Convention Speakers

Content Tracks

A

Jenifer Acosta

Jenifer Acosta

Housing & Community Development Consultant

Acosta Development

Jenifer is an award-winning community developer recognized for revitalizing historic buildings and generating economic development. Passionate about preserving underutilized spaces, she bridges the old and new to create dynamic, thriving communities with a strong sense of place.

As the lead consultant for Housing Forward, Midland, she provides strategies to address attainable housing needs, offering technical assistance, coaching, advocacy, and strategic communications. Jenifer believes that the best solutions emerge from local people leveraging local resources. She prioritizes projects that thoughtfully balance community connection, environmental impact, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable growth.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southern Illinois University, a master’s in international administration and sustainable development from the University of Miami, and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development from New York University.

SESSION

A Beginner’s Guide to Whiplash-Free Housing Development

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Tonya Allen

Tonya Allen

President

McKnight Foundation

Tonya is a nationally recognized philanthropic and civic leader. Named to the TIME100 Philanthropy, she has emerged as one of the nation’s leading voices, arguing that healing national division begins by strengthening people and places.

As president of the McKnight Foundation, Tonya champions an “all in on mission” strategy, resulting in the largest expansions of grantmaking and mission-aligned investments in its history. She helped launch the GroundBreak Coalition, which expanded pathways to homeownership and wealth creation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region.

Before joining McKnight in 2021, Tonya served as president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation and founded the Detroit Parent Network. She holds master’s degrees in public health and social work and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Michigan.

GENERAL SESSION

Philanthropy and the Future of Local Leadership

2-4 p.m., October 7

B

Michael Birchmeier

Michael Birchmeier

Principal, Client Accounting and Advisory Solutions

Rehmann

Mike provides CFO and finance services, bringing unique, cost-effective solutions that are customized for each client. He primarily serves governmental organizations and nonprofits, having held positions that include controller, finance director, and chief financial officer. Mike also advises clients in organizational strategy, assists in talent recruitment and development, presents to governing boards and regulatory bodies, and oversees the finance and accounting functions.

He is dedicated to his and others’ continued learning, and as such is involved in Rehmann’s growth and talent coordination workgroups. Having joined Rehmann in 2009, Mike returned in 2022 after gaining experience as a finance director and budget and accounting manager for local governments. He also served as the director of grants administration for a large private nonprofit family foundation.

SESSION

Smart Budgeting: Innovative Approaches to Financial Resilience

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Amanda Bobrovetskit

Amanda Bobrovetskit

Account Executive

Michigan Planners

Amanda brings decades of industry experience and leadership to her role at Michigan Planners. She began her career in public relations before transitioning into benefits, where she excelled in roles with Titan Benefit Communications, Action Benefits, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Over her 13 years at Blue Cross, she rose to director of small group sales and service, leading initiatives that strengthened client relationships and team performance.

A licensed insurance agent for over 20 years, Amanda is a Crain’s Leadership Academy graduate, former NABIP Michigan Chapter President, and active advocate for professional and community growth.

SESSION

Managing Benefits Before They Manage Your Budget

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Nancy Boxey

Nancy Boxey

Executive Director

Lapeer County Community Foundation

SESSION

Partnership in Philanthropy with the MML Foundation

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

D

Garrett Dawe

Garrett Dawe

Engineer of Traffic and Safety

Michigan Department of Transportation

Garrett has been the statewide traffic and safety engineer since February 2024. He holds a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University and has been working for the Michigan Department of Transportation—primarily in the areas of road design and traffic safety—for his entire career.

Garrett lives in Gaylord with his wife, Lindsay, and their three sons. He enjoys coaching basketball, golfing, and experiencing the outdoors.

SESSION

The Vision Zero Approach for Safer Local Roads

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Cooper Dayton

Cooper Dayton

Manager, Cybersecurity Risk & IT Audit

Plante Moran

Cooper has years of experience in IT audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX 404) compliance, information security consulting, and—most recently—A.I. risk assessments. He is a leader in Plante Moran’s A.I. development and deployment, leading the firm’s Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout and assisting in creating agents to automate work for his clients.

Cooper holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and information systems, along with a minor in information technology, from Michigan State University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Advanced AI Auditor (AAIA).

