Convention Content Tracks

This year’s Convention introduces five new content tracks to help you easily find sessions aligned with your interests and professional focus. Each session on the agenda will be labeled by track, making it simple to build a personalized experience. Explore Finance & Infrastructure for practical approaches to budgeting, funding, and infrastructure; Innovation & Sustainability for forward-thinking ideas on technology, sustainability, and the future of local government; Leadership & Governance for insights on effective leadership and council dynamics; Policy & Advocacy for the latest on legislative issues and implementation; and Community & Economic Development for strategies that strengthen and grow communities. 

Finance and Infrastructure

Location: Tower Ballroom A

Smart Budgeting: Innovative Approaches to Financial Resilience

Thursday, October 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m. 

What the USDA Rural Development Agency Can Do for You

Thursday, October 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Managing Benefits Before They Manage Your Budget

Friday, October 9, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

Innovation & Sustainability

Location: Tower Ballroom B

The Vision Zero Approach for Safer Local Roads

Thursday, October 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m. 

A.I. in Government: Promises, Pitfalls, & Preparedness

Thursday, October 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

Friday, October 9, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

Leadership & Governance

Location: Tower Ballroom C

Partnering in Philanthropy with the MML Foundation

Thursday, October 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m. 

The First Amendment & the Right to Peaceably Assemble

Thursday, October 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Public Service, Mental Health, & Family Impact

Friday, October 9, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

Policy & Advocacy

Location: Mackinac Ballroom

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

Thursday, October 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m. 

Legislative Update

Thursday, October 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Making Every Vote Accessible: Empowering Your Community

Friday, October 9, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

Community & Economic Development

Location: Peninsula Ballroom

A Beginner’s Guide to Whiplash-Free Housing Development

Thursday, October 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m. 

The Michigan Oasis: Implications for Future Planning

Thursday, October 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Building Coalitions to Address Homelessness and Housing Vulnerable Communities

Friday, October 9, 9:15–10:15 a.m.