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:

• Dave Hodgkins, Legislative Associate, 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.

Data Center Resource Page

Inside 208

The Review – Spring 2026: See page 16 for Data Center article

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.

2:30–4 p.m.

“Putting the Pieces Together” – Farmington’s Great American Main Street Marathon

Speakers:

• Joe LaRussa, Mayor, City of Farmington
• Jess Westendorf, Executive Director, Farmington Downtown Development Authority

Farmington was recently recognized with Main Street America’s Great American Main Street Award after more than 13 years of collaborative revitalization efforts. Hear from Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Jess Westendorf and Mayor Joe LaRussa as they discuss the partnerships, public investments, volunteer engagement, and planning strategies that transformed downtown into a thriving destination with a 95% occupancy rate.

A walking tour of Downtown Farmington will follow their presentation, and MAM attendees will be among the first to see the downtown’s latest public space, Promenade Park, as well as the new Retail Lab, the innovative incubator helping retail business owners plan their next stage of growth.

Farmington, MI – 2026 Great American Main Street Award Winner

5–9 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.

City of Saginaw Sister Cities

Sister Cities International Quick Guide

Sister City Agreement Saginaw/Barrie

10:15 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m.

Access for All: Strengthening Communities Through ADA Compliance and More

Speaker:

• Michael McCann, Training and Development Coordinator, 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.

ADA Accessibility Requirements MML Webinar*

*Please note the deadlines have changed to April 2027 (populations over 50,000) and April 2028 (populations under 50,000).

Inside 208

12 p.m.

Closing Remarks, Program Evaluations & Adjourn