SEMCOG’s Locals Lead Initiative highlights the vital role that local leaders play in Southeast Michigan’s success. Effective leaders:

  • Combat divisiveness and lead constructive conversations that reach mutually beneficialoutcomes
  • Innovate and collaborate to foster resilient, vibrant communities
  • provide a calm voice and steady presence to help communities navigate challenges by facilitating shared understanding through civil conversations
A panel of four professionals seated in green chairs engage in discussion while a man stands at a Huntington-branded podium in a modern office space. One panelist is speaking into a microphone

May 6, 2024: “An Evening of Civility” featuring (l-to-r) Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President, Oakland University; Bryan Barnett, Mayor, City of Rochester Hills; Dave Bing, Former Detroit Mayor, Founder, Bing Youth Institute; Maureen Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

The Locals Lead Initiative has offered practical training on successfully dealing with challenging issues and potentially confrontational interactions, underscoring the value of collaboration, partnerships, and civility in local government. This initiative also highlights innovative approaches that move beyond discord and conflict to create resilient, vibrant, and civil communities that thrive under the guidance of effective and collaborative local government leadershi

Locals Lead Information and Resources