Convention Agenda

8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Center Concourse

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Education Tours

Rollin’ on the (Grand) River

Take a stroll along Michigan’s longest river and look at some of the latest developments rising along its banks. The Grand Rapids riverfront will soon include the Acrisure Amphitheater, a state-of-the-art outdoor performing space. You’ll also learn about the upcoming Grand River Greenway (an 85-mile network of public parks and trails along the river’s edge connecting Ottawa and Kent Counties), and the ongoing dam removal to restore the river’s natural rapids—the city’s namesake.

There’s a New Use for That: Building Conversions That Create Housing

Grand Rapids is a leader in housing creation—not only through new construction, but also in transforming older buildings into new homes. This tour showcases several projects that created housing units from underutilized sites. We’ll visit a few locations (some of which were featured in the League’s House Hacking Policy Brief), including one site in the process of redevelopment. Along the way, our group will discuss current data, why we need a multi-pronged approach to housing, ways to address development costs, and how local officials can champion these housing projects in their own communities.

View informational document here.

Community-Led Design: Amplify GR

Join this local nonprofit and learn about their efforts to create a safer, more equitable Grand Rapids. This tour will focus on Amplify GR’s community-led revitalization efforts in Boston Square, a neighborhood in the city’s southeast. We’ll start by visiting their new community center, HUB 07. We’ll also discuss Amplify GR’s other projects, including two mixed-income, mixed-use housing developments under construction—all of them informed by input from the people who live there.

A Greener Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is leading the way in climate mitigation and adaptation. See examples of the investments the City has made in pursuit of its ambitious climate goals, with particular focus on projects related to stormwater infrastructure and community collaboration. Celebrate the successes of Grand Rapids and learn how you might adapt these lessons to your community’s sustainability projects.

Frederik Meijer Gardens Tour

This lush, 158-acre park features a Japanese garden and an English perennial garden alongside immaculately maintained trails and water features. Nestled among the walking paths are over 50 large scale sculpture works that include pieces by Auguste Rodin, Ai Weiwei, and Jean Arp, as well as The American Horse, an enormous casting of a design originally by Leonardo da Vinci. Join us for two tours: a 30-minute guided tram tour of the outdoor gardens and a self-guided tour of the indoor gardens. One of the crown jewels of Grand Rapids, the Meijer Gardens are not to be missed!

12:30–1:45 p.m.

Lunch

Networking Lunch

DeVos Place Ballroom A

First Time Attendee Lunch

Atrium Room
Sponsored by: Michigan Planners
Pre-registration required

Is this your first Convention, or are you new to the League? This lunch will introduce League staff and board members, and peers who can answer questions about the League and how to make the most of your time at Convention.

2–4 p.m.

Opening General Session & Community Excellence Award Presentations

Ambassador Ballroom
Sponsored by: Michigan Municipal Executives

“What Did You Think You Were Getting Into?”: The Power and Pitfalls of Leadership

Download presentation

One of Michigan’s preeminent attorneys and a veteran of numerous government roles, Mike McGee has been a leader in municipal circles for decades. In addition to a long and distinguished career that concluded as managing partner of Michigan’s largest law firm, he’s served as a city council member and strategic advisor to communities of all sizes. In this talk, Mike will share insights on the importance of leadership, emphasizing the critical role of local elected officials. Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate their own leadership styles and consider the importance of their roles within their communities and in the wider world.

Speaker

Michael McGee, Chair, Michigan Municipal League Foundation; Senior Counsel, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC

4–4:30 p.m.

Delegate Check-In

Pantlind Foyer 

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting

Pantlind Ballroom 

4–5:30 p.m.

CEA Tables and Voting Open

Center Concourse
Sponsored by: Plante Moran

6–8 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Ashton Cocktail Lounge
The B.O.B
20 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 

7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Center Concourse

7:30–9 a.m.

Breakfast

Networking Breakfast

DeVos Place Ballroom A

Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Annual Meeting & Breakfast

Atrium Room
Pre-registration required

Attendance at the breakfast is limited to Mayors, Presidents, and Urban Township Supervisors. The Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) is the official nonpartisan organization of Michigan’s chief elected officials. Representing over 100 Michigan communities, MAM works to assist the chief elected officials of cities, villages, and urban townships; advance the various interests and operations of communities represented by its members and all Michigan communities; promote cooperation among communities statewide; and advocate local interests at the state and federal level.

8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

CEA Tables and Voting Open

Center Concourse

9–10:30 a.m.

