Michigan Municipal League Convention 2023 Program

TRAVERSE CITY, MI OCT 18-20, 2023 #MMLCONV

PROGRAM & AGENDA

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2023 Convention Objectives

Convention 2023 attendees will leave this year’s event with: • Activation –a compelling desire for action to activate their community, councils, and members to embrace inspiration and new ideas. • Empowerment –a deep belief that they have the power to affect prosperity, quality of life, and sense of trust and belonging within their community. • Innovation –a changed perspective to look at their communities through an innovative lens. • Optimism –a positive outlook about future prosperity, quality of life, and sense of trust and belonging within their community. • Tangible tools –meaningful information and tools that help them access resources and create change.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome

4

Pillars of Community Wealth Building

5

Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees Thank You to Our Sponsors

6

8-9

Business Alliance Program Participant

10

Thank You 2023 Award Winner Features

12-14

Agenda-at-a-Glance

16-18

General Information

20-22

General Session Presenters

24-27

Agenda in Detail

28-43

Tuesday

28

Wednesday

28-33 33-39 40-43

Thursday

Friday

Facility Maps

44-45

Future League Events

46

#MMLeague

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Welcome to our Convention in Traverse City!

The Michigan Municipal League staff and our Board of Trustees couldn’t be more excited for our 2023 Convention happening this year in amazing Traverse City. This year’s Convention brings together local officials, city managers, mayors, council members, municipal attorneys, and many others for a three-day conference, giving us an opportunity to connect and learn about what’s important in communities throughout our great state. It is packed full of excellent general session speakers, informative breakout sessions, and an incredible lineup of educational tours that will help you experience all that Traverse City has to offer. Attendees will leave this year’s event feeling activated, empowered, innovative, and optimistic. This year’s Convention highlights include keynote speaker Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places . Peter will discuss the changes we’ve made in response to the pandemic and how we can use this changed world to reconnect us with our neighbors and the nature around us. We also will have keynote speaker Matt Lehrman explaining how we can turn conflict into conversation. In addition, we will have a TED-talk style general session with speakers discussing investing in small communities, addressing human and social needs, and how Northern Michigan has branded itself as a tourist destination through agribusiness. Plus, there are deep-dive workshops on everything from artificial intelligence to empowering marginalized communities. And we will be showing the inspiring film, Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. is the Answer . We also have a great series of breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including the State Revolving Loan Funding, climate migration, rural community perspectives and priorities, and the always popular legislative update from our Lansing advocacy team. Even with that list, we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the sessions, workshops, activities, and tours planned. So, get ready to learn, enjoy, network, and have fun discovering Traverse City and the ways to make your own communities even better.

Barbara Ziarko Michigan Municipal League President Sterling Heights Councilmember

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We define community wealth building as strategies that build community and individual assets, creating resilient and adaptable systems to address social and economic needs. Our community wealth building pillars are tied together by two things: trust and belonging. An essential part of any community, trust and belonging represents inclusive, supporting communities where every member feels proud of where they live. The League will work with our partners to provide thought leadership, training, advocacy, resources, and best practices to build community wealth. Pillars of Community Wealth Building

Arts & Culture

Sustainability

Financial Security

Trust

Belonging

Public Health

Infrastructure

Lifelong Learning

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2023-2026 Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees

President Barbara A. Ziarko, Councilmember, Sterling Heights

Vice President Robert Clark, Mayor, Monroe

Board of Trustees Joshua Atwood, City Commissioner, Lapeer Rebecca Chamberlain-Creanga, Councilmember, Troy Peter Dame, Chief Development Officer, Portage Carla J. Filkins, Mayor, Cadillac Don Gerrie, Mayor, Sault Ste. Marie Stephen Kepley, Mayor, Kentwood Valerie Kindle, Mayor, Harper Woods Robert La Fave, Village Manager, L’Anse Raylon Leaks-May, Councilmember, Ferndale Joshua Meringa, Councilmember, Grandville Khalfani Stephens, Deputy Mayor, Pontiac Deborah Stuart, City Manager, Mason Keith Van Beek, City Manager, Holland Mark Washington, City Manager, Grand Rapids Stephanie Grimes Washington, Director of Government Affairs, Detroit Tim Wolff, Village Manager, Lake Isabella

Executive Director & CEO Daniel P. Gilmartin

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From point A to point B, and everywhere in between. We’re here for it all.

Con fi dence comes with every card.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan gives you access to the care you need however, wherever and whenever you need it. So, you’re covered anytime, anywhere. We’re here for it all and always will be.

For more information contact your local Blue Cross licensed agent or call the MML Risk Management Department at 800-653-2483.

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

W007893

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Thank you to our 2023

Host City

Platinum

Titanium

Gold

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Convention Sponsors!

