[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 110 (Tuesday, July 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 2, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor and celebrate the 125th 
anniversary of the Michigan Municipal League, an organization dedicated 
to making communities better through innovation, connection, and 
service. Since its founding in 1899, the League has played a crucial 
role in enhancing municipal governance and fostering community 
development across Michigan.
  Originally known as the League of Michigan Municipalities, the League 
found a permanent home in Ann Arbor in 1928 and established an 
additional office in Lansing in 1957. Initially focused on promoting 
home rule for cities and villages, it has evolved to address a wide 
range of municipal concerns, from legislative advocacy to comprehensive 
service offerings. Today, the League represents over 500 full-service 
cities, villages, and townships. It has worked tirelessly to educate 
and inspire public servants to build trust and create a sense of 
belonging among residents and local leaders to build opportunity and 
address social and economic needs.
  The League's motto is ``Cooperation solves any problem,'' a principle 
the organization has demonstrated for over a century by bringing 
together officials to learn from one another. Through its advocacy 
efforts and commitment to cooperation and mutual support, the League 
has highlighted the transformative power of public service in local 
governments.
  Throughout its history, the Michigan Municipal League has been 
instrumental in numerous significant initiatives. The League played a 
vital role in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in the 1950s, a 
landmark project that connected Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. 
Its advocacy was pivotal in the expansion of the Dial-A-Ride 
Transportation system in 1975, which greatly benefited seniors and 
individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the League championed the 
Complete Streets Act in Michigan, which was signed in 2010 and promotes 
mobility and safety for all users, including pedestrians, public 
transportation users, older individuals, and children.
  In 2009, the League, alongside the Detroit Regional Chamber and 
Transportation Riders United, formed a coalition to embrace public 
transit as a powerful economic development tool and resource for 
residents. This initiative underscored the League's belief in 
collaborative efforts and the power of community-focused policies that 
has been a tenet of its mission since its earliest days.
  This 125th anniversary is a perfect time to recognize the Michigan 
Municipal League for its dedication to improving local governance and 
fostering vibrant, equitable communities. It is with great respect that 
I honor the League's 125 years of service and its ongoing contributions 
to Michigan's cities, villages, and townships. May the Michigan 
Municipal League continue to inspire and lead for many more years to 
come.

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