While spring hasn’t arrived quite as decisively as we hoped, I am still enjoying what I call the “State of” season. The State of the Union and the State of the State speeches are long past, but “State of” season continues for local governments in Southeast Michigan. To assist chief elected officials as they prepare for these presentations, SEMCOG provides data on things such as population, jobs, and development activity.
While the range of topics at “State of” addresses is as broad as the communities in our region are unique, they all have some things in common. The chief elected official, which may be a mayor, township supervisor, county board chair, or county executive, addresses residents and business leaders of the community. Remarks celebrate accomplishments of the past year and emphasize key goals and aspirations for the future.
These events are also opportunities to recognize the collective and cooperative efforts of the many people that it takes to make the work of local government successful. City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan demonstrated the breadth of cooperation it takes for government to succeed at his address by acknowledging Detroit’s own city councilmembers, Wayne County Commission Chair Gary Woronchak, as well as other regional leaders such as Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.
While the main attraction is often on stage, the guest lists at “State of” events are reflective of the interwoven relationships of our region. Attend one community’s “State of,” and you are likely to see leaders from many of that community’s neighbors. Through the lens of such connections, it is clear that Southeast Michigan communities are focused on local success and their role in improving the region.
At the State of Oakland County, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Vice President (left) Susan Krichbaum and SEMCOG Talent & Economic Development Manager Naheed Huq (right) with City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
A prime example of regional thinking came during Wayne County Executive Warren Evans’ remarks on the regional problem of local government financing. Evans said, “In the coming weeks, I will organize a summit of elected officials, community leaders, leading economists, business leaders, and others, who can aid in devising a solution to this broken system of local government financing.” I applauded his announcement on March 1, and I applaud it now, as this issue has plagued Southeast Michigan for some time now.
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans presented the State of Wayne County at the Detroit Film Theatre in the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The emphasis on coordination across levels of government was highlighted by Michigan Senator Gary Peters’ speaking appearance at the State of St. Clair County. This event also featured news of numerous economic advancements in St. Clair County, including the newly opened Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. SEMCOG looks forward to welcoming its General Assembly to this beautiful new facility for its annual meeting on June 23, 2016.
From Macomb County to Livingston County, from Romulus to Clinton Township, from Canton to West Bloomfield, the highlights from this “State of” season are too numerous to mention. We at SEMCOG always appreciate invitations to be a part of these events. The “State of” season is a time that we see some of the best qualities of Southeast Michigan’s leaders. It’s great to see local officials at their own events and just as important to see them showing up in support of their neighbors. Celebrating one another’s victories is satisfying because we know that each community’s win is a win for the whole region.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters at the State of St. Clair County
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