On this page, you’ll find a wide variety of resources to help you in your new position, from handbooks and fact sheets to videos, listservs and links to other sites with valuable information.
Publications
Organization of City and Village Government in Michigan
Handbook for Municipal Officials – Home Rule Villages, Home Rule Cities
General Law Village Handbook – General Law Villages
Fact Sheets
A collection of one page documents on an array of different topics. A few that will be the most useful following your election are:
1. Open Meetings Act
2. Freedom of Information Act: 2014 Changes (Related: FOIA packet)
3. Adopting the Budget
4. Contracts of Public Servants with Public Entities
Sample Council Orientation Materials
HRC = Home Rule City / HRV = Home Rule Village / GLV = General Law Village
Alpena (HRC)
Berrien Springs (GLV)
Ionia (HRC)
Lake Isabella (HRV)
Manistee (HRC)
Sandusky (HRC)
Schoolcraft (GLV)
Sturgis (HRC)
Elected Officials Orientation (The Review magazine, Jan/Feb 2024)
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Elected Official article (The Review, Jan/Feb 2016)
Other Resources
Local Government 101
This streaming video provides a general outline of the structure and functionality of local government.
The Leading Edge Email Newsletter
Links
Michigan Association of Mayors
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association
Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys