Author Archives: Caileen Ayers

SCORE SE Michigan provides free resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs to help local economies grow and thrive. All SCORE resources are provided by a network of volunteers who are either retired or current Business Owners, Corporate Executives, and Managers. The SCORE difference is our volunteers. They believe in Small Businesses and how important their growth and success is … Read More

By Helen D. Johnson, MML Foundation President The journey toward gender parity in leadership roles remains a challenging and complicated effort. While cultural progress has increased both awareness and opportunities for women across various sectors, stepping into the historic and often male-dominated arena of local government still presents significant hurdles. And the solution is  not as simple as just encouraging … Read More

By: Caileen Ayers, MML Foundation Assistant What is Civic Engagement Let’s start with a big-picture definition. In Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, author Thomas Ehrlich describes civic engagement as “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of … Read More

by: Helen D. Johnson, Foundation President I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but what feels undeniably clear is that there is a persistent urge to carry on with business as usual, treating our work as if the world isn’t radically changing every day. There is nothing ordinary about the shifts taking place in policies, policing, economy, or how … Read More

By: Rachel Skylis, Program Manager – Business Development At the MML Foundation we know that local governments need partnerships to thrive, and strong business partnerships are no exception. Robust networks of partners – ranging from schools, to non-profits, philanthropy, health and social services, and entrepreneurs and businesses – are essential for local governments to be resilient. Additionally, having active cross-sector … Read More

The power of our partnerships matter. When we lock arms with other people or organizations, we should understand that strong and powerful partnerships require healthy perspectives, a shared willingness to work hard to maximize impact, as well as clear shared goals. Perhaps, more importantly, there are no complex challenges that can be solved by a single entity, organization, or individual. … Read More

Lapeer has been a part of my “backyard” for the better part of twenty years, and even now as I’m living just south of the city, I find myself driving up M24 several times a week to dine downtown, shop the farmers market, meet with friends, or enjoy a sauna. I have a deep familiarity with Lapeer, but as my … Read More

The MML Foundation’s Senior Fellowship was created to engage mid-to-late career professionals with extensive networks, experience, and big ideas that could benefit Michigan Municipal League member communities. Our current Fellow, Julie Egan, a trained U.S. diplomat and former senior White House adviser, has been actively fostering international partnerships to benefit Michigan. Some of her efforts have included strengthening ties between … Read More

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Building Healthy Communities collaboration of statewide partners*, are currently accepting applications for the Building Healthy Communities program for the 2025-2026 school year. View the press release here. Building Healthy Communities is a schoolwide initiative designed to reduce obesity, prevent chronic disease, and improve the mental health and well-being of students and staff. The … Read More

Contact: Jessica Weirauch Michigan Municipal League jweirauch@mml.org, 734-669-6311   Michigan launches nation’s first locally led “subnational diplomacy” working group   Washington, D.C. — Michigan local leaders have joined an innovative effort to position the state as a leader in “subnational diplomacy,” global partnerships driven by cities, states, and local communities in collaboration with or independent of federal governments. This approach emphasizes … Read More