Convention Agenda

8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Tower Desk

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Education Tours

Education Tour 1

Placemaking 101 Walking Tour

Traverse City is known for having a strong sense of place, and that didn't happen by accident. Let's walk and talk around downtown about how street design, development, and natural features contribute to great placemaking in our host city, and what you can implement in your own community.  (Note: This mobile tour will be outdoors and on foot; wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing!) 

Education Tour 2

BlueTech Innovation Tour: Protecting Michigan's Aquatic Ecosystems 

Discover the latest in Great Lakes environmental science! This tour takes participants to two leading freshwater restoration and research sites: FishPass and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) at Discovery Pier, part of Northern Michigan's BlueTech Innovation Hub. Beginning with FishPass, in downtown Traverse City, we will learn about its innovative fish passage design and efforts to repopulate and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem. We will then convene at FRIC's protected pier facility, where staff will share progress on building a center designed to bring together research, innovation, education, and economic development to foster a larger BlueTech community vision. 

Education Tour 3

The Long Hike: Securing and Protecting Funding for Local Trails

As communities invest in the outdoors, local trails have emerged as important municipal assets for resident wellbeing and economic development. Guided by Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails (TART Trails), this tour combines an easy walk through Traverse City’s award-winning multiuse trail system with a discussion on how to be powerful and effective advocates for recreational green space. Participants will learn different approaches for finding and keeping funding (e.g., crowdfunding, philanthropic support, and public–private partnerships) to keep local trail systems green and growing—all while getting some fresh autumn air. 

Education Tour 4

A Local Blueprint for Housing: Frankfort Community Land Trust Tour 

Discover how a small Benzie County community is addressing housing affordability! This walking tour of Frankfort will visit recently completed single-family homes created through the Housing Trust of Benzie. Discussion will focus on the community land trust model, which helps to create permanently attainable housing options for residents while engaging local partners to close financing gaps. Attendees will also hear from local leaders about the challenges faced and lessons learned in expanding housing options in this rural, seasonal community. 

Education Tour 5

History and Innovation at the Grand Traverse Commons 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons was once the Traverse City State Hospital and has been transformed into an economic center that is a place to live, work, play, shop, and explore. The Commons is a story of historic preservation and redevelopment, and the story is still being written. Join us on this tour to learn about the rich history and redevelopment of the buildings, explore a building that is not yet redeveloped, and walk through the 1883 underground steam tunnels.  

10–11 a.m.

Convention Conversations

Governors’ Prefunction

Not heading out on an education tour? Join fellow municipal leaders and League staff for facilitated, topic-based conversations about the issues impacting communities across Michigan. Choose from Finances & Funding, Staffing & Capacity, Housing, Technology Adoption, Civility, or Council/Manager Relations, then pull up a chair to exchange experiences, ideas, and solutions.

12:30–1:45 p.m.

Lunch

Networking Lunch

Governors’ Hall CDEF

First Time Attendee Lunch

Governors’ Hall A
Pre-registration required

New to Convention? Meet fellow first-time attendees and League connectors over lunch while getting helpful tips, resources, and insights to make the most of your Convention experience.

2–4 p.m.

General Session — Philanthropy and the Future of Local Leadership & Community Excellence Award Presentations

Governors' Hall CDEF

Sponsored by Michigan Municipal Executives and Allen Edwin Homes

Kick off the MML Annual Convention with a high-impact plenary on the future of local leadership. This opening session brings together leading philanthropic partners to highlight why local governance is critical at this moment in U.S. history. Each foundation president will offer brief, compelling remarks on the urgency of investing in local leadership and community trust. Moderated by Dan Gilmartin, who will frame the conversation and close with a unifying call to action, this session sets the tone for a conference focused on practical leadership, civic renewal, and the power of local government to deliver results where it matters most. 

Speakers

Tonya Allen, President, McKnight Foundation

Rip Rapson, President & CEO, The Kresge Foundation

Moderator

Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director & CEO, Michigan Municipal League

CC 2: Community Engagement 

CC 6: Strategic Leadership 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

4–4:30 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting Delegate Check-In

Governors’ Prefunction 

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting

Governors’ Hall A 

4–5:30 p.m.