SESSION

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

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Eric Paul Dennis

Eric Paul Dennis

Research Associate, Infrastructure Policy

Citizens Research Council of Michigan 

A Michigan-licensed Professional Engineer since 2012, Eric examines the funding, governance, and policy challenges facing the state’s infrastructure and environment. His research bridges technical rigor with practical policy analysis. He was the lead author of Data Centers in Michigan: Evaluation of Policy Controversies Regarding Hyperscale Data Center Development, published by the Citizens Research Council in June 2026. 

Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University, along with master’s degrees in environmental engineering and urban and regional planning from the University of Michigan.

SESSION

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

E

Aghogho Edevbie

Aghogho Edevbie

Deputy Secretary of State

Michigan Department of State

Aghogho currently serves as Michigan’s Deputy Secretary of State. Before his appointment by Secretary Jocelyn Benson in March 2023, he was the state director of the nonprofit All Voting is Local. For more than a decade, Aghogho has played a crucial role in protecting voters through his advocacy for ballot drop boxes, early voting, increased funding for clerks, and protections for election workers. During the 2022 election cycle, he served on the drafting committee for the Proposal 2 ballot initiative, which amended Michigan’s Constitution.

A Detroit native, Aghogho holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a JD from the University of Michigan Law School.

SESSION

Making Every Vote Accessible: Empowering Your Community

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Zosia Eppensteiner

Zosia Eppensteiner

CEO

Community Foundation of Marquette County

Zosia leads efforts to strengthen local philanthropy, community partnerships, and regional impact. During her tenure at the Community Foundation, she has expanded grantmaking, strengthened its financial position, and grown organizational capacity, while leading programs such as the Childcare SPARK Initiative and the development of Marquette’s first universal playground. Zosia serves on the boards of the Council of Michigan Foundations and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and is a recent gubernatorial appointee to the Michigan Community Service Commission.

She holds graduate degrees in mathematics and sociology from the University of Gdańsk, Poland, and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

SESSION

Partnering in Philanthropy with the MML Foundation

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

F

Alexis Farrell-Rodriguez

Alexis Farrell-Rodriguez

Senior Planner

McKenna

Alexis is a Senior Planner who serves communities through day-to-day zoning administration, long-range planning projects, community engagement, and detailed data analysis and mapping. She is skilled at offering concise, data-driven insights that equip communities with the tools they need to identify needs and opportunities for growth while crafting innovative, community-informed solutions to complex problems.

Before becoming a planner, Alexis worked in the nonprofit sector in Detroit, where she learned how to bring differing parties to the table and identify points for collaboration and understanding. Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, she is enthusiastic about serving resilient communities and sees potential in all places.

Alexis holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy with a minor in Economics from Michigan State University.

SESSION

The Michigan Oasis: Implications for Future Planning

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Emily Finnell

Emily Finnell

Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist, Office of the Great Lakes

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

SESSION

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

G

Beth Gibbons

Beth Gibbons

Director, Resiliency Office

Washtenaw County

SESSION

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Dan Gilmartin

Dan Gilmartin

Executive Director & CEO

Michigan Municipal League

Dan became the League’s seventh executive director in 2005. The co-author of two books on the economic importance of place, he is recognized as a national leader in urban policy and revitalization and holds leadership roles with the National League of Cities and the International Placemaking Council. He received the Diamond Award from his association peers in Michigan for his work as a strategic leader, and under his direction the League is designated as a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press and as Most Effective Lobbying Organization in the state by a MIRS/EPIC-MRA Insider Survey.

Dan is a lifelong Michigander and a Detroit native (and booster) and currently resides in the historic downtown area of Northville with his wife, Lori, and their two sons.

GENERAL SESSION

Democracy Starts Here: Leading at the Local Level

1-2:30 p.m., October 8

H

Ryan Hannon

Ryan Hannon

Director of Outreach

Central United Methodist Church

SESSION

Building Coalitions to Address Homelessness and Housing Vulnerable Communities

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Dave Hodgkins

Dave Hodgkins

Legislative Associate

Michigan Municipal League

Dave’s advocacy at the League includes municipal services, elections, labor, and parks and recreation. His work with the government relations firm Midwest Strategy Group provided him opportunities to work closely with several municipalities and local government groups, including the League, on the broader impact of state government on Michigan’s communities. Dave has led advocacy operations on many policy issues—from food access to economic development—and has extensive experience in issue-campaign oversight and coalition building. His career began in the Michigan House of Representatives working for two state representatives, including former Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh.

Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Central Michigan University and has been awarded Outstanding Performance in Team Building and Persuasive Communication from the Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar.

SESSION

Legislative Update

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Jennifer Holm

Jennifer Holm

Police Social Worker Coordinator, RESILIENCE Program

Traverse City Police Department

Jenn is a dual-licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), with additional credentials in sign language interpreting and teaching. Her previous experience with both macro and clinical social work impacts her systemic and individual approaches to social work services. Jenn developed and currently facilitates the TCPD RESILIENCE Program.

The goal of her position is to reduce law enforcement calls on vulnerable populations by interrupting the cycle of arrest and addiction through care coordination and reduction of community barriers.

SESSION

Building Coalitions to Address Homelessness and Housing Vulnerable Communities

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Eric Hufnagel

Eric Hufnagel

Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness

Commissioner, City of St. Johns

For over 40 years, Eric has been helping vulnerable populations through his engagement with local, regional, statewide, and national organizations. He has extensive professional experience in the nonprofit sector, including executive, program management, and outreach and engagement roles. Eric is a member of Michigan’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Michigan Homeless Policy Council (MHPC), and he is a member and past chair of the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care Governance Committee.

In his “spare time,” Eric is an elected member of the St. Johns, Michigan, City Commission, and served four years as mayor. He earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

SESSION

Building Coalitions to Address Homelessness and Housing Vulnerable Communities

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

J

Ken Johnson

Ken Johnson

Mayor

City of Muskegon

SESSION

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

L

John LaMacchia II

John LaMacchia II

Director, State and Federal Affairs

Michigan Municipal League

John leads the organization’s lobbying activities, overseeing special initiatives and projects related to the Urban Core Mayors and the Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan. His advocacy work for League members focuses on transportation, infrastructure, tax policy, and municipal finance issues.

John was engaged in efforts to secure passage of the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In 2015, he was honored by the Michigan Society of Association Executives as one of “15 in ’15 Rising Leaders.” Previously, John served as chief of staff for former Sen. John Gleason and worked for former Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University and lives in DeWitt with his wife, Dana, and their three children.

SESSION

Legislative Update

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

M

Randy Maiers

Randy Maiers

President & CEO

Community Foundation of St. Clair County

Randy has led the Community Foundation of St. Clair County since 2002. Established in 1944, the foundation has a rich history of community leadership, placemaking, and community development. The foundation has more than $125 million in assets under management, including two museums, a shopping mall courtyard, and the Blue Water River Walk.

Previously, Randy was the director of the SME Education Foundation in Dearborn, where he oversaw grant programs supporting engineering education at colleges and universities throughout North America.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Randy began his career in nonprofit management in 1990 when he joined the staff of the Michigan Art Train in Ann Arbor.  He also spent several years with the American Heart Association.

SESSION

Partnering in Philanthropy with the MML Foundation

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Charles Marohn

Charles Marohn

Founder and President

Strong Towns

Chuck is a land use planner and civil engineer with decades of experience. He is the author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity, Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town, and Escaping the Housing Trap: The Strong Towns Response to the Housing Crisis. He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. Chuck has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America. Planetizen named him as a top 10 on their 100 Most Influential Urbanists list.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Minnesota.

GENERAL SESSION

Strong Foundations for Strong Communities

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., October 9

Saj Elle McBurrows

Saj Elle McBurrows

Assistant Planner

McKenna

Saj Elle McBurrows is an Assistant Planner at McKenna’s Northville office. Saj supports comprehensive master planning, parks and recreation planning, zoning ordinance updates, and active transportation initiatives. She began her career at McKenna as an intern in 2025 before moving into the Assistant Planner role in January of 2026. She is known for her collaborative approach, clear communication, and enthusiasm for community engagement that helps translate local vision into actionable planning outcomes. Her academic and professional interests span transportation, sustainability, and physical planning.

Saj holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Michigan in Urban and Regional Planning and Environment and Sustainability. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development from Columbia University, with a Special Concentration in Public Health. During her studies, she was a 2025 Dow Sustainability Fellow, a member of the Urban Planning Student Association’s E-board, and an NCAA Division I volleyball student-athlete at both Columbia University and the University of Michigan.

