Elected Officials are Lifelong Learners

Lifelong learning is one of the key elements for developing talent in our region, as highlighted in the SEMCOG/MAC report, Future Skills: Preparing for the Changing World of Work. I am glad to say that elected leaders from throughout our region – those we hope our young people will look up to as role models – set a strong example as lifelong learners.

Whether it is by participating in SEMCOG University workshops, engaging in discussions at our task force and committee meetings, or reviewing case studies from peer communities around the region, our local leaders maintain a healthy appetite for new strategies to govern effectively.

I had the special opportunity to take part in a great example of this earlier this year when I attended Harvard University’s program for senior executives in state and local government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. I attended the program with Brenda Jones, Detroit City Council President, and Pat Williams, Canton Township Supervisor. They were each selected as Taubman Fellows, an award granted each year by SEMCOG through the support of the Taubman Company.

Brenda Jones and Pat Williams

This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was a pleasure to regroup with Pat and Brenda on SEMCOG’s Region Ahead podcast, and reflect on what we learned. We had great conversations, touching on the nuances of relationship-building, prioritization, and range of other pertinent topics. I encourage you to listen to the podcast or read the transcript, especially if you are an elected official interested in applying for the Taubman Fellowship yourself.

Taubman Fellowship details:

Applications are due to SEMCOG by January 24, 2020.
Please note that to be considered for a Taubman Fellowship, you must be a local elected official representing a SEMCOG member community and your application must be submitted to SEMCOG. SEMCOG will forward applications to Harvard. Click on the following links for information on the fellowships: letter from SEMCOG, Harvard brochure, and Harvard application.

Please contact Grant Brooks if you have questions or need additional information.