MML Convention Program

Welcome to Convention 2024!

On behalf of the Michigan Municipal League staff and our Board of Trustees, I am honored to welcome you to this year’s Convention on the beautiful Mackinac Island. My name is Robert Clark, and I am the Mayor of Monroe and the President of the League’s Board of Trustees. Convention gives us the space to connect as local government leaders—mayors, managers, councilmembers, municipal attorneys, and others. Our time together provides us with opportunities to learn more about what is happening in our communities and how we can continue to best serve them. This year’s event is full of excellent speakers from our great state (and beyond) and informative sessions that will help us shape a future where all Michiganders can thrive. We want to empower local leaders like you to be innovative, inspired, and optimistic about what is possible for our communities, and provide you with the tools and resources you need to make it happen. Some highlights include a kickoff to this year’s event with our very own Executive Director and CEO, Daniel P. Gilmartin, who will discuss the past, present, and future of thriving communities in Michigan. We will gain a national perspective on what our peers across the nation are doing from the National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. PlacemakingX Executive Director Ethan Kent, who is one of the top placemaking experts in the world, is also joining us to discuss Michigan’s future as a placemaking leader. There are multiple sessions on artificial intelligence (AI) and how we can use this technology as a tool for good. League staff have worked hard to put together sessions about what matters most for our communities, including election integrity, public safety, partnering opportunities for housing investment, alleviating hunger, and more. I know that many, including myself, look forward to the 2024 Community Excellence Award (CEA) finalists’ competition. Brighton, Grandville, Houghton, and Oak Park will showcase the great work being done to build thriving communities. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite project. With that, I hope you enjoy the beautiful views of Mackinac Island and all that the League has prepared for us to learn, network, and celebrate the future of Michigan’s communities.

Robert E. Clark Michigan Municipal League Board President Mayor of Monroe

#MMLCONV

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