MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie
Executive Director Stephan Currie gave an extensive “State of MAC” Report at the 2025 Annual Conference in Grand Traverse County on Oct. 2. See the full remarks below:
It is a privilege to join you today at the MAC Annual Conference. Every year, this gathering reminds us of the impact of counties working together — sharing ideas, building partnerships, and strengthening the communities you serve. This year is no exception.
I am proud to announce that we have representatives here from 54 Michigan counties, a strong testament to the commitment of our local leaders across the state. Alongside them, 42 vendors also join us — partners who bring innovation, services, and expertise that help counties achieve their goals. To all of you — county officials, vendors, staff, and guests — thank you for being here.
One of the core strengths of MAC is our role as the voice of counties — in Lansing and in Washington, D.C. Every day, your association is working to ensure that county priorities are heard loud and clear in the halls of government.
At the state level, we are at the table when decisions are made that affect county budgets, public safety, health care and infrastructure. Whether it is pushing for fair revenue sharing, protecting local decision-making authority or advancing reforms that improve county operations, MAC is making sure your voices are represented.
At the federal level, we collaborate closely with the National Association of Counties to ensure Michigan’s needs are not overlooked. From federal funding streams to broadband expansion to the opioid settlement negotiations, MAC has been your advocate to secure resources and shape policies that matter to every community in this state.
One of the areas where counties have stepped up with urgency and compassion is in addressing the opioid crisis. That is why the work of the MAC Opioid Settlement Center is so critical. Over the next 18 years, Michigan will receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements. This is a historic opportunity to be effective in the fight against addiction — and counties will be at the forefront of this effort.
Through MAC’s nationally recognized Opioid Settlement Center, we are:
- Providing expert guidance to help counties make informed, compliant funding decisions
- Creating channels for collaboration across county lines and sectors
- Ensuring that transparency and accountability remain top priorities
Another area where MAC has been expanding its impact is in communication. Staying connected is vital — and one of the ways we have done that is through our MAC podcast series. This year alone, in 2025, we have released 29 new episodes. Each episode is designed to bring you the voices and insights of county leaders, policy experts, and thought leaders who help us understand the challenges — and the opportunities — that counties face.
Our podcast has been averaging about 200 views per episode. That may not sound like millions of downloads, but what it represents is important: consistent, meaningful engagement for county commissioners, staff and partners. We are building a platform that informs, educates and connects our members.
As we look toward the future, our priorities are clear:
- We will continue to be the leading advocate for counties in Lansing and Washington, making sure local voices are heard in state and federal policy decisions.
- We will expand our education and training programs, equipping county leaders with the tools they need to govern effectively
- We will continue to build platforms, like the MAC Opioid Settlement Center, that make counties stronger and more connected.
In conclusion, as counties face a multitude of issues, MAC is here to support our members as they face these challenges.