News

Michigan Municipal League Honors Mayor Bryan Barnett with Guido Leadership and Service Award

Contact:
Jessica Weirauch
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734-669-6311

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2024

Headshot of Bryan BarnettAnn Arbor, Mich. – Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett received the League’s Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award yesterday, September 10. Mayor Barnett was presented with the award during the League’s Board of Trustees Dinner as part of the 2024 Convention on Mackinac Island.

The Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award was created in memory of Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido to honor a municipal chief elected official who embodies professionalism and leadership. The award is dedicated to the citizenry of their community and to the advocacy efforts on their community’s behalf in Lansing and Washington, D.C.

“Bryan is a tireless supporter of local communities and innovation,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the League. “His leadership has gained his administration in Rochester Hills national and international recognition, helping to amplify the amazing work happening in our communities. His expertise in many important municipal issues has provided him with opportunities to advocate on communities’ behalf at the federal and international levels. We are grateful for his service and proud to honor him with this award.”

Bryan K. Barnett has served as Rochester Hills’ mayor since 2006 and is the longest serving mayor in the history of the city. Mayor Barnett was re-elected in 2023 to a historic fifth term as mayor and became the first person in modern day American politics to win three citywide write-in campaigns.

Mayor Barnett was elected to serve as the 77th president of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), earning the title of America’s Mayor in 2019 to 2020. Barnett is one of only six mayors from Michigan to become President of the Conference since its inception in 1932.

Mayor Barnett is a frequent national speaker on topics, including innovative government, long-term sustainability and economic development and has represented Rochester Hills and Southeast Michigan on multiple international delegations.

Mayor Barnett’s vision for Rochester Hills is to be the preeminent place in America to live, work and raise a family.

“I have been fortunate to serve the residents of Rochester Hills as mayor for the last 18 years and not a day has passed where I have looked at it as work,” said Barnett. “I work alongside the best, most innovative team in local government, and this award is a testament to our collective success and commitment to serving our community with integrity and passion. I love what I do and am humbled to be recognized with this prestigious honor.”

The Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award was presented for the first time in 2008. In total with Barnett, there have been 13 people who have received this recognition. Additional information about the award can be found here and the list of previous recipients here.

For additional information, contact the League’s Jessica Weirauch, Director, Marketing and Communications, at 734-669-6311 or [email protected].

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C. and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.

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