SESSION

The Michigan Oasis: Implications for Future Planning

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Manharsh Mohan

Manharsh Mohan

Senior Consultant, Cybersecurity Risk & IT Audit

Plante Moran

SESSION

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

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Marcus Muhammad

Marcus Muhammad

Mayor

City of Benton Harbor

A Benton Harbor native, Mayor Muhammad was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Under his tenure, Benton Harbor has pursued neighborhood revitalization, attracted public–private investment, and launched a $500 million riverfront development. Marcus gained national recognition for his leadership during Benton Harbor’s lead water crisis, spearheading the replacement of lead service lines and securing federal and state support.

A former special education teacher and basketball coach, Marcus played basketball at DePaul University before returning home to serve his community. Today, he advocates for clean energy, environmental justice, and energy security initiatives to put Benton Harbor on a sustainable and equitable path forward.

Marcus and his wife, Abisayo, are the proud parents of seven children.

SESSION

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

P

Amy Perschbacher

Amy Perschbacher

Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Ronan Psychological Associates

Commissioner, City of Mount Pleasant

Amy believes strong communities are built through compassion, critical thinking, and service. Her purpose is to empower others with knowledge, foster meaningful connections, and leave every person and community stronger than she found them. Amy holds master’s degrees in both counseling and forensic psychology.

SESSION

Public Service, Mental Health, & Family Impact

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

R

Rip Rapson

Rip Rapson

President & CEO

The Kresge Foundation

Since 2006, Rip has led The Kresge Foundation’s transformation from a funder of building projects into a national philanthropy focused on expanding pathways to opportunity for people with low incomes in America’s cities, including its hometown of Detroit. In 2026, he received the Council on Foundations’ Distinguished Service Award and was named to the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 list.

Previously, Rip served as president of the McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis, where he advanced early childhood development, launched a regional public-private-philanthropic economic development organization, and strengthened environmental protections along the Mississippi River. As deputy mayor of Minneapolis, he oversaw a $400 million neighborhood revitalization initiative and helped reshape the city’s budgeting and family-focused policies. In 2025, he published Drawn to Challenge: Stories of Creative Leadership in the Public Interest.

GENERAL SESSION

Philanthropy and the Future of Local Leadership

2-4 p.m., October 7

Dom Restuccia

Dom Restuccia

State Director of Michigan

USDA Rural Development

Dom is committed to achieving the mission of the USDA of restoring rural prosperity and rebuilding forgotten communities across Michigan. Prior to his current appointment, he was the USDA White House Liaison. Dom also previously worked on federal and state public policy for Representative Mike Bishop (R-MI), Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), and State Senator Lana Theis (R-22), and was Senior Advisor for Election Integrity in Michigan for the Trump-Vance campaign. 

A lifelong Michigander and graduate of Hillsdale College, Dom and his wife, Emma, raise their three children in their hometown in Livingston County. 

SESSION

What USDA Rural Development Can Do for You

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Herasanna Richards

Herasanna Richards

Legislative Associate

Michigan Municipal League

Since joining the League in 2019, Herasanna has been an advocate for municipalities in the areas of energy, environment, public safety, and technology. She boasts more than a decade of experience leading coalitions and shaping issue advocacy campaigns.

Before the League, she was the founding executive director for the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association and played a key role in President Biden’s Michigan campaign as deputy coalitions director. A proud Michigan State University alumna, Herasanna holds dual degrees in political science and communication and is a 2017 Michigan Political Leadership Program graduate.

Beyond her professional life, she’s #DeltaLoyal and loves nothing more than exploring the world with her husband and daughter by her side.

SESSION

Legislative Update

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Jennifer Rigterink

Jennifer Rigterink

Assistant Director, State and Federal Affairs

Michigan Municipal League

Jennifer advocates on behalf of Michigan’s communities, focusing on economic development, land use, and municipal services. Before joining the League, Jennifer directed technical assistance for community development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She also managed the Genesee Institute, now the Center for Community Progress, building awareness of Michigan’s land bank authority model and vacant property initiatives.

Jennifer was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan State Housing Authority Statewide Housing Partnership to execute the state’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan. She also sits on the Executive Committee of the Housing Michigan Coalition. She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University.

Jennifer lives in DeWitt with her husband, Chris, and two children. They own The Mattress Source in East Lansing and Lansing.

