The Review Magazine Spring 2025

The official magazine of the

Spring 2025

Volume 98, Number 2

Visit mml.org for the electronic version of the magazine and past issues.

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Features

Columns

On the Cover Back row L to R: • Robert “Bubba” Megowan – City Councilor (and Beautification Volunteer) • Eric Waara – City Manager • Scott Bussiere – Houghton DPW • Julie Waara – Beautification Volunteer • Tom Merz – Planning Commission Chair • Mimi Merz – Beautification Volunteer • Lukas Axford – Beautification Volunteer • Kaitie Koski – Administrative Assistant Front row L to R: • Tyler Axford – Beautification Volunteer • Brady Axford – Beautification Volunteer • Martie Leonard – Beautification Volunteer • Jan Cole – City Councilor (and Beautification Volunteer) • Amy Zawada – Community and Business Development Director

07 League Finds Success in Chaotic Lame Duck By John LaMacchia 10 GEMT Implementation By Herasanna Richards 12 Legislative Policy Committee Kick-Off By Emily Landau 14 Our 2025–26 Legislative Priorities to Foster Thriving Communities By Dave Hodgkins 17 Connecting Houghton By Emily Landau 22 Linking Local Futures and Subnational Diplomacy By Emily Landau 26 CapCon Wrap Up By Emily Landau

05 Executive Director’s Message 30 Legal Spotlight 32 Northern Field Report 35 Municipal Q&A 36 Municipal Finance 38 Lab Report

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| Spring 2025