Silver

Fleis & VandenBrink McKenna Shifman Fournier, PLC

Signature

Mobile App

Lunch

Hospitality Reception

Lanyards

Miller Canfield and Wade Trim

Plunkett Cooney

Registration Bag

Exhibitor Booths

International Pure Water

The Brick Industry Association Certified Payments by Deluxe Community Heart & Soul ICC Community Development Solutions Johnson Controls Public Agency Retirement Services Veridus Group, Inc. West Erie Realty Solutions, Ltd.

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Business Alliance Program Thank You

Signature Elite Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan

Premium

Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Municipal Employees’ Retirement System

Plante Moran Plunkett Cooney Verizon

Core

Abilita Abonmarche Consultants, Inc. American Society of Employers Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. DTE Energy FLO Garan Lucow Miller PC

Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC Merit Network Michigan Association of Planners Miller Canfield Rehmann Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler SL Environmental Law Group, P.C. Spectrum Enterprise

Basic

ACEC of Michigan/QBS Baker Tilly

Mika Meyers PLC Northland Securities, Inc.

Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, P.C. Beckett & Raeder, Inc. Bendzinski & Co. Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc. Comcast Emergent Health Partners Fishbeck Fleis & VandenBrink Hennessey Engineers, Inc. ITC Holdings Corp. McKenna Meadowbrook, Inc. Metro Consulting Associates

OHM Advisors Prein&Newhof Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) ROWE Professional Services Company SavATree

Shifman Fournier Law Total Security Solutions Veridus Group, Inc. Wade Trim Wightman Williams & Works, Inc. Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors

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2023 Award Winners

Honorary Life Member Award Honorary Life Membership, first awarded in 1932, is the League’s highest honor, reserved for the most active and inspiring leaders dedicated to the League and its mission.

Recipient: Rosalynn Bliss

Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years. Mayor Bliss also is serving as the Frederik Meijer Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Grand Valley’s Frederik Meijer Honors College, where she teaches a junior

seminar. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University. Mayor Bliss served as President of the Michigan Municipal League from 2016 to 2017 and currently serves on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Convention Arena Authority, Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, Housing Kent, National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families, Urban Core Mayors, City Business Collaborative, The Economic Club of Grand Rapids, and the Interurban Transit Partnership. Mayor Bliss has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment, dedication, and work in the field of child abuse and neglect and for her leadership in the community. As mayor, she has been committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, working to create a cleaner, healthier, and safer community, and addressing disparities in Grand Rapids.

What does the Honorary Life Member Award mean to you? “Receiving this award is truly an honor and it means a lot to me. It is particularly touching because it is being given by the Michigan Municipal League, an organization comprised of individuals who have a heart for public service and who appreciate the dedication and sacrifice it takes to serve. I am deeply grateful for and honored by this incredible recognition.”

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Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award Celebrating a chief elected official who personifies professionalism and leadership, is an active League member, is dedicated to the citizens in their community and advocates on their behalf in Lansing and Washington, DC.

Recipient: Melanie Piana

Melanie Piana has served as an elected official representing Ferndale for nearly 14 years. Her commitment to Ferndale includes prioritizing a culture of belonging and well-being. In her professional capacity working across municipal borders with public service, initiatives have included advances in inclusive neighborhood economic development, mobility and non-motorized street transformations, and community engagement advances.

Mayor Piana’s public work has been recognized by: • SEMCOG’s 2018 Taubman Fellowship to Harvard Kennedy School

• Michigan Municipal League, President of the Board of Trustees 2018–2019 • The American Institute of Architects Detroit Honorary Affiliate Award • Oakland County, for serving as Chair of the Oakland County Public Transit Authority • National League of Cities for serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee • Urban Land Institute for the Larson Leadership Fellow Program. Mayor Piana also has a thriving nonprofit and consulting career. She has held leadership positions in regional and city community and economic development organizations, advancing strategic planning and organizational resilience. Piana consults with mission-driven organizations on strategic planning, communications, and storytelling initiatives. She completed advanced training at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public Narrative and was certified as a Climate Change Practitioner (CC-P) by the Association of Climate Change Officers. Mayor Piana is a graduate of Albion College and holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University. What does the Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award mean to you? “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Michigan Municipal League for my public service. Behind every elected official’s success is a team supporting your leadership journey. I’m grateful to my city manager, city staff, city council members, and the dedicated talent at MML who informed and uplifted my ideas over the years.”

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2023 Award Winners

Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award Celebrating a person dedicated to public service who has shown passion and commitment to the League, enthusiastically supporting its mission and promoting its purpose.

Recipient: Anita Ashford

Anita Ashford serves as councilmember for the City of Port Huron, having also served in the role of mayor pro-tem. Anita’s trailblazing spirit has broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings. She made history as the first Black woman to be elected vice chair of the League, leaving an indelible mark on the world of municipal governance. Her involvement with the National Association of Regional Councils Board of

Directors further showcases her commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens. Anita also served as chairperson of SEMCOG, making her the first Black woman to hold the position. Her list of achievements reflects her outreach of service from local to regional and national platforms. Anita has been an active member in the League. She currently serves on the board of the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) and on the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Board of Directors. She is a firm believer in the importance of educating municipal officials and actively encourages peers to participate in the EOA. She is quick to assist whenever she is called upon, whether it’s to moderate or present a League session, or co-author a publication for MBC-LEO. After learning about community wealth building, Anita created the Connect-One-on-One program for MBC-LEO to help members build relationships based on trust and belonging. Beyond her public service, Anita is deeply rooted in the community she calls home. As a lifelong resident of the City of Port Huron, her passion for its prosperity is unwavering. Professionally, she has served DTE Energy Company, driving continual improvement in process management. Anita has an associate degree in criminal justice from SC4 in Port Huron and a bachelor’s degree in human resource administration from Concordia in Ann Arbor. Her expertise as a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, combined with a multitude of other certifications, showcases her relentless pursuit of excellence. What does the Jim Sinclair Award mean to you? “This award is an awesome honor that I will cherish and be greatly inspired to continue serving in my role as an elected official.”

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Michigan’s

sustainable future

• DTE currently has 20 wind parks and 33 solar parks throughout the state of Michigan, which together generate enough clean energy to power more than 750,000 homes. • By 2025, our renewable energy assets will generate enough clean energy to power more than 1 million Michigan homes. • DTE’s renewable projects are also helping to strengthen Michigan’s economy by providing additional tax revenue for local communities, supporting thousands of local jobs, and supplying extra income for local farmers who participate in our projects.

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Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1–4 p.m. Agenda At-A-Glance

Governors’ Pre-function

Exhibitor Load-in 2–4 p.m.

Tower Ballroom AB

MML League Board of Trustees Meeting 4–6 p.m.

Tower Desk

Registration open 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Hotel Indigo

League Board of Trustees Dinner

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tower Desk

Registration open 7:30–8 a.m.

Governors’ Hall A Pre-function

First-Time Attendee Breakfast Check In 8–9 a.m.

Governors’ Hall A

First-Time Attendee Breakfast 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Governors’ Pre-function

Exhibitor Showcase 9–10:30 a.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

General Session From Conflict to Conversation 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Community Excellence Award Presentations 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Networking Lunch 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Governors’ Hall A

MWIMG Annual Meeting & Luncheon (additional fee) 11:30 a.m.–5:45 p.m.

Tower Prefunction

CEA Voting Open 1–4 p.m.

Workshops

Combating Human Trafficking Council-Manager Relations

Location: Tower Ballroom A

Location: Tower Ballroom B Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer , a film by A.J. Ali Location: Tower Ballroom C Empowering Your Community to Act on Justice40 Location: Mackinac Ballroom ART-ificial Intelligence and Your Community Location: Peninsula Ballroom

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Agenda At-A-Glance

4–4:30 p.m.

Governors’ Hall A Pre-function

Delegate Check In 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Governors’ Hall A

Annual Business Meeting 5–9 p.m.

Resort Front Entrance

Round trip transportation to and from Welcome Reception 6–8 p.m.

Hickory Hills Recreation Area

Welcome Reception

Thursday, October 19, 2023 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tower Desk

Registration Open 7:30–9 a.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Networking Breakfast 7:30–9 a.m.

Governors’ Hall A Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Annual Meeting & Breakfast (additional fee) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Governors’ Pre-function Exhibitor Showcase 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tower Prefunction CEA Voting Open 9–10:30 a.m. Governors’ Hall CDEF General Session Reconnecting to Our Sense of Place 10:30–11:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions Legislative Update Location: Tower Ballroom A State Revolving Loan Funds 101 Location: Tower Ballroom B Connecting Michigan by Rail Location: Tower Ballroom C Rural Community Perspectives and Priorities Location: Peninsula Ballroom with Michigan’s Office of Rural Development Investing for Community Well-Being Location: Mackinac Ballroom and Local Wealth Building

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Agenda At-A-Glance

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Networking Lunch 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

General Session Embracing Regional Character in the Mitten State: TED Talk Style 1:30–2 p.m.

Resort Front Lobby

Educational Tour Check-In 2 p.m.

Resort Front Entrance

Transportation for Educational Tours Departs 2–5 p.m.

Educational Tours (additional fee)

Downtown Traverse City Walking Tour (Future Planning on Foot) Meaningful Experiences for All on Our Great Lakes Immerse Yourself in the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park History and Innovation at the Grand Traverse Commons Commongrounds Co-op Tour 5 p.m. Transportation from Educational Tours Return to Resort

Resort Front Entrance

Friday, October 20, 2023 7:30–9 a.m.

