Creating Collaborative Communities

A Conference Sponsored by:

Wayne State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Michigan Suburbs Alliance
Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies
University of Michigan Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy
Michigan State University Land Policy Program
Citizens Research Council
Michigan Municipal League
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
W.K. Kellogg Foundation

See the main conference web site for more details, directions, registration, etc.: http://www.creatingcollaborativecommunities.com/

Summary

Across Michigan, state and local officials are searching for ways to relieve the intense financial pressure on local governments. The severity of this problem has pushed leaders to look for new and innovative strategies to alleviate the financial burden on cities while still maintaining a high level of service to citizens. Municipal collaboration and resource sharing is at the forefront of this new wave of thinking. Its basic tenant is cities can save money and/or increase services by sharing costs, equipment, knowledge and manpower with other cities. 'Creating Collaborative Communities' capitalizes on the tremendous opportunity we now have to support cities looking to implement collaborative policies.

Schedule

Day 1: Academic Day<
Monday, October 31, 2005, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Location: Wayne State University, McGregor Conference Center

'Creating Collaborative Communities: Management Networks, Services Cooperation, and Metropolitan Governance'

13 local and national academic experts lead discussions on the latest resource sharing research and trends. Morning sessions are presentations of theoretical approaches to interlocal services collaboration. Afternoon sessions are presentations of empirical studies on interlocal service collaborations in selected states.

Who should attend: Academics, students, and independent researchers from the southeast Michigan area gather to listen to paper presentations and participate in questions an answer sessions. Other interested parties are welcome to attend, practitioners are encouraged to participate.

*Registration is free; seating is capped at 50 people.
Day 2: Practioner Day
Tuesday, November 1, 2005, 8:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Wayne State University, McGregor Conference Center

'Creating Collaborative Communities: Building Interlocal Cooperation'

Local government officials, state policymakers, community leaders, and academics gather for an interactive discussion of the practical application of resource sharing concepts. Participants can choose from 12 breakout sessions on a number of topics including building leadership, developing community support, overcoming the social barriers to collaboration, and marketing your collaboration initiative.

*Registration is $15.00 (administrative and food expenses); seating is capped at 200 people. Register via the main conference web site: http://www.creatingcollaborativecommunities.com/