Peer learning is time well spent

At our recent General Assembly meeting at Cranbrook, over 200 participants spent the day networking and learning from each other. Many local success stories percolated through the event as local government and school district representatives learned from peers in workshops and casual conversations. Topics included infrastructure, transportation, economic development, and education.

Similar to how local officials attended our GA with counterparts from around Southeast Michigan, I just participated in an event for directors of councils of government from around the country. I learned that, like us, many are grappling with how to plan for a future transportation system that includes automated and connected vehicles. I also came away from the meeting with some new ideas for using our data and implementing green infrastructure.

As part of the two-way exchange, I was proud to share our region-wide traffic safety education campaign. I also spent time with Tim Brown, President of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, our neighboring region. We discussed our joint efforts to clean up Lake Erie. While it can be difficult at times to step out of the daily routine to attend a meeting or conference, I find these experiences essential to expanding knowledge, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships.

For those of you who attended the GA or other recent SEMCOG events, I hope you enjoyed similar experiences of learning from each other and discussing ways we can work together as a region. If you missed the GA, fear not. We have many upcoming events, which are always posted on our website’s event calendar.