Governors’ Hall CDEF

Networking Breakfast 7:30–9 a.m.

Governors’ Hall A Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) Breakfast (additional fee) 7:30–10:30 a.m. Tower Desk Registration Open 9–10 a.m. Breakout Sessions Staffing Secrets from an HR Pro Location: Tower Ballroom A Presented by Business Alliance Program participant Rehmann Creating Cultures of Belonging Location: Tower Ballroom B Where Everyone Can T.H.R.I.V.E. Movin’ On Up: Retrofits for Existing Buildings Location: Tower Ballroom C Michigan as a Receiver Place for Climate Migration Location: Peninsula Ballroom Telling Our Stories: Michigan Communities Location: Mackinac Ballroom Should Learn to Brag 10 a.m.–10:15 a.m. Governors’ Pre-function Networking Break 10:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Governors’ Hall CDEF General Session Designing Neighborhoods that Help People Flourish Announcement of 2023 Community Excellence Award Winner

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General Information

Registration Hours Tuesday, October 17: 4–6 p.m.

CONVENTION MOBILE APP

Wednesday, October 18: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday, October 19: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, October 20: 7:30–10:30 a.m. Conference Mobile App

Download the free Convention mobile app on your smartphone in your app store by searching for “Michigan Municipal League.” The app will have exclusive information and notifications to not miss anything. Educational Tours All Educational Tours will happen Thursday, October 19. Pre-registration is required and there is $15 fee for each participant. If you have not registered, please stop by registration to see if there is availability. Transportation will be leaving at 2 p.m. from the front entrance of the resort. Each tour will have a separate bus and there will be League staff members checking in participants. All tours will return to the resort after the completion of their tour. Participants are welcome to stay longer at their tour location but will be responsible for their own transportation back to the resort. League Membership Booth Be sure to visit the League membership booth outside Governors’ CDEF! League staff members will be there to provide resources, answer questions, network, and enhance your Convention experience. Unsure where to start or how to continue your community DEI journey? You’re not alone. The League has programming to assist you along the way, coming spring 2024. Visit the League Membership booth to help inform the upcoming curriculum by sharing: • Barriers you’ve encountered with this work • Success stories • What inclusion means to you • How you define trust, belonging, diversity, and equity Exhibitor Showcase Please visit our exhibitor showcase directly outside of the general session room. Exhibitors will be there Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Name Badges Convention name badges must be worn to gain admission to educational, meal, and social functions.

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General Information

Guest Activities Guests can be registered with Convention attendees to participate in meals and the Welcome Reception. Guest registration does not include admittance to the Convention general sessions, workshops, breakout sessions, or educational tours. Meals The full Convention registration includes Wednesday lunch and Welcome Reception, Thursday breakfast and lunch and Friday breakfast. Convention Courtesy Reminders • Please be on time for sessions. • Please take conversations into the hallway, rather than chatting while a session is in progress. • Please turn off the ringer on your cell phones during the sessions. The speakers and the audience will appreciate your courtesy. Sponsors We are fortunate for our many sponsors this year who have helped support our Convention. Please see the list of sponsors through the program and on page 8–9. During the Convention, please thank these companies for supporting local government. Evaluations Evaluation surveys for Breakout Sessions will be available via QR code in the program and within the breakout rooms. An evaluation survey for the overall Convention experience will be emailed following the conclusion of Convention. Community Excellence Award This year’s winner will be decided by the entire Convention delegation. Our four nominees will make presentations on Wednesday, October 18, immediately following the opening general session. Voting will take place at the Community Excellence Award voting booth in the Grand Traverse Resort pre-function space Wednesday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and again on Thursday, October 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voting will also be available via the Convention mobile app on-demand. Our official auditors, Plante Moran PLLC, will oversee the voting booth and count the ballots. The Community Excellence Award Cup will be presented on Friday, October 20, at the closing General Session. The 2023 finalists are: Bridgman –The Bridgman Courtyard Coldwater –Explore. Learn. Grow: How a Children’s Museum Revitalized Downtown Coldwater

Port Huron –Port Huron’s McMorran Place Plaza Revitalization Westland –City of Westland: Mission to Mars Themed Playground Thank you to everyone who submitted projects.

