energy utilities are working towards achieving the clean energy goals by siting and operating new renewable energy and storage facilities.
This session will feature key leaders from the utility, municipal, and policy space discussing how proactive, mutually beneficial municipal–utility partnerships can support energy and energy-intensive infrastructure projects, while minimizing conflicts and leveraging investments that benefit people and their communities.

Speakers

Shanna Draheim, Director, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League

Daniel Mahoney, Director, Policy and Regional Affairs, DTE Energy

Sarah Mills, PhD, Director, Center for EmPowering Communities, University of Michigan

Shaquila Myers, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission

Julie Metty Bennett, CEO, Public Sector Consultants (moderator)

CC 6: Strategic Leadership
CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation
CC 10: Service Delivery

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

Meeting Rooms 203–204

Pre-registration required

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

Strategic Asset Management for Smaller Communities

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Abonmarche

Discover practical strategies for developing and implementing asset management plans in smaller communities. This session provides an overview of the process—from assessing infrastructure and prioritizing needs to integrating data and capital planning—helping local leaders make smart decisions to maximize limited resources and extend asset life.

Speaker

Leah Bectel, Project Manager, Abonmarche Consultants

CC 6: Strategic Leadership
CC 9: Community and Resident Service
CC 10: Service Delivery
CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting

Youth Movement: Getting Students Engaged in Local Government

Recent surveys show many local leaders are frustrated by low resident engagement. What if the key to revitalizing participation starts with youth? Petoskey and Sterling Heights offer compelling models for sparking a youth-led movement rooted in respectful dialogue and the power of diverse perspectives. Leaders from these communities will discuss how partnering with local schools, elevating young voices, and creating intentional platforms for involvement can inspire a new generation of engaged residents.

Speakers

Christina DeMoore, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Petoskey

Marissa Russo, Marketing & Communications Manager, City of Sterling Heights

Henry Yanez, Councilman, City of Sterling Heights

CC 2: Community Engagement  
CC 3: Equity and Inclusion
CC 9: Community and Resident Service

Turning Data into Decisions: The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant American Society of Employers (ASE)

This session will explore how to translate complex datasets into narratives that compel action. It will guide participants through the four essential stages of data-driven storytelling: gathering background, collecting data, building the story, and delivering the message. Attendees will learn how to tailor data stories for different audiences, avoid common pitfalls like data overload and bias, and use visualization techniques to enhance clarity and engagement.

Speaker

Tracy Neil, CFO, American Society of Employers (ASE)

CC 10: Service Delivery 
CC 11: Technological Literacy 
CC 14: Communication and Information Sharing 

Stormwater Management: The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Stormwater Utility

Recent court rulings have provided further guidance on the authority and process a municipality must follow to create and manage a stormwater utility. With the need to invest locally in stormwater management, many communities are looking for solutions that will address flooding concerns and protect the environment. Hear from experts about what these rulings mean, how communities can move forward, and what to do (and not do) when considering implementing a stormwater utility.

Speakers

Steven Joppich, Vice-President/Shareholder, Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler, PC

Sara Rubino, Government Policy Attorney, Oakland County WRC

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 
CC 10: Service Delivery

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 Legislature. This session is for both members who are just starting to dive into the Lansing arena as well as veterans seeking a refresher. Earn an Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Advocacy Credit in this session!

Speakers

John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 
CC 14: Communication and Information Sharing 

2:30–3 p.m.

Afternoon Snack & Networking Break

Mainstreet Concourse

3–4 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

What to Do When You’re Expecting: Spending New Transportation Revenue Wisely

With the passage of the state budget, the Legislature and governor agreed to increase transportation funding by nearly $2 billion annually, with significant resources being targeted towards local roads. With this infusion of resources, communities can invest in their streets as assets that go beyond just pavement conditions. This session will explore how thoughtful planning can provide multimodal transportation options, increase economic vibrancy, protect the natural environment, and foster thriving communities.

Speakers

Melanie Piana, Program Director, Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan

Suzanne Schulz, FAICP, Urban Design and Planning Practice Leader, Progressive Companies

Brad Strader, AICP, Director of Planning, Cincar Consulting Group (C2G)

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 
CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Williams & Works

In this unique mock trial session, attendees will observe a simulated courtroom where land use scenarios unfold through witness testimonies, attorney arguments, and judicial rulings. Officials will gain insights on common procedural mistakes, legally defensible decisions, and best practices that withstand judicial review.

Speakers

Andy Moore, Planner, Williams & Works

Chris Patterson, Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Eric Conn, Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

Wayne Beyea, Attorney, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

Get Housing Ready: Zoning Best Practices for Every Community

Sponsored by Allen Edwin Homes

Recently, the League proposed the MI Home Program. This innovative initiative supports investment to accelerate housing construction and rehabilitation, while also promoting updates to local zoning regulations that will help cultivate thriving communities and stimulate economic vitality. This session will explore zoning best practices to promote housing reforms that can be calibrated to the local level, prepare our communities for a wide range of housing types, and share ways to tailor housing policies to fit community specific needs.

Speakers

Adam Cook, Principal, OHM Advisors

Mark Nickita, President, ArchiveDS

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 
CC 10: Service Delivery
CC12: Financial Management and Budgeting

2030 Census Countdown: Making Every Resident Count – Starting Now

Hosted by MBC-LEO

The 2030 Census will shape Michigan’s representation and funding for the next decade. Municipal leaders play a critical role in preparing now. This session will highlight actions you can take to ensure a complete and accurate count, including address canvassing (LUCA), data verification, and community trust-building with hard-to-reach and undercounted populations.

Speakers

Jaclyn Butler, Ph.D., State Demographer, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, Department of Technology, Management & Budget

Joan M. Gustafson, External Affairs Officer, Michigan Nonprofit Association

Dante Moreno, Manager, Legislative Policy, National League of Cities (NLC)

CC 2: Community Engagement 
CC 3: Equity and Inclusion  
CC 14: Communication and Information Sharing

Lobbying 3.0

Building on the strategies introduced in Lobbying 2.0, this session takes your advocacy skills to the next level. League veterans will share how they’ve successfully applied proven techniques to advance issues and have their voices heard in Lansing. You’ll gain deeper insights into these issue areas from the municipal lens, learn effective actions to take, understand why those steps matter, and leave with a stronger grasp of how to collaborate and advocate for meaningful, lasting progress in your community.

Speakers

Bridget Dean, Mayor, City of Berkley

Brad Dick, City Councilor, City of Linden

Emily Kieliszewski, Assistant Director, Member Experience & Learning, Michigan Municipal League

CC 2: Community Engagement 
CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation
CC 9: Community and Resident Service