MML Review Magazine Fall 2024

Highlights From networking on the historic Grand Hotel Front Porch to discussions on the nuts and bolts of successful council-manager relationships, Convention 2024 on Mackinac Island delivered the inspirational and the candid. Big questions were asked in the Opening General Session for attendees to consider throughout the event— What will it take for Michigan and its communities to remain placemaking leaders in the nation? —and challenges were made— We must stop using the limited conventional indicators of prosperity, which only look at economy, to measure a community’s overall success. A thriving community embodies connection, accessibility, and opportunity for its residents. It fosters a mindset of inspiration and optimism among leaders, prioritizing trust and belonging in everyday municipal decisions. Breakout sessions showed what this can look like in that everyday work: harnessing philanthropic support to bridge the gap in capital for housing projects; embracing energy efficiency as a strategy for keeping your fiscal house in order; and exploring how AI can improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of municipal services. Event attendees also had the chance to test prototype tools that the League is developing to help municipalities make the connections and set the course to be thriving communities for all residents. This work will continue over the next year, with more to discuss and celebrate at Convention 2025 in Grand Rapids, September 17–19.

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| Fall 2024