The annual Michigan Municipal Convention is just two weeks away, but there is still time to register by clicking here. This year’s Convention is taking place Oct. 3-5 on Mackinac Island.

View the full Convention program.

Check out the full Convention agenda and more detailed list of topics to be discussed, including a discussion on some of the controversial ballot issues that may appear on the November ballot, new laws regarding cell towers, how to secure grant funding for your community, how governments can address illegal drugs in their communities, collaborative innovation by Jeff DeGraff, walkable urbanism from Chris Leinberger, how to build resilient communities by Chuck Marohn, thinking global for local issues by Clarence Anthony, using art and creativity to drive our state forward by Jennifer Goulet, local finance issues and strategies, and community design and sustainability.

There’s money out there for communities, do you know how to get it? If not, find out how during a post-Convention workshop taking place immediately following the Michigan Municipal League’s 2012 Convention (Oct. 3-5, 2012) on Mackinac Island.

In this workshop 1-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, Dr. Beverly A. Browning, a Michigan native and long-time League workshop presenter will review web funding databases to reveal private sector funders that award grants to units of municipal government. Dr. Browning will show you projects that foundations and corporations have supported financially in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. She will also lead the audience in writing private sector funding requests. So come prepared; have an idea of what types of non-infrastructure projects you want to see funded in your community, and bring lots of writing paper and a pen! This information-filled workshop will end with door prize drawings (prizes donated by eCivis, Inc. and John Wiley & Sons Publishing).

This is one of two post-Convention workshops the League is offering at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island following the Convention. Go here to register and for details.

Check out the full Convention agenda and more detailed list of topics to be discussed, including a discussion on some of the controversial ballot issues that may appear on the November ballot, new laws regarding cell towers, how to secure grant funding for your community, how governments can address illegal drugs in their communities, collaborative innovation by Jeff DeGraff, walkable urbanism from Chris Leinberger, how to build resilient communities by Chuck Marohn, thinking global for local issues by Clarence Anthony, using art and creativity to drive our state forward by Jennifer Goulet, local finance issues and strategies, and community design and sustainability.

Governor Rick Snyder is challenging all Michigan stakeholders--state agencies, local governments, community planners, businesses, neighborhood associations and others--to focus on Placemaking as a key strategy for both economic and community development.

To that end, the state has started a new initiative and website:: the MI-Place Partnership Initiative (www.miplace.org). In this session at the Michigan Municipal League's 2012 Convention taking place October 3-5 on Mackinac Island attendees will learn how to plug-in to MI-Place resources that can help your community grow new jobs.

Check out the full Convention agenda and more detailed list of topics to be discussed, including a discussion on some of the controversial ballot issues that may appear on the November ballot, new laws regarding cell towers, how to secure grant funding for your community, how governments can address illegal drugs in their communities, collaborative innovation by Jeff DeGraff, walkable urbanism from Chris Leinberger, how to build resilient communities by Chuck Marohn, thinking global for local issues by Clarence Anthony, using art and creativity to drive our state forward by Jennifer Goulet, local finance issues and strategies, and community design and sustainability. Be sure to register by the end of the business day TODAY, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, to get the early bird discount.

TODAY is the last day to get the early bird registration rate for the Michigan Municipal League's 2012 Convention taking place October 3-5 on Mackinac Island. By registering by the end of the business day you'll save $50 off your registration.

This year's Convention is packed with sessions about tools communities can use to implement placemaking into their cities and villages as well as sessions on nuts and bolts ideas and information leaders need to run their municipalities each and every day.

Check out the full Convention agenda and more detailed list of topics to be discussed.

Det. Lt. George Sailer discusses illegal drug issues facing Michigan communities during a meeting with UP Michigan officials.

Illegal substances are a costly problem both financially and with regard to preserving quality of life within Michigan communities. During the Michigan Municipal League's 2012 Convention taking place October 3-5 on Mackinac Island we will have an eye-opening presentation for local officials about this dynamic, adaptable and formidable force trending everywhere.

Detective Lieutenant George Sailer, Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) will give the presentation Thursday, Oct. 4 about highly addictive modern meth, bath salts, K-2, spice and other trending drugs available to our school-age kids. These are the drugs responsible for erratic and deadly behavior, increasing crime, hazardous contamination sites, and neglected/abused children in our neighborhoods. Also in this sessions you’ll learn what law enforcement needs from local officials to help reduce and prevent this activity in your town. This presentation will educate and motivate.

Check out the full Convention agenda and more detailed list of topics to be discussed, including a discussion on some of the controversial ballot issues that may appear on the November ballot, new laws regarding cell towers, how to secure grant funding for your community, how governments can address illegal drugs in their communities, collaborative innovation by Jeff DeGraff, walkable urbanism from Chris Leinberger, how to build resilient communities by Chuck Marohn, thinking global for local issues by Clarence Anthony, using art and creativity to drive our state forward by Jennifer Goulet, local finance issues and strategies, and community design and sustainability. Be sure to register by Friday, Sept. 7 to get the early bird discount.