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General Information

Core Legislative Principles In accordance with the League Bylaws, the Board of Trustees has considered statements of policy in advance of the annual meeting. Clerks from member municipalities were notified in July that the 2023-2024 proposed League Core Legislative Principles were available on the League website. In the Annual Meeting Notice, official voting delegates were requested to print the proposed Core Legislative Principles from the League website and bring them to the Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in Governors’ AB at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Nominating Committee for the Board of Trustees The Nominating Committee will post the names of nominees for the Board of Trustees in the League registration area on Wednesday afternoon. Nominating Committee Members William Wild , Committee Chairperson, Immediate Past President Robert Clark , Mayor, Monroe Pat Lockwood , Mayor Pro Tem, Fenton Brenda F. Moore , Mayor, Saginaw Daniel Gilmartin , Executive Director/CEO, Michigan Municipal League Social Media Stay connected with all that is going on at Convention and with the League year-round by following the League on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now Threads. For the latest Convention updates, be sure to follow #mmlconv. 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 18 core competency (CC) areas for each of the Convention sessions. If you are interested in finding out more about this, contact Kelly Warren, kwarren@mml.org, or 734-669-6310. Transportation Busses will be provided for roundtrip transportation for the Welcome Reception and Educational Tours. Welcome Reception roundtrip transpiration will begin at 5 p.m. and run through 9 p.m. Transportation for the Educational Tours will be leaving Thursday, October 19 at 2 p.m. from the front entrance of the resort. Each tour will have a separate bus and there will be League staff members checking in participants. All tours will return to the resort after the completion of their tour. Participants are welcome to stay longer at their tour location but will be responsible for their own transportation back to the resort.

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General Session Presenters

Matt Lehrman

Managing Director, Social Prosperity Partners

Matt Lehrman, co-founder of Social Prosperity Partners, is a professional facilitator who specializes in helping civic and nonprofit organizations engage their communities in ways that leave people feeling connected, respected, and heard.

Peter Kageyama

Author, For the Love of Cities

Peter Kageyama is an urbanist and author of four nonfiction books on cities and placemaking. His first book, For the Love of Cities , was recognized as a Top 10 Book in Urban Planning and Development. He speaks all over the world about better placemaking that emphasizes small, inexpensive, and fun approaches to city building. He was a Senior Advisor to the Alliance for Innovation, a national network of city leaders, and is a special advisor to America in Bloom. In 2023, St. Petersburg Press published his first novel, Hunters Point. The work of historic fiction draws upon the wartime experiences of his father and his Japanese family. In his spare time Peter is an avid board gamer, comic book geek and classic rock nerd. He lives in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, award winning architect Lisa Wannemacher and their dog Dobby.

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Josh Stoltz

Executive Director, Grow Benzie

Josh Stoltz is the executive director for Grow Benzie, a non-profit Rural Prosperity Incubator and community center located in Northwest Lower Michigan. Grow Benzie provides support services for nonprofits and community initiatives such as grant writing, communications, and fiscal sponsorship while also offering a community space that includes co-working office space, an event center, commercial kitchen, and incubator farm. After spending 10 years managing his own group of marketing and

sales companies throughout Arizona and Florida, he moved back to work in the nonprofit sector in the community that raised him. Josh was the recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange program, spending time in Mozambique studying food systems; and was also awarded the Changemaker Fellowship by Rotary Charities of Traverse City where he studied System Change in England and Russia with Forum for the Future. Sakura Takano Chief Executive Officer, Rotary Charities of Traverse City

Sakura Takano is the chief executive officer of Rotary Charities of Traverse City, a place-based foundation in Northwest Lower Michigan. Previously, she worked with the foundation as director of community assets and impact investing. Prior to her work at Rotary Charities, she led the housing and workforce development programs at Goodwill Northern Michigan for seven years, securing strong local

partnerships to leverage new state and federal funding for rural initiatives. She laid her groundwork for leveraging financial tools to support community change at JPMorgan in the investment banking and capital markets divisions. Sakura holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in finance and economics from Boston College, and an MBA in social enterprise from Columbia Business School. Board memberships include IFF, a large regional CDFI headquartered in Chicago; Venture North Funding and Development, a regional small business CDFI based in Traverse City; and Munson Healthcare, northern Michigan’s regional healthcare system. She also served on the Grand Traverse County American Rescue Plan Funding Advisory Board.

