Michigan Municipal League

For those attending Convention next week, be sure to pick up an exclusive commemorative pin from Michigan Municipal League Foundation! #MMLConv

The information in this webinar has the potential to transform your community. Don't let it pass you by! You still have time to register for "Why Storefronts Are Your Best Local Economic Development Strategy." The League and Alana Preuss, CEO of Recast City, are co-hosting this event to highlight the powerful impact that storefronts have on communities. Join us this Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, to learn about why storefronts are key to our local economic power and actions local leaders can take to make it all happen. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q030B7JQ0

Twenty-five years at one organization is no small feat. Yet, that's precisely what three of our employees have just accomplished! Congratulations to our IT & Operations Director, Dene Westbrook; Facilities Superintendent, Bruce Scott; and Research Specialist & Editor, Kim Cekola, who were given the impressive John G. Stutz 25 Year League Service Award from the National League of Cities. These employees go above and beyond in their roles at the League. They are truly indispensable members of our team. Thank you for your years of service to Michigan communities, Dene, Bruce, and Kim!

As 2024 comes to a close, we're beaming with pride at all our team was able to accomplish. Some wins coming from the League this year include: ✅Celebrating 125 years as an organization and publishing an anniversary book to commemorate the progress we've made ✅Connecting dozens of Michigan communities to grant dollars through MI Funding Hub ✅Launch of the League Portal, a one-stop-shop for all the information our members need ✅Fantastic turnout to MML Convention on Mackinac Island ✅MML Foundation partnered with and served over 60 Michigan communities. ✅Sharing our work on MiFundingHub, the Housing Data Portal, Pattern Book Homes, the Local Economies Initiative, Thriving Communities, and Michigan Green Communities at 16 conferences (including 4 for national audiences) ✅Successful organization audit ✅21 communities engaged and 30 community-led projects assisted through the Redevelopment Ready Communities program ✅Graduation of the Women's Elected Leadership Intensive's inaugural class ✅And so much more! Cheers to an impactful 2024. We look forward to keeping the momentum going in the #NewYear!

Season's greetings from the League! As we reflect on this time of the year, we're especially grateful for the support of our members across Michigan and the dedication of our incredible staff. Last week, we were able to gather for our annual holiday party. We exchanged gifts, ate a delicious meal together, and enjoyed one another's company. In recognition of the holiday, our office will be closed tomorrow, December 24, and reopen in the New Year on January 2, 2025. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and memorable holiday season!

Last week, Senator-Elect Elissa Slotkin paid a visit to our Lansing office! While there, she gifted our team a Congressional Record honoring the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Municipal League. We are so grateful to her and the House of Representatives for acknowledging our organization's milestone. She stated, "This 125th anniversary is a perfect time to recognize the Michigan Municipal League for its dedication to improving local governance and fostering vibrant, equitable communities." You can read Senator-Elect Slotkin's record of remarks related to our 125th anniversary here: https://hubs.la/Q030pkg80

Do you dream of a bustling downtown in your community, with no storefront left vacant? You're in luck! The League and Alana Preuss, CEO of Recast City, are here to get you closer to achieving your goal. In our upcoming Webinar, "Why Storefronts Are Your Best Local Economic Development Strategy," we will discuss how storefronts are the window into what makes each of our communities unique. Yet, these places are struggling with vacancies, and non-retail uses are suffering because of a lack of foot traffic post-pandemic. Join us on January 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, to learn about why storefronts are key to our local economic power and actions local leaders can take to make it all happen. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q030g4rS0

I’m a few days back from traveling to the Gulf Region. It was a fast-paced and fascinating exploration of subnational diplomacy. Four countries welcomed us along with their ambassadors, high ranking ministers, and royalty.   Our cross-sector delegation was led by Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez and included state, county, and local government in addition to highly esteemed business leaders. We all walked away with a renewed commitment to Michigan, local government and partnership.   Local government will be increasingly important to our communities and our state. If you think local government stops at sidewalk cracks and firefighters, I urge you to reconsider. Michigan’s local governments can help shape the world—some are doing that right now—and help create communities where everyone thrives.   The MML Foundation is dedicated to creating and cultivating resources, partnerships, and opportunities that Michigan communities need to thrive. That’s what led to this delegation and that’s what will lead to new adventures in 2025.   As the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Municipal League, we are eager to work with collaborators and partners that are in our backyard or across the globe. Reach out and let’s talk about how we can work together.   Honored to have traveled with this impressive group. Thanks to everyone for their collegiality and camaraderie on this historic delegation. Jose W. Fernandez US Undersecretary of State Nelson Cunningham Cunningham, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of State Julie E. Egan, Senior Fellow and Director, Michigan Subnational Diplomacy Initiative, Michigan Municipal League Foundation Ahmad Chebbani, Chairman and Co-founder and Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce Assad I. Turfe, Deputy Executive and Saif Alsenad, Government Relations Director, Wayne County Michigan Emilie LaGrow, Esq. Cassopolis, Village Manager, ICMA-CM Sean Carlson, Deputy County Executive and Michael J. Abdallah Economic Development, Business Attraction & FDI, Oakland County, Michigan Government Andrew DeLeeuw, Deputy County Administrator and Toni Kayumi, Executive Director of Community & Economic Development, Washtenaw County Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Dug Song, Co-Founder & Chair, Song Foundation, Co-Founder & Chair Michigan Founders Fund Peter Meijer, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy, New Industrial Corporation CJ Johnson, Foreign Affairs Officer

Please join us in congratulating Mary on her #retirement! Mary has dedicated the past 29 years of her life to serving Michigan communities. During her time at the League, she has held a number of roles, most recently as the Research Coordinator of the MML Membership Engagement Team. Answering questions and digging for information has always been something Mary loves doing, and she claims she has never met a stranger. We hope retirement will allow Mary to spend more time doing the things she loves—quilting, knitting, and spending time with her family. We wish her the very best in this new chapter!

The League's State and Federal Affairs team is working overtime to get our members the crucial lame duck updates they need. With all of the activity in Lansing, we're adding an additional Live with the League show to our 2024 roster! Tune in this upcoming Monday, December 16, at 12 p.m. to hear critical updates and actions to take. You can watch on FB Live or via Zoom here: https://hubs.la/Q02_BZdf0 In the meantime, be sure to read our latest Inside 208 blog post. In the post, our Director of State and Federal Affairs, John LaMacchia, details what bills you should have on your radar in the Michigan House and Senate. Read it here: https://hubs.la/Q02_C96p0