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 the vital role local leaders play in addressing issues like housing, health, climate, arts, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
Last Friday, the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation hosted a meeting at the U.S. Department of State to celebrate the launch of Michigan’s new Subnational Diplomacy Working Group. Over a dozen Michigan leaders attended in person and virtually to commemorate this special occasion.
The working group will develop a subnational diplomacy strategy for Michigan, exploring how communities of all sizes can leverage international partnerships and global opportunities. This includes mayors and officials from Traverse City, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Cassopolis, as well as Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties. State-level participants include Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and MEDC Chief Innovation Officer Ben Marchionna. Their efforts will include cataloging existing international activities, drafting recommendations, and reporting their findings to the State Department.
Julie Egan, Senior Fellow at the MML Foundation and a former U.S. diplomat, leads the nonpartisan initiative. Her work has positioned Michigan as a global hub for arts, culture, and entrepreneurship while fostering partnerships through U.S. embassies and international delegations. Over the past year, Egan has facilitated historic trips for Michigan leaders to Armenia, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, fostering global connections and opportunities for economic collaboration.
“Through the leadership of Under Secretary Fernandez and Julie Egan’s vision for Michigan, local leaders now have tools and guidance to engage effectively in global affairs,” said Helen Davis Johnson, MML Foundation President. “We look forward to developing a strategy with Michigan’s innovators and leaders.”
Under Secretary Fernandez praised Michigan’s progress: “I am impressed with what has been achieved in a short period of time through this initiative and look forward to seeing the insights of this working group, and the results that the State Department’s collaboration with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation will produce to further subnational diplomacy in Michigan.”
Local leaders echoed the importance of the initiative.
“This initiative is the natural next step in international relationship building for our state because Michigan has seen results economically and culturally for decades due to global cooperation,” said Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe.
Steve Habusta, Commissioner of Sault Ste. Marie, remarked, “Michigan subnational diplomacy is critical for communities like Sault Ste. Marie as we look to build and expand on opportunities with our Canadian neighbors.”
“Wayne County holds tremendous potential to drive economic growth and advance infrastructure projects through the strategic use of subnational diplomacy,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “By emphasizing collaboration with cross-border partners, we can fully capitalize on our strategic location near one of the busiest trade corridors in the United States.”
Cassopolis Village Manager Emilie LaGrow added, “Rural communities like the Village of Cassopolis represent almost 70% of our state. Subnational diplomacy holds immense value for rural communities, as it fosters meaningful connections, unlocks economic opportunities, and amplifies our voices on a global stage.”
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson summed up the importance of the initiative: “No matter where you are across the globe, democracy begins at the state and local level. I am grateful to the Michigan Municipal League and Foundation for this partnership with the US Department of State to connect with subnational leaders from across the world. The best state and local leaders focus on providing great customer service and accessible, responsive institutions, like we have done here in Michigan. I look forward to learning from my international colleagues and sharing Michigan’s best practices to make government work for everyone.”
The Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment leads the State Department’s efforts to develop and implement international policies related to economic growth, energy, agriculture, the ocean, the environment, and science and technology. The State Department Subnational Diplomacy Unit supports U.S. subnational diplomacy efforts.
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The MML Foundation supports innovative work through partnerships, grants and programming that creatively and intentionally bring people together and build community wealth.
Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.