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General Session Presenters

Bob Sutherland

President, Cherry Republic

Before the start of Cherry Republic, Bob Sutherland was board president of Michigan Land Use Institute for 5 years and commissioner of Leelanau County for a year. Previously in his business career, he was a Leelanau County Commissioner, General Partner of a new urbanist neighborhood, and incorporated seasonal housing for 50 employees. He is a published writer on a variety of topics, from politics to swimming alone. His business has drawn national media attention from the cover of the Wall Street Journal to the Food Network. He is a proud Board Member of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. In 1989 Sutherland started selling Cherry Republic T-shirts sporting the motto “Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie” out of the trunk of his car. Over time the business has grown to have some 200 cherry-based products including chocolate covered cherries, BBQ sauce, jams, jellies, salsas, nut mixes, ice cream toppings, baked goods, condiments, summer sausage, soda pop, cherry wine, and cherry beer. The company’s geography has grown, as well. Beyond Glen Arbor flagship store, Cherry Republic now has locations in: Downtown Traverse City, Charlevoix, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth, and downtown Holland. Along the way on this crazy journey, Sutherland has not lost sight of the original motto printed on the back of his first Cherry Republic T-shirts. He still believes in ‘Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie,’ and he runs his company according to those principles. He believes in giving back to his community, creating a fun work environment for his employees, protecting our precious lakeshore, supporting cherry farmers, and making sure every customer feels welcome and gets the chance to experience what he loves most: Northern Michigan.

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Austin Tunnell

Founder & Owner, Building Culture

Austin Tunnell is founder and owner of Building Culture, a design and build firm in Oklahoma City that specializes in mass-wall masonry construction. Inspired by beautiful architecture throughout the world that has lasted millennia, Tunnell is developing an alternative building methodology to displace our current, disposable practices in the United States, by blending the best of tradition and innovation, fusing classical practices with modern tech. While it is common to think of

development and building as a resource-consuming, destructive force, Austin believes that at its best, architecture enriches, and is an essential ingredient to human flourishing.

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Tuesday, October 17, 2023 1–4 p.m. Exhibitor Load-in Location: Governors’ Hall Pre-function 2–4 p.m. League Board of Trustees Meeting Location: Tower Ballroom AB

4–6 p.m. Registration Location: Tower Desk

6:30–8:30 p.m. League Board of Trustees Dinner Location: Hotel Indigo Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration open Location: Tower Desk 7:30–8 a.m. First-Time Attendee Breakfast Check In Location: Governors’ Hall A Pre-function

8–9 a.m. First-Time Attendee Breakfast Location: Governors’ Hall A

Is this your first Convention, or are you new to the League? This breakfast will introduce League staff and board members, and peers who can answer questions about the League and how to make the most of your time at Convention.

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Exhibitor Showcase Location: Governors’ Hall Pre-function

The exhibitor showcase will be available Wednesday and Thursday and features eight exclusive companies who want to connect with you on how they can help you achieve your goals as a municipality.

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9–10:30 a.m. Opening General Session Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF Welcome: League President Barbara A. Ziarko, Councilmember, Sterling Heights From Conflict to Conversation Speaker: Matt Lehrman, Managing Director, Social Prosperity Partners Must disagreement be disagreeable? Amidst unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, now is an ideal time for civic leaders to learn new ways to bring people together to tackle their communities’ most complex and sensitive issues. Matt Lehrman animates the principle that where people work together courageously, their potential is unlimited. CC 2: Community Engagement CC 6: Strategic Leadership CWB: Lifelong Learning

10:30–11:30 a.m. Community Excellence Award Presentations Sponsored by

Moderator: David Helisek, Partner, Plante Moran

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Brian Camiller | brian.camiller@plantemoran.com

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WED., OCTOBER 18

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11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Networking Lunch Sponsored by Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF Join colleagues and enjoy lunch together while discussing what you have learned and what you are looking forward to during Convention.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MWIMG Annual Meeting & Luncheon (additional fee) Location: Governors’ Hall A

11:30 a.m.–5:45 p.m. CEA Voting Location: Tower Prefunction

1–4 p.m. Workshops Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer , a film by A.J. Ali Location: Tower Ballroom C Moderator: Anita Ashford, Councilmember, City of Port Huron Speaker: Lois Allen-Richardson, Facilitator, L.O.V.E. Is the Answer Movement The Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) invites Convention attendees to join them in watching a 90-minute version of A.J. Ali’s film WALKING WHILE BLACK: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer. Shown during the 2020 virtual Convention and back by popular demand, this film explores the relationship between law enforcement and the Black community. After positive feedback and great discussion in 2020, this session will continue the conversation and include a facilitated discussion following the film. CC 3: Equity and Inclusion

CWB: Public Health CWB: Infrastructure

Thriving Communities Don’t Happen by Accident ™ ™

...they work with Plunkett Cooney.

