MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

LEGISLATIVE

Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate Started at MML: 2023 Issue Areas: elections, labor issues, and parks and recreation Fun Fact: My family has a pet gecko named Echo! Bio: I’m from Ionia but lived in the Lansing area for 12 years after attending Central Michigan University. Recently, my family moved to Mt. Pleasant where we love to stay active through sports and getting out into the community. Favorite Big Ten school: Not Ohio State.

Transit • $70 million to improve transit access. • $45 million for local bus operations: support affordable transportation options. • $3.5 million to invest in shared streets and spaces to help cities and transit agencies create options for pedestrians and bicyclists. Energy and Environment • $30 million for renewable ready communities to help local governments install renewable energy at scale. • $21.3 million for electric vehicles and renewable energy charging infrastructure. • $20 million to enhance air quality and remediate contaminated sites in historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Economic Development • $50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for the Housing and Community Development Fund. • $50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for Revitalization and Placemaking Grants, used to make communities more attractive places to live and work. Through strategic advocacy, the League’s State and Federal Affairs team has been able to successfully support more investment into our communities and have the Legislature act on the organization’s top priorities. As we move through the remaining months of 2024, we hope to build upon recent success, and take the opportunity in front of us to continue our pursuit of policy changes that will support thriving communities across Michigan. John LaMacchia is the director of state and federal affairs for the League. You may contact him at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

At Shifman Fournier, we believe that law firms that only provide legal counsel don’t necessarily understand the process of resolution of government challenges and its importance to communities. Our philosophy allows us to deliver well-grounded advice and deep knowledge of the factors that go into cases creating strategies to solve complex labor issues. Our expertise includes advising communities, municipalities, and counties throughout Michigan with a wide range of issues that they are challenged with. Our unique, professional experiences have demonstrated this philosophy in action, from managing a city and its diverse operations, to overseeing one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the State. This experience strengthens our ability to understand the impact upon employees and residents when making decisions on labor policy. MUNICIPAL HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS

31600 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 (248) 594-8700 shifmanfournier.com

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