local government effectiveness
Sterling Heights innovating living meeting with a panel of women talking

Centralized Communications in Local Government

Communication professionals discuss centralizing communication efforts within municipalities, the importance of video, and strategies to engage with residents.
Jon ClarkJan. 30 2025
data
View of a large arched concrete bridge spanning over calm water, with strong reflections and a clear blue sky.

Locals Lead Survey: Collaboration Common in Southeast Michigan

Cooperation in areas like public safety, recreation, and infrastructure result in cost savings but also improve service delivery and foster regional pride.
Michael SpenceJan. 6 2025
community and economic development
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy meeting

Crafting a New Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Southeast Michigan

To address regional economic challenges and opportunities, SEMCOG is updating CEDS with input from local governments, organizations, and private sector partners
David StruckJan. 3 2025
local government effectiveness
image of the word 'AI' written inside of a chat bubble

Locals Lead: Demystifying AI

SEMCOG webinar explores AI tools, data-driven decision-making, and real-world implementation strategies for enhancing government and education services.
Sheryl TheriotDec. 31 2024
community and economic development
image of a pond or lake that is fenced off by a gated fence

Locals Lead: Empowering Education at the Knabusch Center

Originally a Michigan DNR facility, it was repurposed to foster environmental awareness and stewardship, offering hands-on learning experiences for K-8 students
Grant BrooksDec. 18 2024
education
groups of individuals standing together inside of a factory

Locals Lead: Macomb Community College helps build the defense workforce

Macomb Community College's Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) program addresses the Navy's need for skilled workers in CNC and welding.
Naheed HuqDec. 9 2024
local government effectiveness
image of building with the words City Hall on it

Millage Renewals and Increases Successful while Marijuana Business Proposals Fall Short in November 5 Election

Michael Spence recaps results of local and state initiatives in the November 5 election for Southeast Michigan.
Michael SpenceNov. 19 2024
local government effectiveness
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments staff greeting each other at SEMCOG conference.

Civility: From Conflict to Conversation – A SEMCOG Locals Lead Initiative

SEMCOG civility workshop focuses on the SOAR framework and the impact of generative questions on fostering positive conversations and effective leadership.
Sheryl TheriotAug. 28 2024
local government effectiveness
People seated at tables in a classroom-style setting, listening to a presentation with laptops, papers, and drinks on the tables.

Key Takeaways from SEMCOG’s July 2024 Communicators Network Meeting

On July 18, 2024, the Southeast Michigan Communicators Network met at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office (WRC).
Sydney JacksonJul. 30 2024
regionalism
People sitting at a wooden picnic table outdoors, talking and sharing drinks and food in a grassy, open setting.

Locals Lead: What SEMCOG Means to Me – SEMCOG Chairperson Mandy Grewal on the importance of civic engagement at the local level and the value of SEMCOG

Mandy Grewal, PhD, Pittsfield Township Supervisor and SEMCOG Chairperson, shares some of her story as an elected official.
Mandy GrewalJul. 26 2024