Morning General Session

Ambassador Ballroom
Sponsored by: Allen Edwin Homes

Redefining Community for People, Place, and Purpose

Download presentation

Weakened human connection, digital isolation, and poor urban design have all contributed to the fraying of our social fabric. This has negative consequences for both community cohesion and residents’ mental health. As municipal leaders, how can we help reverse this trend? Allyson Brunette, downtown development specialist and “local government whisperer,” will lead a bold discussion about how we can begin to restore our social institutions and foster community connections through revitalizing public spaces, developing offline relationships, and redefining what service looks like in the 21st century.

Speaker

Allyson Brunette, Founder, Allyson Brunette Consulting

10:30–10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

10:45–11:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

A.I., Access, and the Future of Governance: Closing the Tech Gap in Communities

Hosted by MBC-LEO

Download presentation

Artificial intelligence touches everything now, and governments are making policy about (and with) it as we speak. How can communities harness A.I. to improve lives, expand access, and close systemic gaps—rather than deepen them? Hosted by MBC-LEO, this session will spotlight innovation and equity in a compelling and future-focused way. Learn from Black Tech Saturdays and TechSmith about their groundbreaking initiatives and how to make technology decisions that are thoughtful, intentional, and centered on what is most important: people. The future is already here—learn how you can shape it. 

Speakers

Michelle Massey, Vice President Community Outreach and Technical Support, TechSmith

Emmie Musser, Future of Work Strategist, TechSmith

Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder, Black Tech Saturdays

Thriving Communities for a Thriving Michigan

Download presentation

The League’s work to promote thriving local communities as a vital part of Michigan’s prosperity continues at multiple scales. Indicators of a “thriving community” include high-quality infrastructure, public health and safety, economic well-being, arts and culture, education access, and housing availability.   Come learn about tools your community can use to guide local conversations about strategic priorities and tradeoffs on these indicators, and about the League’s work to benchmark the state of Michigan and make “thriving” a critical part of our advocacy efforts.

Speakers

Richard Murphy, Sr. Program Manager, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League

Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State and Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

Practical Sustainability and Michigan Green Communities Update

Download presentation

Holland’s sustainability manager, Dan Broersma, has dedicated two decades to sustainability in the workplace. His curiosity and passion for the field have propelled Holland to become a national leader in sustainability. In his new book, Practical Sustainability, Broersma seeks to change the question of, “Should I embrace sustainability in my organization?” into the more fitting, “Why wouldn’t I?” Holland has long been a leader in the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program, administered by the Michigan Municipal League. Join this session to hear Broersma’s insights, along with “next practices” and useful tools from MGC to embed sustainability into your local government policies and operations. Free copies of Practical Sustainability will be available for attendees of this session, but copies are limited!

Speakers

Danielle Beard, Special Projects Coordinator, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League

Dan Broersma, Author & Sustainability Manager, City of Holland

From Farmer’s Markets to Your Table: Municipal Food Policy in Michigan

Download presentation

Everyone must eat, and yet municipal governments often overlook their role in shaping their local food systems. This session demystifies food policy for communities that don’t have dedicated staff or big-city budgets. We’ll start with the Michigan Good Food Charter and the role of food policy councils. Then, we’ll explore how food shows up—intentionally or not—in zoning codes, permitting, waste systems, and public health planning. Hear the current state of food policy in Michigan and nationwide and discover low- to no-cost procedures you can enact to positively impact sustainable food systems and reduce waste while increasing access and supporting entrepreneurship. There will also be a Q&A to dig into your community’s specific food system questions.

Speakers

Megan Masson-Minock, Principal, Carlisle|Wortman Associates, Inc.

Amanda Maria Edmonds, Consultant/Owner, Beehive Strategies

Reviving the Corridor: Reimagining Commercial Zones for Housing, Transit, and Community Well-Being

Download presentation

As housing shortages persist across communities of all sizes, planners are increasingly looking to underutilized commercial corridors as untapped opportunities for redevelopment. This session will explore how strategic rezoning and planning of aging or underused commercial corridors can unlock new housing potential while enhancing commercial vitality, improving transit access, and fostering vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. We will examine how these corridors can be transformed to support higher residential density alongside placemaking amenities such as public spaces, active transportation infrastructure, and local-serving retail. You’ll learn how to assess corridor potential using data-driven approaches and align redevelopment efforts with broader goals including sustainability, equity, and economic resilience.

Speakers

Ryan Kilpatrick, Founder and CEO, Flywheel Community Development Services

Ryan Schmidt, Partner, Indigo Design + Development

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Lunch

Networking Lunch

DeVos Place Ballroom A

Michigan Women in Municipal Government (MWIMG) Annual Meeting & Luncheon

Women Leading Local: A Conversation Circle

Atrium Room
Additional fee and pre-registration required
Take a break from formal presentations—this session is all about sharing wisdom, sparking ideas, and building connections. In small groups, we’ll explore real-time challenges, community wins, and how to better support one another in our work.

1–2:30 p.m.

Afternoon General Session

Ambassador Ballroom
Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Mural, Mural on the Wall: Placemaking Through Art

Download presentation

Art is one of many tools that can address challenges and elevate opportunities in communities. Used correctly, public art can create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient spaces that foster creativity and connection in our public squares. This session will highlight real-life examples of how Michigan communities have identified artists and invested in art to drive social, cultural, and economic benefits.

Speakers

Scott McLennan, Mayor, City of Rogers City

Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, City of Sterling Heights

Mark Washington, City Manager, City of Grand Rapids

Moderator

Kate Knight, Executive Director, Northville Downtown Development Authority

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Networking Break

2:45–3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

Making Your Community “Child Care Ready”

Download presentation

Child care availability, cost, and quality are huge challenges for parents and caregivers across Michigan. It impacts workforce participation, small business success, and parental engagement in the community. A new toolkit—designed by leaders experienced in child care policy implementation at both local and statewide levels—is now available to help communities treat child care as the essential part of community infrastructure that it is. Join us for a discussion on actions communities can take to support child care as a vital part of their civic and economic strategy.

Speakers

Kathy Szenda Wilson, Founder and Co-Executive Director, Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

Joan Blough, Senior Director, Child Care Innovation Fund, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

Michelle Parkkonen, Managing Director, Technical Assistance Programs, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Civility in Your Community—Should We Agree to Disagree?

Download presentation

Public trust can be earned—beginning with local leaders. Lack of civility, whether during council meetings or public interactions, will impact your community. It can even affect a municipality’s ability to attract and retain its elected and appointed officials. Data from the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) indicates that our municipal officials are experiencing stress from the lack of civility that seems to permeate all levels of government today. This session will highlight challenges and offer strategies for improving local civility, ethics, and leadership.

Speaker

William Mathewson, Legal Consultant, Michigan Municipal League

Creative Storm Water Management in the City of Grand Rapids

Download presentation

As we see more frequent and higher rainfall each year, many Michigan communities need different (and better) stormwater management systems. Investing in green or grey infrastructure isn’t a small decision. This session highlights how the City of Grand Rapids has successfully used advanced stormwater management techniques while prioritizing neighborhoods at greatest risk of flooding and other environmental and socioeconomic stressors. Learn more about the innovative ways the city has pursued its sustainability to drive smarter infrastructure decisions.

Speaker

Daniel Taber, Stormwater Manager, City of Grand Rapids

Steadying the Ship: Smart Budgeting Strategies for Uncertain Times

Download presentation

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Rehmann.

Economic uncertainty can send ripples through local government budgets. This presentation will help officials develop resilient budgeting practices that balance increasing demands with finite resources. Through real-life examples and professional expertise, learn innovative and practical strategies to prioritize critical services and financial sustainability. Whether you’re navigating an economic downturn or unexpected crisis, or simply planning ahead, this session will provide the tools you need to budget effectively—even in the face of unpredictable challenges.

Speakers

Rachel Frisch, Senior Manager, Rehmann

Dan Merritt, Principal, Rehmann

Legislative Update

Download presentation

From the passage of the state budget to discussions on road funding, housing, and economic development, the legislature continues to tackle issues facing local government. Our lobbying team will break it all down for you and offer insights on what legislation is likely to see action and, more importantly, how you can engage!

Speakers

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

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

Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State and Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

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

4–5:30 p.m.

Vendor Reception

Crown Foyer 

Sponsored by:

123NET, Allen Edwin Homes, Avila, Crimson, Fleis & VandenBrink, Global Solutions Group, McKenna, MERS, OHM Advisors, Pine Rest Employee Assistance Program, SAFEbuilt, Social News Desk, Spicer Group, Inc., The Brick Industry Association, Throne Labs

7–10:30 a.m.

Conference Registration Open

Center Concourse

7:30–9 a.m.

Breakfast

Networking Breakfast

DeVos Place Ballroom A

Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) Breakfast & Membership Meeting

Atrium Room
Pre-registration required

The Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) provides a forum for its members to collaborate, network, share information, and provide support to one another in the State of Michigan. Membership in the Caucus is comprised of local elected officials, municipal staff members, associates, students, and supporting members in the State of Michigan that support the concept of diversity in municipal organizations. Attendance at the breakfast is open to all attendees.