Community Excellence Award Tables and Voting Open

Tower Prefunction

Sponsored by: Plante Moran

6–8 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Michigan Ballroom and The Den

Join us for the Convention Welcome Reception and choose how you want to spend the evening! Head to the Michigan Ballroom for food, drinks, and conversation, or make your way to The Den for arcade games and axe throwing. Move between both spaces throughout the reception, reconnect with colleagues, meet new people, and kick off Convention your way.

7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Tower Desk

7:30–9 a.m.

Breakfast

Networking Breakfast

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Annual Meeting & Breakfast

Governors’ Hall A
Pre-registration required

Attendance at the breakfast is limited to Mayors, Presidents, Urban Township Supervisors, Mayor Pro Tems and equivalent positions in Villages and Townships. 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.

Community Excellence Award Tables and Voting Open

Tower Prefunction 

9–10:30 a.m.

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

Governors' Hall CDEF

Sponsored by ITC Holdings

At this point, no one can deny that artificial intelligence (A.I.) is having a profound impact on how we think, work, and make decisions. How can local communities harness A.I. in an inclusive, people-first way? In this session, Johnnie Turnage—activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays—will lead a compelling, forward-looking discussion on the intersection of innovation and equity. Participants will leave empowered to make technology decisions that are wise, thoughtful, and focused on the human. 

Speaker

Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder, Black Tech Saturdays

CC 3: Equity and Inclusion 

CC 11: Technological Literacy 

10:30–10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

10:45–11:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Smart Budgeting: Innovative Approaches to Financial Resilience

Tower Ballroom A

Municipal leaders must make sound financial decisions while balancing infrastructure needs, public expectations, long-term planning, and uncertainty in revenue and costs. They need practical tools that help them manage today’s demands without losing sight of future stability.  

This session will cover budgeting and financial management strategies designed for municipalities. Learn about innovative budgeting practices, evaluate your local unit of government for financial stability and resilience, understand how to align financial planning with community goals, and discover best practices in developing meaningful, realistic five-year capital improvement plans. 

Speaker

Richard Carpenter, Principal, Client Accounting and Advisory Solutions, Rehmann

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Rehmann

CC 6: Strategic Leadership 

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

The Vision Zero Approach for Safer Local Roads

Tower Ballroom B

Developed in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero is a systems-based strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities that has since been adopted by communities worldwide. Michigan municipalities, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Sterling Heights, are also working towards achieving this goal. In this session, participants will learn about implementing the Vision Zero approach to resident safety, reducing costs for emergency services, and making communities more walkable and multi-modal.  

Speakers

Garrett Dawe, Engineer of Traffic and Safety, Michigan Department of Transportation

Alicia Sledge, Director, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

Jordan Roberts, Public Services Administrator, City of Ann Arbor

CC 9: Community and Resident Service  

CC 10: Service Delivery 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

Partnering in Philanthropy with the MML Foundation

Tower Ballroom C

Michigan has one of the densest philanthropy landscapes in the nation, holding the promise of unique, community-changing partnerships. This interactive breakout features Michigan philanthropic leaders who understand local issues and the opportunities in municipal partnerships. Session participants will explore how philanthropy has more tools of transformation to offer than just funding, and what municipal partners need to have ready when they set the table for collaboration. This is a chance to share on-the-ground realities and build the alignment that’s possible because of our local democracy. 

Speakers

Randy Maiers, President & CEO, Community Foundation of St. Clair County

Nancy Boxey, Executive Director, Lapeer County Community Foundation

LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Todd Jacobs, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Muskegon County

CC 6: Strategic Leadership 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting  

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

Mackinac Ballroom 

Data centers are rapidly becoming essential infrastructure. This session explores how communities can lead the conversation around data center development by putting residents, local values, and long-term quality of life first. From land use and sustainability to job creation and community benefits, we’ll unpack how engagement helps communities understand what’s at stake, shape proposals to reflect local priorities, and build trust every step of the way. 

Speakers

Beth Gibbons, Director, Resiliency Office, Washtenaw County

Cynthia Stump, Director, Local Government & Community Affairs, ITC Michigan

Eric Paul Dennis, Research Associate, Infrastructure Policy, Citizens Research Council of Michigan

Brian Meissen, Village President, Village of New Haven

CC 2: Community Engagement 

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service  

A Beginner’s Guide to Whiplash-Free Housing Development

Peninsula Ballroom

This session explores how local leaders can cultivate patient, healthy real estate development that is accessible to residents, beginning with supportive regulation. Participants will learn how to incorporate incremental development ideas into permitting processes, public infrastructure planning, and community dialogue. We will focus on building practical skills, strengthening local connections, and creating development-ready communities. Attendees will also learn about housing toolkits, policy stress tests, and public engagement strategies that can help communities support sustainable growth while working effectively with residents, developers, and other community partners. 

