2026 CapCon Program

CONFERENCE PROGRAM & AGENDA March 10–11, 2026 — Lansing Center The Michigan Municipal League’s CapCon brings together municipal leaders to learn, network, and advocate, connecting them with policymakers and equipping them with timely state and federal policy insights, along with tactical legislative tools that strengthen local governance and elevate civic leadership across the state.

Follow us and join the conversation at #2026CapCon

HEALTH CARE IS PERSONAL. SO ARE ITS COSTS. Perhaps no part of the economy affects each of us as personally as health care. It brings new life into the world. It cures diseases. It saves lives. It’s also expensive. Your ability to afford health care is essential — and affordable health insurance is a big part of that. As prices for medical services and prescription drugs continue to rise, so does the pressure on health insurance affordability. Last year, our prescription drug costs alone grew 15% — five times faster than inflation. This concerns us, because it pressures your health insurance costs. We want you to better understand why this is happening. We want you to know everything we are doing about it, including our efforts to lower the costs of running our company by $600 million while we maintain the quality services our members expect. We want you to be engaged. Informed. Involved in the conversation. Because health care is personal — and we need to make it work for everyone.

Affordability matters. Start here — MIBlueDaily.com/Affordability

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Table of Contents 6 Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees 4 Sponsor Thank You

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Event Agenda

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Future League Events

CLICK HERE FOR LANSING CENTER MAPS

Inside208 Blog Michigan Legislative News

Follow the League’s legislative blog for up-to-the-second updates on all the action in the Capitol.

Day or night — you’ve got a friend in Lansing.

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Michigan Municipal League 2026–2029 Board of Trustees

The Nature Conservancy scales local conservation work up to a global level to help create a future with a livable climate, healthy communities and thriving nature. Together, we find a way.

Joshua Atwood President Commissioner, Lapeer

Jennifer Antel Vice President Mayor, Wayland

George M. Bosanic City Manager, Greenville

Fonda J. Brewer Supervisor, Delta Township

Alexander Clos Councilmember, Howell

Learn more: www.nature.org/michigan

Leann Davis Councilmember, L’Anse

Juan Ganum Director of Community and

Dennis Hennen Councilmember, Berkley

Stephen Kepley Mayor, Kentwood

Karen Kovacs City Manager, Marquette

Neighborhood Services and Economic Development, Holland

Joe LaRussa Mayor, Farmington

Raylon Leaks-May Mayor, Ferndale

Scott McLennan Mayor, Rogers City

Nicole Miller Councilmember, Portage

Tim Morales City Manager, Saginaw

Image Credit: Jason Whalen/Fauna Creative

Khalfani Stephens Deputy Mayor, Pontiac

David J. Tossava Mayor, Hastings

Mark Washington City Manager, Grand Rapids

Daniel P. Gilmartin Executive Director & CEO

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Thank you to our CapCon sponsors!

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF MAYORS

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Agenda

All speaker bios can be found on the CapCon mobile app or on the CapCon website.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. League Board of Trustees Meeting & Lunch Meeting Rooms 101–104 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Conference Registration Open Mainstreet Concourse 12–1:30 p.m.

Michigan Women in Municipal Government (MWIMG) Annual Meeting & Luncheon - How Communities Can Support Small Business Growth (additional fee and pre-registration required) Meeting Rooms 201–202 Designed for elected and appointed municipal officials, this session focuses on how communities can cultivate and champion their small business networks. We’ll explore what strategies are working, what gaps remain, and the practi cal role municipalities can play in fostering small business growth within their communities.

2:30–4:30 p.m.

Opening General Session & Legislator of the Year Awards Banquet Rooms 1–8

Read more about the Legislators of the Year in the CapCon app

League Legislative Team Breaks It Down The team discusses progress on the League’s legislative priorities and the latest on revenue sharing, housing, economic development, and more. Hear their thoughts on the impact of the gubernatorial election and how communities can maximize opportunities before the legislative session ends.

cwaplan.com – 734•662•2200 Municipal Planning & Building Services

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Agenda

Agenda

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 8:45–10:15 a.m. Morning General Session Banquet Rooms 1–8

Expo Hall and MML Liability & Property Pool Welcome Reception Exhibit Hall A

The Next Chapter: A Vision for Michigan Gubernatorial candidates take the stage to highlight their policy priorities and how they plan to enact them. Hear how candidates plan to address the unique challenges Michigan and its communities face in the coming years.

CLICK HERE to see the full list of vendors and a map of the Expo Hall.

Immediately following the opening general session, take time to network with your fellow attendees, vendors, and League staff. Connections made in the Expo Hall continue beyond the conference and will be a valuable resource during your time as a municipal official.

10:15–10:45 a.m. Networking Break Exhibit Hall A 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m. General Session Banquet Rooms 1–8

6:30–8:30 p.m.

League Board of Trustees Dinner (invitation only) The View at Jackson Field, 505 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Conference Registration Open Mainstreet Concourse 7:30–8:30 a.m. Legislative Breakfast Exhibit Hall A

Partnering for Progress: Municipal–Utility Collaboration and Michigan’s 2023 Clean Energy Law Implementation Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy Michigan’s 2023 clean energy reforms changed the regulatory landscape. Local leaders are navigating evolving expectations for planning, community benefit agreements, and infrastructure coordination, while energy utilities are working towards new renewable energy and storage facilities. Learn how proactive municipal–utility partnerships can support energy and energy-intensive infrastructure projects, minimize conflicts, and leverage beneficial investments.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you network with senators, representatives, key legislative staff members, and other top state officials. Hear their perspectives on state issues and share your views on matters that affect your community. A full list of Michigan legislators with headshots can be found HERE . Search by legislator name or address.

7:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m.

Expo Hall Open Exhibit Hall A

12–1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch Exhibit Hall A

CLICK HERE to see the full list of vendors and a map of the Expo Hall.

12–1:30 p.m.

Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) Annual Meeting & Luncheon (pre-registration required) Meeting Rooms 203–204

(586) 726-1234 | www.aewinc.com

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Agenda

Agenda

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions Strategic Asset Management for Smaller Communities Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Abonmarche Meeting Rooms 101–102 Discover strategies to develop and implement asset management plans in smaller communities. From assessing infrastructure to integrating data and capital planning, this session helps local leaders make smart decisions to maximize resources and extend asset life. Revitalizing resident participation starts with young people! Petoskey and Sterling Heights offer compelling models for sparking a youth-led movement rooted in respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives. Learn how partnering with schools, elevating young voices, and creating intentional platforms for involvement can inspire a new generation of engaged residents. Turning Data into Decisions: The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant American Society of Employers (ASE) Meeting Room 201 This session guides participants through the four essential stages of data-driven storytelling: gathering background, collecting data, building the story, and delivering the message. Learn to tailor data stories for different audiences, avoid common pitfalls, and use visualization techniques to enhance clarity and engagement. Youth Movement: Getting Students Engaged in Local Government Meeting Rooms 103–104

Concurrent Breakout Sessions Stormwater Management: The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Stormwater Utility Meeting Room 202

Recent court rulings have provided guidance on creating and managing a municipal stormwater utility. Hear from experts about what these rulings mean, how communities can address flooding concerns and protect the environment, and what to do (and not do) when implementing a stormwater utility.

Lobbying 2.0 Governor’s Room

The Michigan Legislature is constantly taking on new issues. How can you keep up? Join the League’s lobbying staff as they share the ins and outs of the Legislature. Earn an Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Advocacy Credit in this session!

30% FEWER OUTAGES, 50% FASTER RESTORATION

Comprehensive solutions for government . Our services go beyond quality audits. We’ll help you improve operations, optimize technology, and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

By 2029, DTE will reduce outages by 30% and cut restoration times in half. In fact, 2025 was the most reliable year for DTE customers in nearly two decades. Our crews are out, every day, building a stronger, smarter grid to power Michigan’s future, and give you the reliability you deserve.

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Creative Files: Creative/26-DTE-2192 - Reliability Print Resize/R2>

Agenda

Agenda

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 2:30–3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 3–4 p.m.

Afternoon Snack & Networking Break Mainstreet Concourse

Concurrent Breakout Sessions Get Housing Ready: Zoning Best Practices for EveryCommunity Sponsored by Allen Edwin Homes Meeting Room 201 The League’s proposed MI Home Program supports investment to accelerate housing development while promoting updates to local zoning regulations that cultivate thriving communities. Explore housing reforms calibrated to the local level, prepare for a range of housing types, and learn to tailor housing policies to fit your community’s needs. 2030 Census Countdown: Making Every Resident Count - Starting Now Hosted by MBC-LEO Meeting Room 202 The 2030 Census will shape Michigan’s representation and funding for the next decade. This session highlights actions municipal leaders can take to ensure a complete and accurate count, including address canvassing, data verification, and community trust-building with hard-to reach and undercounted populations.

3–4 p.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions What to Do When You’re Expecting: Spending New Transportation Revenue Wisely Meeting Rooms 101–102

State transportation funding has increased by nearly $2 billion annually, with significant resources targeted towards local roads. Explore how thoughtful planning can provide multimodal transportation options, increase economic vibrancy, protect the environment, and foster thriving communities. Trial by Fire: Learning Zoning & Planning from the Witness Stand Presented by Business Alliance Program Participant Williams & Works Meeting Rooms 103–104 In this mock trial session, observe how land use scenarios unfold through witness testimonies, attorney arguments, and judicial rulings. Gain insights on common procedural mistakes, legally defensible decisions, and best practices that withstand judicial review.

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Agenda

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 3–4 p.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions Lobbying 3.0 Governor’s Room

Take your advocacy skills to the next level! League veterans share how they’ve advanced issues and made their voices heard in Lansing. Gain insights into these issue areas from the municipal lens, learn effective actions to take, understand why those steps matter, and leave with a stronger grasp of how to advocate for lasting progress in your community.

ICMA CORE COMPETENCY CREDITS The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) offers a voluntary credentialing program to recognize professional local government managers and to promote lifelong learning. To assist managers who are considering or already participating in the program, the League will list one or more of ICMA’s 14 core competency (CC) areas for each of the CapCon sessions. Interested in finding out more? Contact Kelly Warren at kwarren@mml.org or 734-669-6310.

RECRUIT

RETAIN

RETIRE

Let us show you how. Visit us at Booth #32 or scan the QR code for more information.

A comprehensive retirement package can help you do all three

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Future League Events

2026 May 15–16 — Elected Officials Academy Spring Summits Bay City October 7–9 — Convention Traverse City

2027 April 21 — CapCon Lansing September 15–17 — Convention Mackinac Island

Thriving Communities Don’t Happen by Accident ™ ™

...they work with Plunkett Cooney.

AUDREY J. FORBUSH • (810) 342-7014 • aforbush@plunkettcooney.com • plunkettcooney.com

Save the Date October 7 9, 2026 | Traverse City, MI

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