9–10 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Supporting a Strong Local Economy: Why Small Business Is Critical to Thriving Communities

Download presentation

Small business entrepreneurs are critical players in communities’ economic vitality. They provide a sizable portion of local jobs, keep money circulating locally, add diversity and resilience, and are an important part of the local social scene. Municipalities play a key role in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs—whether it’s providing high-quality and appropriate physical space, connecting them to local networks, or simply fostering a desirable neighborhood to drive foot traffic. Hear from local leaders, business support organizations, and small businesses about how to successfully build strong, vibrant, thriving local economies.

Speakers

Scott Adkins, Special Projects Administrator, City of Marine City

Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director, The Right Place

Melvin Eledge Jr., Director of Operations, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. 

Camille Steverson, Co-Owner, Seconds Vibess 

Using Pattern Homes to Jumpstart Local Housing Solutions

Download presentation

Pattern home programs can allow for faster permitting and lower design costs while being more financially accessible to residents, but many communities struggle to move from interest to implementation. This session will dive into existing models of pre-reviewed housing plans, where you’ll learn from case studies of Michigan communities that have rolled out local programs and are getting homes built. We’ll also discuss the League’s Pattern Book Homes for 21st Century Michigan publication and initiative. Whatever your community’s housing needs may be, this session will offer practical steps to move from idea to impact.

Speakers

Cory Mays, Grant Coordinator, City of Jackson

Christina Anderson, Deputy Director, City Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development, City of Kalamazoo

Richard Murphy, Sr. Program Manager, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League

Planning for Trees: Forestry in a Municipal Context

Download presentation

Trees can beautify neighborhoods, mitigate heat islands, reduce A/C bills, and contribute to stormwater management—among many other benefits. However, poorly designed tree policies can cause problems for both infrastructure and private land development. This session explores the role of tree policy in shaping sustainable, equitable communities. Whether you’re rethinking your local ordinance or planning for climate resilience, this session will help your community develop strategies rooted (no pun intended) in strong local policy.

Speakers

Zach Michels, Associate Planner, Charter Township of Canton

Joe Sulak, Parks Superintendent, City of Grand Rapids

Crowdfunding 101

Download presentation

Crowdfunding is when individuals contribute small amounts of money to support a project. With large-scale funding sources more uncertain than ever, civic crowdfunding can help communities move projects from dream to reality. This session introduces crowdfunding as a practical strategy to increase buy-in (literally) to public spaces, placemaking initiatives, and more. Learn from successful campaigns supported through platforms like Patronicity and the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative. From structuring your campaign to engaging residents, we’ll walk through best practices, challenges, and lessons learned. Whether you’re renovating a library, commissioning an art installation, or building a pickleball court, there’s power in the crowd—learn how to harness it!

Speakers

Mahala Clayton, Michigan Director, Patronicity

Paula Holtz, Managing Director, Regional Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Coordinating Infrastructure Projects Between Municipalities and Utility Companies

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant DTE Energy

Asset management and infrastructure project coordination are priority focuses for utility companies, municipalities, and the state. Recently, DTE released an innovative tool to help municipal partners and the public with a more visual understanding of ongoing and planned investments. At the same time, the State of Michigan is developing its own tool, called MI DIG, to assist with coordination of projects. In this session, you’ll hear from other communities about how they approach coordination with their utility partners. You’ll also learn how to use these new tools in your municipal infrastructure planning and provide prompt and useful communication about project plans with your residents.

Speakers

Barbara Rykwalder, Regional Manager, DTE Energy

Julie Jozwiak, Regional Manager, DTE Energy

Stephen Kepley, Mayor, City of Kentwood

10–10:30 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Closing General Session & CEA Award Winner Announcement

Ambassador Ballroom 

Beyond Plans and Budgets: Sparking Change in Real Time

Download presentation

Cities across Michigan face the same challenge: How do we improve our streets and public spaces without waiting years for studies, funding, or construction? Action—not perfection—is the path to stronger, more resilient communities. Small, quick, low-cost ideas can make a big difference, whether it’s pop-up parks, daylighted intersections, or creative street redesigns that make neighborhoods safer and more people-centered. In this session, community advocate Jon Jon Wesolowski will share examples of how residents and officials across the country are using fast, flexible placemaking to cut through red tape, test new ideas, and build momentum for lasting change.

Speaker

Jon Jon Wesolowski, National Speaker & Educator, The Happy Urbanist

12 p.m.

Adjourn