Michigan Suburbs Alliance - nonprofit resource helping revitalize Detroit's older suburbs

Millennial Mayors Congress Launches

Hundreds of established and emerging leaders came together to launch the Millennial Mayors Congress. Meanwhile, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance celebrated its lucky seventh year serving southeast Michigan.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks so much to the leaders who joined us for our Annual Meeting, our reception and our launch of the Millennial Mayors Congress! It was an inspiring, pragmatic and visionary time. As Mayor Suzanne Pixley (Eastpointe), chair of the new Millennial Mayors Congress executive committee, put it:

"I'm thrilled to work with such talented leaders across southeast Michigan, and I'm convinced that together we'll create thoughtful and substantial change in our cities and region.

"... I was truly impressed with the energy and the talent of the (MMC) members. Everyone was so excited to get moving and to make a difference to benefit the region. Great time had by all."

Look for the specific outcomes of the Millennial Mayors Congress inaugural meeting--including the full list of executive committee members and the approved charter--over at the Congress' website--www.millennialmayors.org.

Missed out on the event? Or want to review what you heard? Take a look at the presentations of keynote speaker Eric Robertson (Center City Commission, Memphis) and panelist Leslee Fritz (Michigan Economic Recovery Office, Director)

"Culture of Opportunity" - Eric Robertson, keynote presentation (PDF)

"The Recovery Act at Work in Michigan" - Leslee Fritz, panelist presentation (PPT)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As well, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance debuted our hot-off-the-press 2008-2009 annual report. It offers a visually dynamic, city-centered look at the projects and progress of the Suburbs Alliance.

From the Millennial Mayors Congress to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, from policy advocacy to UniverCities Connection, look to "Reporting Progress" for a thoughtful look at our active seventh year of commitment to southeast Michigan--as well as a peek into what's coming next.

If you would like a copy--or two, or five--of "Reporting Progress," please email Anna Clark, Communications Coordinator, at anna@suburbsalliance.org.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michigan's Inner-Ring Suburbs: On the Road to Economic Recovery

The Michigan Suburbs Alliance is pleased to offer focused, up-to-date information on energy and redevelopment opportunities that the economic stimulus package offers inner-ring suburbs.

Stay tuned to our Economic Recovery webpage for information, policy perspective, news and recommended actions for your city.

Making Headlines

"Local Congress brings new generation of leaders." In the Detroit Free Press, Jeff Gerritt column features the Millennial Mayors Congress, calling the initiative "something to encourage and watch."

-------------------------

"Cities and citizens try to reclaim vacant lots." Conan Smith, executive director of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, provides insight into the story about changing urban spaces from the Associated Press.

-------------------------

"Hills sends right message in joining Regional Energy Office." An editorial in Farmington Hills' local paper applauds the city's participating in the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

-------------------------

"Hills leads by putting best 'green' foot forward." The local paper of Farmington Hills celebrates its status as the first member in the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office. The good news is picked up by metromode. "By taking the leap and becoming the first community to sign on ... Farmington Hills is sending the message to the region that its progressive and mindful of the power of cooperation across jurisdictional lines and the importance to plan and build wisely for the sake of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship."

-------------------------

"Millennials Matter." "If Metro Detroit is serious about combating the loss of young talent to other states it needs to rethink its approach to this vital demographic."

metromode features the Millennial Mayors Congress and Sharon Carney, Special Project Director in a new video.

-------------------------

"Millennial congress' goal: Help area move beyond an automotive economy." Leading up to the much-anticipated launch of the Millennial Mayors Congress, Crain's Detroit Business spotlights the major new regional initiative.

-------------------------

"Alliance to enlist young leaders." That's the headline in Crain's Detroit Business, which featured the Millennial Mayors Congress as a "regional effort to engage the millennial generation and get Southeast Michigan moving forward on economic, social and environmental issues." The article is available online to subscribers.

-------------------------

Detroit, Land of Opportunity. Sharon Carney weighs in at metromode on whether it's jobs or place that comes first for talent retention and attraction.

-------------------------

Sharon Carney shares the backstory. As metromode's guest blogger, our special project director tells how the Millennial Mayors Congress came to be. She also connects the volleyball court and the Congress as 'proving grounds for innovative problem-solving and collaboration.'

-------------------------

Michigan Suburbs Alliance goes virtual. metromode reports on our shift to a mobile office in 2009. Having grown beyond our current Ferndale office's 500 sq. ft., Suburbs Alliance staff and interns are investing in technology that allows us to work together with new flexibility.