While there’s been a fair amount of discussion regarding Michigan as the “comeback state,” and many strides have been made in the state’s fiscal condition, there are still many in the private sector who remain concerned about the challenges that lie ahead and particularly those involving unfunded future liabilities. That’s why key members of that private sector represented by the Business Leaders for Michigan are hosting a Leadership Summit on Fiscal Stability next week.
Michigan’s top business executives, nonprofit and community leaders, educators, and policymakers will meet at Lansing’s Radisson Hotel on Monday, Apr 17 for a high-impact discussion of the state’s fiscal stability, under the guidance of CEO Doug Rothwell of the Business Leaders for Michigan team.
The afternoon-long affair will offer an understanding of state and local financial realities, compelling expert perspectives on best fiscal practices and networking opportunities with state business and policy leaders.
Rothwell tells us, “There have been numerous discussions in recent months about the budget challenges facing the state and its local units of government, particularly when it comes to unfunded future liabilities.” He adds, “As we move forward through this year’s budget process, it is both timely and essential that we stop and take a look at what’s happening across Michigan and take proactive action to identify solutions to our most pressing areas of concern.”
The cost of the Summit is just $50 and includes lunch, which begins at noon. The program begins at 1:00pm and will wrap up at 4:30pm. Interested parties can register by clicking the link below:
https://businessleadersformichigan.com/event/blm-leadership-summit-fiscal-stability-register-today/
Here’s what you’ll find on the agenda:
Welcome & Overview
- Doug Rothwell, President & CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan
National Overview on the Financial Health of the States
An eye-opening update on states’ fiscal challenges and the policy options available to address them.
- Robert Zahradnik, Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Fiscal Review of Michigan’s Municipalities
A behind-the-scenes look into the financial challenges of Michigan municipalities struggling to meet the needs of local residents while maintaining commitments to employees & retirees.
- Jeff Guilfoyle, Vice President, Public Sector Consultants
Securing a Stable Future for Michigan
A discussion on strategies for working proactively to ensure state and local governments are effective and fiscally sound.
- Jeff Guilfoyle, Vice President, Public Sector Consultants
- Anthony Minghine, Associate Executive Director & COO, Michigan Municipal League
- Robert Zahradnik, Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Moderator: Christy McDonald, Anchor, MiWeek
Finance Practices to Position States for Long Term Prosperity
What approaches are other states taking to effectively manage their finances through good times and bad?
- John Nixon, Vice President for Administrative Services, University of Utah and former State Budget Director for Michigan and Utah
Critical Steps in Preventing Fiscal Emergencies at the Local Level
Hear from a state with more AAA ratings in local government than any other state.
- Kara Millonzi, Associate Professor of Public Law and Government, University of North Carolina
The Impact of Unfunded Liabilities on a Community’s Ability to Fulfill Promises Made to Public Employees
Hear how, with proper planning today, we can provide competitive compensation and retirement benefits to public employees in a sustainable manner and address growing unfunded liabilities.
- David Walker, Senior Strategic Advisor for the Global Public Sector Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Fiscal Best Practices
Hear what it takes to move best practices from concept to reality, and the downside of not adopting fiscal reforms.
- John Nixon, Vice President for Administrative Services, University of Utah and former State Budget Director for Michigan and Utah
- Kara Millonzi, Associate Professor of Public Law and Government, University of North Carolina
- David Walker, Senior Strategic Advisor for the Global Public Sector Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Moderator: John Bebow, President and CEO, Center for Michigan
Michigan Progress: What’s On the Horizon?
Learn what the Snyder Administration’s priorities are for ensuring fiscal stability in Michigan.
- Nick Khouri, State Treasurer, State of Michigan
Michigan’s State Policy Makers Share their Perspectives
State and elected officials address whether the solutions discussed are viable options for Michigan.
- Nick Khouri, State Treasurer, State of Michigan
- Arlan Meekhof, Majority Leader, Michigan State Senate
- Sam Singh, Democratic Leader, Michigan House of Representatives
- Curtis Hertel, Jr., State Senator, Michigan State Senate
- Thomas Albert, State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
- Moderator: Christy McDonald, Anchor, MiWeek
