Welcome
The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) is an alliance of Michigan counties working to enhance county government through advocacy, shared services and education.
Founded on Feb. 1, 1898, MAC is the only statewide organization dedicated to the representation of all county commissioners in Michigan. MAC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advances education, communication and cooperation among county government officials in Michigan. MAC is the counties’ voice at the state and federal level, providing legislative support on key issues affecting counties.
Registration is now open for 50th anniversary of New Commissioner School series
A Michigan tradition is back again late this fall: the biannual New Commissioner School (NCS) series co-sponsored by MAC and MSU Extension (MSUE).
2018 represents a milestone for the program: its 50th anniversary. And in honor of the old, we are trying something new this year: An overnight format designed to allow more networking time for commissioners (new and otherwise) with their colleagues. Rest assured, though, that NCS will continue to offer a huge amount of information and tips to aid new commissioners in understanding their vital role in proper county governance.
Four locations also offer geographic convenience, while ensuring each location draws a critical mass of commissioners for networking and brainstorming:
- Grand Rapids – Nov. 26-27
- Gaylord – Dec. 3-4
- Escanaba – Dec. 10-11
- Frankenmuth – Dec. 17-18
MSUE also has negotiated for low hotel rates at each site: $75! Working together, MAC and MSUE also were able to hold the event registration fee to just $125, which includes a reception and breakfast.
Click here for complete details, including registration steps.
"We are pleased to continue to partner with MSUE on this vital service to public servants," said Stephan Currie, MAC executive director, "especially in light of this historic year: the 50th anniversary.
"I look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones, at each location," Currie added.
Otsego's Borton takes oath as MAC's 111th Board president; Kalamazoo's Rogers, Oakland's Kowall elected to MAC Board
Commissioner Ken Borton of Otsego County was sworn in as the MAC Board president on Aug. 20 during the 2018 MAC-MCMCFC Annual Conference, held at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. Borton is the 111th person to hold the president's position for the organization that represents the leaders of Michigan's 83 counties.
In his speech after taking the oath from Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland), Borton explored the theme of service in his life, including the decision to run for Otsego commissioner because some of his fellow citizens simply asked him. "Rest assured that, over the coming year, I remain your humble and thankful servant," he told the audience at the President's Banquet on the night of Aug. 20.
See photos from the 2018 Annual Conference
See presentations from the 2018 Annual Conference
Borton will lead a board that gains two new members via elections held at the conference: Julie Rogers of Kalamazoo County as an at-large member and Eileen Kowall of Oakland County for MAC's Region V. Joining Borton as officers for the MAC Board for the 2018-19 term are Veronica Klinefelt of Macomb County (first vice president) and Phil Kuyers of Ottawa County (second vice president). Matthew Bierlein of Tuscola County moves to the role of immediate past president.
Re-elected to second terms on the Board were Kuyers, Christian Marcus of Antrim County for Region II and Joe Stevens of Dickinson County for Region I.
During their Annual Business Meeting, members approved policy platforms developed by MAC's seven policy committees overseeing issue areas ranging from finance to agriculture and tourism.
MAC holds two major conferences each year as part of its educational commitment to Michigan's 622 elected county commissioners. Dates and locations for 2019 are: Legislative Conference in Lansing, March 25-27; and the Annual Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Aug. 18-20.
Board member Klinefelt talks about her work with MAC
News
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Millage elections, meeting mechanics, rural broadband among topics for 2018 MAC Regional Summits this summer
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Michigan county leaders consult with federal lawmakers during Capitol Hill sweep
A contingent of Michigan county officials, led by MAC Board President Matthew Bierlein of Tuscola County and other board officers, made a round...
MAC marks its 120th birthday serving Michigan's counties
It’s Feb. 1, 1898. A year earlier, Michigan had achieved its modern arrangement of 83 counties with the return of Isle Royal to Keweenaw...
