MML 2021 Convention Program & Agenda

The Other CEO: Hear from Jackson’s Chief Equity Officer Location: Ambassador West–Amway Grand Moderator: Veronica Paiz, Councilmember, Harper Woods Speaker: John Willis, Chief Equity Officer, City of Jackson

Jackson, MI hired their first chief equity officer in 2020, and created their Racial Equity Commission at that time. Several Michigan communities have either hired people to focus on equity, created commissions to do so, or have created equity plans to get started on their journey. Is your community considering diving into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work? Attend this session to learn what the City of Jackson has been up to and their plans for moving forward.

Owning the Narrative–Messaging for Municipalities Location: Imperial Ballroom–Amway Grand Moderator:

Cardi DeMonaco, Jr., Councilmember, Eastpointe

Speaker: Rob McCarty, Managing Partner, The Image Shoppe See the marketing world through the eyes of Rob McCarty who brings a passion for inclusivity and culture. Leave this session with a new perspective on how municipalities can view themselves as a brand and utilize this vantage point as they approach solutions within their communities. 4:30–5:30 PM BREAKOUTS Advancing Sustainability: Tools for Being a Green Community Location: Moderator: Speakers: Imperial Ballroom–Amway Grand Colleen Brown, Mayor, Montrose Matt Comben, GIS Specialist, Barr Engineering Co.

Matt Naud, Senior Consultant, Resource Recycling Systems Julie Staveland, Sustainability Section Manager, MI Dept of EGLE Amy Tweeten, City Planner, City of Petoskey

Local governments are faced with a host of climate and environment-related issues that challenge the physical and economic resiliency of their communities. Preparing for and adapting to changes in our climate and natural systems can seem daunting. But there are many straightforward solutions and strategies that communities can adopt that not only help mitigate risk but improve the lives of residents and help grow our local economies. In this session, attendees will hear from local and state practitioners about programs and policies that communities can use to “go greener” and improve their sustainability.

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