SESSION

Legislative Update

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Jordan Roberts

Jordan Roberts

Public Services Administrator

City of Ann Arbor

SESSION

The Vision Zero Approach for Safer Local Roads

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

S

Alicia Sledge

Alicia Sledge

Director

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

Alicia is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for statewide traffic safety programs. She has been with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) for 27 years.

Prior to becoming director last year, she served as a section manager for nine years and as a program coordinator for seventeen years, covering traffic safety program areas that included Impaired Driving, Occupant Protection, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Traffic Records.

SESSION

The Vision Zero Approach for Safer Local Roads

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

Deborah Stuart

Deborah Stuart

City Manager

City of Mason

Deborah has served Mason since 2016, bringing more than 25 years of experience in local and state government. She believes in honest conversations about public service on the rewards, challenges, and (often unseen) impacts on both those who serve and their families. Drawing from her leadership experience and her own journey as a wife, mother, and public servant, she offers insights on resilience, leadership, and navigating the realities of serving a community.

Deborah holds degrees from Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University and has served in leadership roles with the Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Municipal Executives, MML Foundation, and MML Workers’ Compensation Board. She is also a dedicated advocate for advancing women and internal candidates in local government through mentorship and leadership development.

SESSION

Public Service, Mental Health, & Family Impact

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Cynthia Stump

Cynthia Stump

Director, Local Government & Community Affairs

ITC Michigan

Cynthia leads efforts to build relationships and secure approvals from local, county, and state stakeholders for electric transmission infrastructure projects. Since joining ITC in 2003, she has focused on developing strong public-private partnerships and engaging community, industry, and government organizations, all to advance critical energy infrastructure and strengthen understanding of ITC’s role in the communities it serves.

Cynthia holds a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in international business and management from Northwood University. She serves on the boards of the Michigan Agriculture and Energy Council, Michigan Economic Development Foundation, and Community Foundation of Monroe County.

SESSION

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8

T

Jonathan Tromp

Jonathan Tromp

Attorney

Mika Meyers

SESSION

The First Amendment & the Right to Peaceably Assemble

2:45-3:45 p.m., October 8

Johnnie Turnage

Johnnie Turnage

Co-Founder

Black Tech Saturdays

Johnnie is a Detroit-born organizer—trained in the Gamaliel organizing tradition—and tech entrepreneur building at the intersection of economic mobility, community power, and place. Along with his wife, Alexa, he grew a five-person coffee shop gathering into a 25,000-member movement spanning seven states, closing Detroit’s racial wealth gap by connecting Black founders to capital, talent, and each other. Black Tech Saturdays has raised more than $5 million, awarded over half a million dollars in pitch prizes, and secured a $2 million Knight Foundation investment to scale Detroit’s equity-focused tech economy.

Johnnie co-chairs the Innovation & Emerging Industries Committee on Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s transition team. He has been recognized as a Newsmaker of the Year by Crain’s Detroit.

GENERAL SESSION

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

9:30-10 a.m., October 8

W

Travis Wheeler

Travis Wheeler

Chief Policy Officer and U.S. Managing Director

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Travis directs the Cities Initiative’s policy initiatives, manages its U.S. policy and programs staff, and provides strategic direction and oversight of its U.S. activities. He also led the development of its Economic Transformation Action Plan: A Blueprint for Economic Growth and Freshwater Stewardship in the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River Region (September 2025). He has more than 15 years of experience in senior positions in Washington, D.C.— including Capitol Hill—and the Great Lakes region.

Travis holds a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a master’s degree from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and daughter.

SESSION

Reimagining Michigan’s Harbors from a Local Perspective

9:15-10:15 a.m., October 9

Rachel Witherspoon

Rachel Witherspoon

City Administrator

City of Gibraltar

In her close-knit waterfront community of just under 5,000 residents, Rachel leads municipal operations, strategic initiatives, and community development efforts. With more than five years of municipal government experience, she has worked closely with elected officials, residents, and regional partners to advance responsible growth, strengthen public services, and promote transparent governance.

Rachel is currently leading the City’s evaluation of a proposed data center development, navigating complex discussions surrounding economic development, infrastructure capacity, land use, and community priorities. Her experience balancing innovation with the unique needs of a small community provides a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing local governments today.

SESSION

Community Voices at the Center: Guiding Data Center Development Together

10:45-11:45 a.m., October 8