Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) 2023 Annual Conference

Date: October 6, 2023

Rola Zarife
Communications Coordinator
Macomb County Board of Commissioners
One South Main Street, 9th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Email: rola.zarife@macombgov.org
Phone: 586-469-5126

Macomb County Commissioners Join Statewide Gathering to Shape Michigan’s Future at the MAC (Michigan Association of Counties) Conference

Macomb County’s Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Brown, alongside Commissioners Sarah Lucido, Antoinette Wallace, Don VanSyckel, and Michelle Nard, recently joined nearly 300 county officials, speakers, and leaders from across Michigan for the 2023 Michigan Counties Annual Conference. The event took place at the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo, MI from October 1-3, where key legislative policy positions for the state were discussed and approved. MAC is the only statewide organization dedicated to the representation of all county commissioners in Michigan.

During this conference, Commissioner Jim Storey of Allegan County was sworn in as the MAC Board president, marking a significant milestone in the organization that represents leaders from Michigan’s 83 counties. Sessions at the conference addressed crucial topics, including the allocation of opioid settlement funds, the affordable housing crisis in Michigan, and strategies to bolster the state’s population.

Four board members, including Storey, were re-elected during annual caucuses held at the conference. The newly appointed officers for the 2023-24 term include Melissa Daub of Wayne County as the first vice president and Antoinette Wallace of Macomb County as the second vice president. Stan Ponstein, outgoing president, takes on the role of immediate past president.

Commissioner Wallace remarked, “In Kalamazoo, we came together to tackle critical issues, celebrate MAC’s 125 years, and plan for Michigan’s future. We invite you to join us next year in Grand Traverse County.”

Chairman Brown expressed deep pride in participating alongside dedicated county officials at the 2023 MAC Annual Conference. He stated, “Together, we’re shaping policies that will make a difference in Michigan’s counties. It’s inspiring to see county representatives unite to enhance our state.”  Chair Brown also serves within the Michigan Association of Counties as the Chair of the Environmental, Natural Resources & Regulatory Affairs Committee, driving vital initiatives aimed at improving water and environmental quality.

MAC board member and Macomb County Commissioner Sarah Lucido emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It’s all about working together for a stronger Michigan. Let’s keep making progress.”

During the Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 3, MAC members approved policy platforms developed by MAC’s policy committees, covering issue areas ranging from finance to agriculture and tourism.

Stephan W. Currie, MAC’s Executive Director, reflected on the conference, saying, “The conference was a great opportunity to celebrate MAC’s 125 years of serving Michigan counties. Kalamazoo County was an excellent host, and we were pleased to see increased attendance compared to our 2022 event.”

Mark your calendars for MAC’s 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled for Sept. 24-26 in Grand Traverse County.