Speaker

Jenifer Acosta, Housing & Community Development Consultant, Acosta Development

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 10: Service Delivery 

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Lunch

Networking Lunch

Governors’ Hall CDEF

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

Governors’ Hall A
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.

General Session — Democracy Starts Here: Leading at the Local Level  

Governors' Hall CDEF

Sponsored by Pursuit

This talk will explore how democracy in America depends on robust civic engagement at the grassroots level. It will highlight how local officials can act as visionary leaders, using their municipal platforms to solve community challenges and model transparent, responsive, and respectful governance. 

Speaker

Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director & CEO, Michigan Municipal League

CC 2: Community Engagement 

CC 6: Strategic Leadership 

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 14: Communication and Information Sharing 

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Networking Break

2:45–3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

What USDA Rural Development Can Do for You

Tower Ballroom A

USDA Rural Development offers tailored grants, loans, and technical assistance to help Michigan’s local officials strengthen community infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and support municipal services. This presentation will provide an overview of Rural Development programs available for rural municipalities, including water and sewer, community facilities, housing, electricity, and telecommunications. 

Speaker

Dom Restuccia, State Director of Michigan, USDA Rural Development

CC 9: Community and Resident Service  

CC 10: Service Delivery 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

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

Tower Ballroom B

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is already transforming financial operations across the public sector, but are we ready for what comes next? Tailored for municipal leaders, this session will offer a practical, comprehensive, and user-friendly overview of the benefits and risks of A.I. implementation in local government through popular use cases, with a focus on organizational readiness. Participants will learn steps to effectively mitigate potential dangers and responsibly apply A.I. to their workplace. 

Speakers

Cooper Dayton, Manager, Cybersecurity Risk & IT Audit, Plante Moran

Manharsh Mohan, Manager, Cybersecurity Compliance Consulting, Plante Moran

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Plante Moran

CC 11: Technological Literacy 

CC 13: Human Resources Management and Workforce Engagement 

The First Amendment & the Right to Peaceably Assemble

Tower Ballroom C

The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." 

To what degree are municipalities allowed to regulate gatherings? Municipal officials are tasked with protecting both the safety and functionality of the community as well as the Constitutional rights of individuals. In this session, learn about reasonable regulations on assemblies, including ordinances. 

Speaker

Jonathan Tromp, Attorney, Mika Meyers

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 10: Service Delivery 

Legislative Update

Mackinac Ballroom 

From the passage of the state budget to discussions on revenue sharing, housing, and property taxes, the Legislature continues to tackle a wide array of issues affecting Michigan's local governments. Our lobbying team will break it all down for you, offering insights into what's going on at the state and federal levels. Plus, find out how this year's elections might affect the upcoming lame duck session. 

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

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

The Michigan Oasis: Implications for Future Planning

Peninsula Ballroom 

Michigan’s freshwater resources and geographic advantages may attract future population growth, but the state is not immune to weather-related hazards. Recent storms, wildfire smoke, and other events highlight the need to look beyond the idea of Michigan as an “oasis” and consider what comes next. Participants will explore migration trends, Michigan’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and the resulting impacts on housing and infrastructure. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for communities of all sizes, including planning, infrastructure investment, and emergency preparedness. The session will also address how to manage growth while preserving community character, maintaining infrastructure capacity, and supporting long-term fiscal sustainability, concluding with actionable steps communities can take today to build resilience over time. 

Speakers

Alexis Farrell-Rodriguez, Senior Planner, McKenna

Saj Elle McBurrows, Assistant Planner, McKenna

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant McKenna

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 10: Service Delivery 

4-5:30 p.m.

Vendor Reception

Governors’ Hall A

Join us at the Vendor Reception! Meet Convention attendees, organizations, and companies while creating connections that strengthen Michigan communities. 

7–10:30 a.m.

Conference Registration Open

Tower Desk 

7:30–9 a.m.

Breakfast

Networking Breakfast

Governors’ Hall CDEF 

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

Governors’ Hall A
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.

8:30–9:15 a.m.

Coffee with the League Board of Trustees

Level 17

Grab a cup of coffee and connect with members of the League Board of Trustees in an informal setting. Ask questions, share perspectives, and get to know the leaders helping guide the League

9:15–10:15 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Managing Benefits Before They Manage Your Budget

Tower Ballroom A

Employee benefits are one of the largest and most complex expenses facing municipalities today. As healthcare and prescription drug costs continue to rise, city managers and municipal leaders need practical ways to manage costs while supporting employees and long-term planning. This session will explore key cost drivers, cost containment strategies, and insights from the MML 2026 Benefits Survey to help municipal leaders ask better questions and make more informed decisions for their employees, budgets, and communities. 

Speaker

Amanda Bobrovetskit, Account Executive, Michigan Planners

Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Michigan Planners

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

CC 13: Human Resources Management and Workforce Engagement

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

Tower Ballroom B

Michigan has released a draft of its first ever Maritime Strategy, creating a statewide framework on future investments in ports, harbors, and waterfront infrastructure. At the same time, the multinational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative launched its Economic Transformation Action Plan, highlighting the importance of aligning local, state, and federal funding to modernize working waterfronts and strengthen coastal economies.   

This panel explores how these efforts intersect and how local governments remain central to the process. Panelists will discuss how communities can position themselves for funding and navigate land use decisions that balance economic development, recreation, and environmental protection. 

Speakers

Emily Finnell, Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist, Office of the Great Lakes, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

Ken Johnson, Mayor, City of Muskegon

Marcus Muhammad, Mayor, City of Benton Harbor

Travis Wheeler, Chief Policy Officer and U.S. Managing Director, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

Public Service, Mental Health, & Family Impact

Tower Ballroom C

Local government leaders serve in a public arena where criticism can be loud, personal, and constant. Whether elected or appointed, leaders often put in long hours of navigating ongoing community conflict. Over time, these pressures can affect mental health, professional identity, and family members. 

This session creates a candid, skills-focused conversation about stress, anxiety, burnout, and the "always on" nature of public leadership, including how public conflict can spill into family life. Using a recent reflection from a city manager, we will explore how to care for ourselves while also modeling healthy coping for children and partners. 

Speakers

Deborah Stuart, City Manager, City of Mason

Amy Perschbacher, Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Ronan Psychological Associates; Commissioner, City of Mount Pleasant

CC 5: Personal Resiliency and Development 

Making Every Vote Accessible: Empowering Your Community

Hosted by Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO)

Mackinac Ballroom

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which our civil liberties are based. However, challenges remain in ensuring fair and equal access for all Americans. In this session, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie will lead a frank and illuminating conversation about current issues affecting election accessibility in Michigan’s communities. Participants will also learn about tools and resources available for election support, and security considerations. 

Speaker

Aghogho Edevbie, Deputy Secretary of State, Michigan Department of State

CC 3: Equity and Inclusion 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

Building Coalitions to Address Homelessness and Housing Vulnerable Communities

Peninsula Ballroom

Michigan communities are facing rising unsheltered homelessness, tight shelter capacity, and complex pressure on both public space and public safety. This session is a practical, municipality-ready conversation about how to build and sustain multidisciplinary coalitions that move from crisis response to coordinated action. Speakers will share information and strategies on how community partners can break down barriers and meet participant-led goals. 

Speakers

Eric Hufnagel, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness; Commissioner, City of St. Johns

Jennifer Holm, Police Social Worker Coordinator, RESILIENCE Program, Traverse City Police Department

Ryan Hannon, Director of Outreach, Central United Methodist Church

CC 6: Strategic Leadership 

CC 7: Strategic Planning 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 10: Service Delivery 

10:15–10:30 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

General Session — Strong Foundations for Strong Communities & 2026 Community Excellence Award Winner Announcement

Governors' Hall CDEF

Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Join author and land-use planner Chuck Marohn in a presentation exploring the structural challenges facing communities today, from financial fragility to housing affordability. Learn how conventional development patterns, transportation investments, and public finance practices can undermine long-term prosperity—even after years of growth. Drawing from his book Escaping the Housing Trap, Chuck will also discuss how zoning, financing, and development practices have limited housing supply and increased costs. You'll gain a clearer understanding of the connections between local decision-making and community resilience and leave with practical strategies to support incremental growth and build stronger, more adaptable communities. 

Speaker

Charles Marohn, Founder and President, Strong Towns

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation 

CC 9: Community and Resident Service 

CC 10: Service Delivery 

CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting 

12 p.m.

Adjourn