MAM Summer Workshop 2026
Building Relationships for Resilient Communities
August 5–7, 2026
Farmington, MI
Join your fellow local leaders in Farmington for the 2026 Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Summer Workshop. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to network with other mayors and presidents while learning critical skills and information to help you serve your community. This year’s program will include sessions on current legislative issues, 2030 Census preparation, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Sister City relationships, and more. In addition to the exciting agenda, the event’s welcome reception and an evening in Farmington aim to foster community among MAM members.
Wednesday 8/5
3 p.m.
MAM Board Meeting
*MAM Board members only
6 p.m.
Registration Opens
Location:
KickstART Gallery
23616 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336
6–8 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Location:
KickstART Gallery
23616 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336
Kick off the Summer Workshop at a Welcome Reception hosted at KickstART Gallery. Enjoy a taste of Farmington with hors d’oeuvres from local vendors and drinks provided by Lone Light Spirits. A live musical performance will take place in Dinan Park, just across the street. Included in registration fee.
Thursday 8/6
Location:
Delta Hotels Detroit Novi Farmington 1
37529 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI 48335
9 a.m.
Registration Opens
9:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks & Host City Welcome
Speakers:
- Brenda F. Moore, Mayor, City of Saginaw; MAM Board President
- Joe LaRussa, Mayor, City of Farmington
9:45 a.m.
Legislative Update
Speakers:
- Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
- Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
The Michigan Municipal League’s State and Federal Affairs department will provide an update on current state and federal legislation.
10:45 a.m.
Networking Break
11 a.m.
How Municipalities Can Prepare for the 2030 Census – Starting Now
Speakers:
- Jaclyn Butler, State Demographer, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics
- Brian Hercliff-Proffer, Community Impact Director, Michigan Nonprofit Association
The 2030 Census will shape Michigan’s representation and funding for the next decade. Municipal leaders play a critical role in preparing now. This session will highlight actions you can take to ensure a complete and accurate count, including address canvassing (LUCA), data verification, and community trust-building with hard-to-reach and undercounted populations.
12 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1 p.m.
Following the Freedom of Information Act: The Basics & Beyond
Speakers:
- Chris Johnson, General Counsel, Michigan Municipal League
- Crystal VanVleck, City Manager, City of Berkley
- Bridget Dean, Mayor, City of Berkley; MAM Board Member
This practical session on Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) will explore how municipalities can navigate day-to-day FOIA operations, complex or high-conflict requests, FOIA appeals, and resident relations. Speakers will discuss strategies for handling a high volume of requests, working effectively with legal counsel, managing staff and resource impacts, and responding in ways that maintain professionalism, transparency, and public trust while reducing risk for the municipality.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
City of Farmington Economic Development Session & Tour
Speaker:
- Joe LaRussa, Mayor, City of Farmington
5–8 p.m.
Dinner & Socializing in Downtown Farmington
Location:
John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub
33338 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336
Attendees and guests will enjoy dinner at John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub followed by free time and networking in downtown Farmington. Included in the registration fee.
Friday 8/7
Location:
Delta Hotels Detroit Novi Farmington 1
37529 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI 48335
8:15 a.m.
Coffee & Networking
9 a.m.
Global Connections: A Look at Michigan’s Sister City Relationships
Panelists:
- Gary Carey, Mayor, City of Walker
- Brenda F. Moore, Mayor, City of Saginaw; MAM Board President
- Jeffery Scoby, Mayor, City of Greenville
- Lori Stone, Mayor, City of Warren
Moderator:
- Robert Clark, Mayor, City of Monroe; MAM Board Member
This panel discussion will explore the value and impact of Sister City relationships in fostering global connections at the local level. Panelists will share examples of cultural exchange, collaboration, and municipal partnerships that strengthen community ties across borders. The session will also highlight strategies for sustaining meaningful engagement and creating lasting benefits for participating communities.
10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m.
Access for All: Strengthening Communities Through ADA Compliance
Speaker:
- Annie Urasky, Director of Disability Rights and Compliance, Michigan Department of Civil Rights
This session will cover disability rights protections under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA). These laws will be examined in detail including definitions, affirmative duties, prohibited actions, and exemptions.
12:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks, Program Evaluations & Adjourn
Registration for all events now happens in the League Portal! Register online using the Portal below.
How to access the Portal:
- Visit mml.org.
- Follow the instructions on the login page.
- Navigate to “Event Registration” using the menu on the left-hand side of the page.
Contact portalhelp@mml.org for assistance with a new account, password reset, or any other portal issues.
MAM Members: $275 Early Bird Rate (cutoff is 7/10/26)
$315 if registering after 7/10/26
Nonmembers*: $380 Early Bird Rate (cutoff is 7/10/26)
$435 if registering after 7/10/26
*Includes MAM membership through 2026 for mayors, village presidents, and urban township supervisors of Michigan communities that are full members of the Michigan Municipal League! Please note that MAM membership and registration for the Summer Workshop is now open to chief elected officials and pro tempores (or equivalent titles) from League member communities.
Guests*: $155
Includes Wednesday welcome reception and Thursday evening dinner and concert
*The guest fee is restricted to persons who are not city or public officials, are not employees of any community, and would have no professional reason to attend the conference.
Registration and cancellation deadline is Monday, July 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Delta Hotels Detroit Novi
37529 Grand River Ave,
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Housing reservations can be made by calling (248) 653-6060 or by using the online reservation link below. If making reservations by phone, please reference the Michigan Association of Mayors.
Group housing cutoff for the MAM room block is July 22, 2026.
Complimentary self-parking is available at the Delta Hotels Detroit Novi
Sponsorship Opportunities
2026 MAM Summer Workshop sponsorships are closed. Look for information next spring for the 2027 MAM Summer Workshop.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Gold
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