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 Michigan local leaders and Gulf countries in the Middle East to explore transportation collaborations, and building a global partnership to position Michigan as a global arts and culture destination engaging with the French Consulate in Chicago and the U.S. Embassy in France.

I’ve been excited to work alongside Julie on this project and we’ve convened over 20 local leaders to launch the Michigan Subnational Diplomacy Working Group, equipping participants with tools to engage in global partnerships. Some direct results we expect to deliver to communities include scheduling State Department-led training on subnational diplomacy, tools for mapping international activities, and a playbook for how to engage on an international scale regardless of community size or region.

I asked Julie why she is spearheading global partnerships and subnational diplomacy work in Michigan, to which she shared: “It’s perhaps never been more important to coordinate international engagement across Michigan and consolidate global ties to ensure our state and the Great Lakes region stays competitive. Local leaders, whether they realize it or not, are envoys of the United States to other nations. These leaders are working quietly and effectively with other cities, regions, corporations, and civic organizations to solve some of the most pressing global challenges of our times. Increasingly, foreign leaders are coming directly to U.S. states and cities, instead of the federal government, to build international relations and partnerships. Michigan’s time is now.”

In fact, while subnational diplomacy efforts are alive and well in some larger American cities such as Los Angeles and Atlanta, Michigan is the first state to embrace this global-oriented approach by building a state-wide coalition and strategy involving multiple cities, counties and villages. There is an opportunity for communities, no matter how big or small, to benefit from engaging on the global stage.

As Emilie LaGrow, Village Manager of Cassopolis, puts it “Rural communities like the Village of Cassopolis, represent almost 70% of our state. We exemplify the essence of creativity, determination, and grit, while working towards laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient future. Subnational diplomacy holds immense value for rural communities, as it fosters meaningful connections, unlocks economic opportunities, and amplifies our voices on a global stage.

Our goal with this initiative is to bring attention to all areas rural and urban, exchange ideas, and create opportunities for local businesses, while introducing diverse perspectives. For communities like Cassopolis, these connections will be transformative, providing new avenues for growth while showcasing the unique strengths and innovation in rural Michigan.”

Subnational diplomacy is not just about broadening horizons; it’s about ensuring that every community, no matter its size, has a seat at the table and a voice in shaping a shared, prosperous future.”

As someone deeply invested in the future of Michigan communities and our country, I’ve seen firsthand how global partnerships can be a powerful force for unity and progress, especially in times of misunderstanding and division. Michigan’s leadership in subnational diplomacy is a powerful model of how we can use this force positively.

I was fortunate to be part of a subnational diplomacy trip led by the U.S. Department of State where local leaders, entrepreneurs, and international counterparts came together to forge new connections. We traveled to the Middle East and engaged with ministers, investment agencies, cultural institutions, and entrepreneurs. The conversations we had, often bridging cultural gaps, revealed how much can be achieved when local communities take initiative on the global stage.

What struck me most was how these global opportunities and conversations aren’t just about economic development; they are about building relationships, about finding common ground beyond politics and borders. Michigan’s cities, universities, and leaders are partnering directly with international counterparts, creating opportunities to solve shared challenges like climate change, housing, and public health.

Incidentally, one of the most interesting and memorable meetings that our group had was in Abu Dhabi at Hub71, a Global Tech Incubator. I was incredibly inspired by the approach they took as they simultaneously challenged and nurtured startups. Two of the most interesting startups that I heard about were 1) pioneering bone growth technology, and 2) discovering out how to regrow coral reefs in the oceans. Of course, the potential for these innovations is nearly infinite. Hub71 is funded by the government in Abu Dhabi. They realize the need to diversify their industries and to invest in three primary areas of innovation, primarily climate innovation, AI innovation, and digital tech innovation.

This same level of innovation is needed in Michigan now. The Growing Michigan Together Council has highlighted the need and has advocated for “expanded capacity in Michigan’s business incubation and accelerator network to support business scaling, particularly for underserved communities and immigrant populations.”

The Growing Michigan Together 2024 Report recommends that there be “a public-private, globally competitive evergreen fund investing in high-wage, high-growth industries (e.g., mobility/electric vehicles, healthcare, green tech) to transform the state’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem and drive business growth.” fund like this, paired with expert guidance in subnational diplomacy, would offer both state and local leaders the opportunity to identify and meet business initiatives on a global scale and recruit and bring them to their communities.

Sometimes global partnerships involve having our leaders travel to learn about how other countries have handled issues of housing, infrastructure, economic development, art and culture investments, or youth opportunities. Other times, it means working locally to welcome those coming from other countries. The Growing Michigan Together Report highlights how immigration plays a key role in our future. Nearly 700,000 immigrants already call Michigan home (about 7% of our population) and that number could nearly double by 2050. Immigrants strengthen our state’s economy, with over 40,000 immigrant entrepreneurs generating $1.3 billion from their businesses. In 2021 alone, international students contributed nearly $700 million and supported almost 10,000 jobs in the state.

I believe that Michigan’s bold approach to subnational diplomacy has the power to inspire others. By fostering these connections, we’re demonstrating that collaboration and openness can transcend divisions and build a more united, resilient future. It’s a reminder that local leadership on the world stage can create ripples of positive change, at home and abroad.

I appreciate how Steve Habusta, MML Foundation Board Director and Commissioner from Sault Ste. Marie put it: “Michigan Subnational diplomacy is critical for communities like Sault Ste Marie as we look to build and expand on opportunities with our Canadian neighbors.”

The Michigan Subnational Diplomacy Initiative has strengthened my conviction that our state can lead by example, showing that even in an era marked by polarity, partnership and understanding are our strongest tools for progress. I am excited that the MML Foundation can support this initiative through the work of our Senior Fellow, Julie Egan, and help Michigan continue its vital role in shaping a more connected and hopeful world.