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

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WED., OCTOBER 18

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Empowering Your Community to Act on Justice40 Location: Mackinac Ballroom Speaker:

Allison Rogers, Director for Environmental Justice Public Engagement, White House Council on Environmental Quality

Moderator: Leslie Herrick, Council President Pro Tem, City of Dearborn Justice40 is a federal initiative that aims to empower communities that are marginalized, underserved, and/or overburdened. The initiative includes federal and state investments in pollution remediation and reduction, climate change mitigation, and sustainability that has 40% of related federal investment flow to disadvantaged communities. Come and learn about how your community can easily and effectively access the variety of resources available through the Justice40 initiative with this interactive workshop. Attendees will learn more about the initiative and leave with tools for incorporating wellbeing into their infrastructure plans and connections to state and federal agencies. CC 6: Strategic Leadership Council-Manager Relations Location: Tower Ballroom B Speakers: Chris Johnson, General Counsel, Michigan Municipal League Patrick McGinnis, City Manager, City of Portage Moderator: Stacy Cobb-Muniz, Councilmember, City of Eastpointe When the relationship between the city manager and city council breaks down, forward motion slows; time and resources are wasted; trust and respect are damaged and, ultimately, the community will not get what it deserves. What are the signs that counseling may be in your future? What strategies should be in place to keep your city off this path in the first place? What steps can you take to mend or improve the way your executive team works together? Come hear from both sides of the equation and learn firsthand about the appropriate roles for elected officials and managers, what strategies can be put into place to help build a productive relationship, and hear examples directly from some seasoned elected officials and managers. CC 4: Staff Effectiveness CC 13: Human Resources Management and Workforce Engagement CWB: Lifelong Learning CWB: Infrastructure CWB: Sustainability CWB: Infrastructure

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WED., OCTOBER 18

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Combating Human Trafficking Location: Tower Ballroom A Speaker:

Jennifer Mansfield, Partner, Coeus Creative Group

Moderator: Bridget Dean, Mayor, City of Berkley Human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in Michigan–eclipsed only by drugs. Michigan also ranks tenth in the nation for human trafficking. Join experts and other officials to break down the issue and learn steps local governments can take to tackle trafficking in our communities. CC 9: Community and Resident Service CWB: Public Health

ART-ificial Intelligence and Your Community Location: Peninsula Ballroom Speaker:

Jerin Sage, Director of Placemaking, Greater Flint Arts Council/ Whats Up Downtown Project

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a hot topic right now and a controversial one in some circles. But it’s not all bad. Hear how Jerin Sage, the director of placemaking in Flint, is using A.I. for everything from art exhibitions to park planning. In this highly interactive, fun, and futuristic workshop, attendees will leave knowing much more about the positive ways to use A.I. in their communities. Attendees will take a deep dive into some of the A.I. tools and software that can assist us humans in simplifying day-to-day administrative tasks, help to guide creative processes/teams and open doors to new ideas, connections, and designs to create equitable and engaged communities. CC 11: Technological Literacy CC 14: Communication and Information Sharing

CWB: Arts and Culture CWB: Lifelong Learning

4–4:30 p.m. Annual Business Meeting Delegate Check In Location: Governors’ Hall A Pre-function

4:30–5:30 p.m. Annual Business Meeting Location: Governors’ Hall A Presiding: League President Barbara A. Ziarko, Councilmember, Sterling Heights Adoption of the 2023–2024 Core Legislative Principles Election of League Trustees

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WED., OCTOBER 18

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5–9 p.m. Welcome Reception Transportation Location: Resort Front Entrance Catch a bus from the main entrance of the Grand Traverse Resort for transportation to and from the Welcome Reception. Roundtrip busing will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

6–8 p.m. Welcome Reception Sponsored by Location: Hickory Hills Recreation Area

The Welcome Reception provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and create valuable new connections at a unique venue. Hickory Hill is one of few municipal operated ski hills in the state and just completed $5.5 million in renovations. Come enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and beautiful views! The reception will be both indoors and outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Thursday, October 19, 2023 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration Open Location: Tower Desk

7:30–9 a.m. Networking Breakfast Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF Start the day off right with breakfast and networking!

7:30–9 a.m. Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Annual Meeting & Breakfast (additional fee) Location: Governors’ Hall A

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Exhibitor Showcase Location: Governors’ Hall Pre-function

The exhibitor showcase will be available Wednesday and Thursday and features eight exclusive companies who want to connect with you on how they can help you achieve your goals as a municipality.

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THURS., OCTOBER 19

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8 a.m.–4 p.m. CEA Voting Location: Tower Prefunction

9–10:30 a.m. General Session Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF Speaker:

Peter Kageyama, Author, For the Love of Cities

Reconnecting to Our Sense of Place With the many changes that COVID brought to everyone’s lives, an important one for our communities was a renewed sense of place. It made our world smaller and reconnected us with our neighbors and the nature around us. How do we take advantage of this moving forward? How do we utilize what these changes brought about to bring positive improvements and more love to our communities? CC 2: Community Engagement CC 9: Community and Resident Service CC 10: Service Delivery CWB: Public Health

10:30–11:30 a.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Rural Community Perspectives and Priorities with Michigan’s Office of Rural Development Location: Peninsula Ballroom Moderator: Mike DeVore, Mayor, City of Lowell Speaker:

Payton Heins, Policy Specialist, Michigan Office of Rural Development The Michigan Office of Rural Development (ORD) was created via Executive Directive in 2022 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to facilitate the state’s efforts to build long-term prosperity in Michigan’s rural communities. The ORD strategically focuses on key rural priorities including but not limited to housing, workforce, infrastructure, and community capacity building. In this session, the ORD will highlight its current and planned initiatives to support rural communities, discuss results of a statewide survey, and invite session participants living in or serving rural areas to share their community perspective and priorities. CC 7: Strategic Planning CC 9: Community and Resident Service CC 10: Service Delivery CWB: Infrastructure

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THURS., OCTOBER 19

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Investing for Community Well-Being and Local Wealth Building Location: Mackinac Ballroom

Moderator: Bill Ostash, Councilmember, City of Saginaw Speakers: Tim Morales, City Manager, City of Saginaw

Joshua Mills, City Superintendent, City of Frankfort Rebekah Kik, Assistant City Manager, City of Kalamazoo With billions of dollars in federal and state funding available, how can our communities access and invest new funds to improve community well-being and support local community wealth building? This panel discussion will highlight unique ways that Michigan communities are engaging their communities and investing ARP, Infrastructure Act, and Inflation Reduction Act funding to achieve these goals. CC 2: Community Engagement CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting CWB: Financial Security CWB: Infrastructure Legislative Update Location: Tower Ballroom A Moderator: Michael R. Flores, Councilmember, City of Saginaw Speakers: John LaMacchia II, Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League The first six months of the legislative session ushered in sweeping policy changes and the passage of the largest budget in the state’s history. This fall, legislators are poised to continue considering major reforms around the topics of environmental policy, renewable energy, housing, and economic development. Our lobbying team will break it all down for you and offer insights on what legislation is likely to see action and more importantly, how you–our members–can engage!

CC 8: Policy Facilitation and Implementation CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting CWB: Financial Security CWB: Infrastructure

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THURS., OCTOBER 19

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State Revolving Loan Funds 101 Location: Tower Ballroom B Moderator: Abe Garcia, Councilmember, City of Wayland Speaker: Vicki Putala, Vice President, OHM Advisors The State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) represents the single largest opportunity for communities to fund water infrastructure, pollution remediate, and conservation in the state. Thanks to reforms made in 2022, the process of accessing these funds has been easier. This session will be an interactive crash course on SRF, looking at both the Clean Water and Drinking Water funds. Attendees will learn about recent changes to SRF structure, how to put together a successful application, and will be connected with the Community TA Providers Network, EGLE, and MI Water Navigator to get assistance as they pursue SRF applications. CC 7: Strategic Planning CC 12: Financial Management and Budgeting

CWB: Sustainability CWB: Infrastructure

Connecting Michigan by Rail Location: Tower Ballroom C

Moderator: Larry Moss, Councilmember, City of Greenville Speakers: Cash Cook, Executive Director, Kalkaska DDA

Derrick James, Director, Government Affairs at Amtrak James Bruckbauer, Transportation & Community Design Program Director at Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities

What’s the status of connecting mid and northern Michigan communities to existing passenger rail lines in Detroit, Chicago, and Grand Rapids? How can communities plan effective local mobility networks? Several passenger rail projects discussed over the last decade could add new options for Michiganders to travel for work, school, and leisure–but the status and process is opaque. Come learn what’s happening with the projects, why they are important for Michigan and our communities, what locals can do to support them, and how local land use and infrastructure planning can best leverage them. CC 7: Strategic Planning CC 9: Community and Resident Service CC 10: Service Delivery CWB: Infrastructure

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THURS., OCTOBER 19

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11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch Sponsored by Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF Join colleagues and enjoy lunch together while discussing what you have learned and what you are looking forward to during Convention.

12:30–1:30 p.m. General Session Location: Governors’ Hall CDEF

Embracing Regional Character in the Mitten State: TED Talk Style Moderator: Daniel P. Gilmartin, Executive Director & CEO Speakers: Josh Stoltz, Executive Director, Grow Benzie

Bob Sutherland, President, Cherry Republic Sakura Takano, Chief Executive Officer, Rotary Charities of Traverse City

Local business leaders are changing the region with the work they are doing on behalf of its citizens. This session will provide you with inspiration, hope, and creativity on how three area leaders are effecting change at the regional level. They will cover investing in small communities, addressing human and social needs, and how Northern Michigan has branded itself as a tourist destination through agribusiness. This is a TED talk-style panel, with each speaker addressing the audience separately and brought together in the end with a unifying message. CC 6: Strategic Leadership CC 9: Community and Resident Service

CC 10: Service Delivery CWB: Arts and Culture CWB: Sustainability

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THURS., OCTOBER 19

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