Michigan Association of Counties

Michigan Association of Counties is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of Michigan's 83 county governments, including Allegan County, Barry County, and Calhoun County. The organization works closely with state and federal agencies, such as the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, to address issues affecting county governments, like Wayne County and Oakland County. The Michigan Association of Counties also collaborates with other organizations, including the National Association of Counties and the Michigan Municipal League, to promote effective and efficient government, as seen in the work of Ingham County and Jackson County. Additionally, the organization partners with institutions like Michigan State University and University of Michigan to provide research and resources to county officials, such as those in Kent County and Genesee County.

● History

The Michigan Association of Counties was established in 1898, with the goal of promoting the interests of county governments and providing a forum for county officials to share ideas and best practices, as seen in the early work of Washtenaw County and Livingston County. Over the years, the organization has played a key role in shaping state and federal policies affecting counties, including the Michigan Constitution and the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which impacted counties like Macomb County and Monroe County. The organization has also worked closely with state and federal leaders, such as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, to address issues like infrastructure development and public health, which are critical to counties like Saginaw County and Bay County. Furthermore, the Michigan Association of Counties has collaborated with other organizations, including the American Public Works Association and the National League of Cities, to promote effective governance and provide resources to county officials, such as those in Kalamazoo County and Berrien County.

● Organization

The Michigan Association of Counties is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from counties like Ottawa County, Muskegon County, and Newaygo County. The organization is led by an executive director, who works closely with staff and county officials to advance the interests of county governments, including those in Lenawee County and Hillsdale County. The organization also has several committees, including the Legislative Committee and the Policy Committee, which focus on issues like transportation and public safety, affecting counties such as St. Clair County and Sanilac County. Additionally, the Michigan Association of Counties partners with institutions like Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University to provide research and resources to county officials, such as those in Gratiot County and Isabella County.

● Membership

The Michigan Association of Counties has 83 member counties, including Antrim County, Benzie County, and Charlevoix County. Membership is open to all county governments in Michigan, and members receive a range of benefits, including access to training and technical assistance, as well as representation in Lansing and Washington, D.C., which is critical to counties like Leelanau County and Grand Traverse County. The organization also offers affiliate membership to organizations that work with county governments, such as the Michigan Township Association and the Michigan Association of School Administrators, which partner with counties like Schoolcraft County and Alcona County. Furthermore, the Michigan Association of Counties collaborates with other organizations, including the National Association of County Health Officials and the American County Engineers Association, to provide resources and support to county officials, such as those in Mackinac County and Chippewa County.

● Advocacy

The Michigan Association of Counties is a strong advocate for county governments, working to promote policies and programs that support the interests of counties like Delta County and Dickinson County. The organization has a strong presence in Lansing and Washington, D.C., where it works with state and federal leaders, such as Michigan Governor and United States Congress, to address issues like funding for infrastructure and public health initiatives, which are critical to counties like Marquette County and Iron County. The organization also partners with other organizations, including the National Association of Counties and the American Public Works Association, to promote effective governance and provide resources to county officials, such as those in Gogebic County and Ontonagon County. Additionally, the Michigan Association of Counties collaborates with institutions like Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University to provide research and resources to county officials, such as those in Baraga County and Houghton County.

● Programs_and_Services

The Michigan Association of Counties offers a range of programs and services to support county governments, including training and technical assistance, as well as access to resources and expertise, which is critical to counties like Keweenaw County and Copper Country. The organization also provides support for county officials, including county commissioners and county administrators, through programs like the County Commissioner Academy and the County Administrator Institute, which partner with counties like Menominee County and Schoolcraft County. Furthermore, the Michigan Association of Counties collaborates with other organizations, including the Michigan State University Extension and the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy, to provide research and resources to county officials, such as those in Alger County and Luce County. The organization also offers services like grant writing and policy analysis, which are essential to counties like Mackinac County and Chippewa County.

● County_Government_Relations

The Michigan Association of Counties works closely with state and federal agencies to promote effective relationships between county governments and other levels of government, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which partner with counties like Wayne County and Oakland County. The organization also provides support for county officials, including county sheriffs and county treasurers, through programs like the County Sheriff Institute and the County Treasurer Institute, which collaborate with counties like Ingham County and Jackson County. Additionally, the Michigan Association of Counties partners with institutions like Michigan State University and University of Michigan to provide research and resources to county officials, such as those in Kent County and Genesee County. The organization also works to promote coordination and cooperation between county governments and other organizations, including the Michigan Municipal League and the National Association of County Health Officials, which is critical to counties like Saginaw County and Bay County.