January 19, 2012

Capital Conference Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2012 Capital Conference taking place March 20-21 in Lansing. This year's conference will focus on placemaking. Everyone is talking about the fundamental role placemaking plays in the economic revitalization of Michigan’s communities. But the economics of place has to start with the politics of place.

Join us in Lansing March 20-21 to learn about all the key state and federal issues that will impact our communities in the year ahead. View the full agenda here. Read about how (for the first time ever!) the Race for the Cup and the Community Excellence Awards will start at this year's conference.

You can also register for these pre-conference sessions taking place on March 20:

Recreation Authorities & Other Funding for Parks & Recreation

Most Common Open Meetings Act & Freedom of Information Act
Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Creative Consolidation: Success in Shared Services

Saving Our Children – The Community's Role in Suicide Prevention

MAMA 26th Annual Advanced Institute

Check Out This Meet Up in Jackson! regional meet up

Got anything planned after work from 5-7 pm on Friday, January 20? Join fellow League members at the Armory Arts Village in Jackson for a fast and fun evening of networking, refreshments, and hot topic discussions at the League Region Meet Up. This is a FREE event open to all League members!

This is something new we're trying, to give members an easy, casual way to get together with colleagues and League staff. Staff will be available to discuss the latest insider info on such topics as healthcare reform and the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP), and talk about anything else that might be on your mind.

Click here for the link to RSVP. Hope to see you there!

The Michigan Cable Act: Are Your Franchise Fees at Risk?
WEBINAR: 2:00-3:00 pm
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Cable franchise fees can be a substantial source of revenue for a community, but do you know what will happen when your existing cable franchise agreement ends? Those revenues could be at risk if a municipality fails to recognize and properly respond when a new Uniform Franchise Agreement shows up without notice at the local clerk's office.

The Michigan Municipal League's one-hour webinar will equip you with everything you need to know: understanding the Act's requirements, how to identify and respond to the new short deadlines, and how to complete the new Uniform Agreement form.

Will the cable companies coming into your community set the ground rules for what they'll pay, or will you tell them what the law says about franchise and PEG fees, compliance, and the renewal process?

Click here to learn more and to register now!

Tim Doyle Scholarship Announcement

Congratulations to the following individuals on receiving the Tim Doyle Scholarship to attend the Elected Officials Academy Core Weekender, February 24-25, 2012!

Joseph Rowley, Gladwin
Brian Watkins, Hillsdale
Lloyd Conway, Charlotte
Alan Kideckel, Berkley
Sheila Garrett, Galesburg
James Ward, Coopersville
Karl Rutledge, New Baltimore
Jaime Elizabeth Greene, Richmond

Each year the League offers this scholarship to elected officials, which awards them with a free registration to attend the Core Weekender training, where attendees learn roles and responsibilities, the fundamentals of financial management, the essentials of organization, and the basics of planning and zoning.

The Tim Doyle Scholarship Fund is provided through the MML Foundation. Click here to learn more or to donate today!