PODCAST · government
We Love Where You Live
by Michigan Municipal League
For nearly 150 episodes, the Michigan Municipal League podcast brought you insightful interviews on municipal innovations and politics. Now, this is where you can listen to posts from our blog, People & Place, as well as listen to previous Live with the League shows.Read our blog here: https://mml.org/resources-research/blogs/Watch previous Live with the League videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@MichiganMunicipalLeague
Episodes
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Live with the League — 10.26.2026 — Industrial Development, Trial Court Funding, and Election Day
On an information-packed episode of Live with the League, we're first joined by Shannon Selby from the Detroit Regional Partnership and Suzanne Schultz from Progressive Companies to discuss a new Industrial Development Toolkit designed for local communities. Then, the State and Federal Affairs…
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Live with the League — 9.28.2026 — Community Excellence Awards and Looking to Lame Duck
The four Community Excellence Award finalists share how their projects took community engagement to the next level and what Convention attendees can look forward to during their presentations, which will kick off voting for the winning project. John LeMacchia from our State and Federal Affairs…
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Live with the League — 9.14.2026 — Gubernatorial Picks, Housing & Committees
Now that both candidates for governor have announced their lieutenant governor selections, we’re here to tell you what we think those picks indicate about each campaign’s priorities. We also have some quick updates on housing, and a call for applications for the League’s five internal policy...
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Live with the League — 8.10.2026 —Helping Communities Recover, Prepare, & Plan
We have a packed lineup today! Amy Schlussler-Schmidt from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the League’s Shanna Draheim join us to discuss federal disaster-recovery funding available to Michigan communities. Members of our State & Federal Affairs team share a recap of the primary...
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Live with the League — 7.13.2026 — Breaking Down the Budget
We begin with a summary of our new state budget, passed in the wee hours of July 3, as well as a discussion of some of the nearly 60 bills that were passed along with it (and what was vetoed). Plus, an update to what’s going on with MSHDA’s Statewide Housing Plan update, Opportunity Zones 2.0…
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With The Electric City Project, Sturgis Takes It Higher
Long before many communities generated their own power, Sturgis was producing electricity locally, helping shape a civic identity that has endured for more than a century. The City has recently celebrated that heritage through the Electric City Project, a downtown revitalization effort that...
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Live with the League — 6.22.2026 — Need Updates? We Have Updates.
We’ve got a very full show lined up for you today, discussing progress on oath of office legislation, dark stores prevention, recent member events hosted in partnership with SEMCOG, housing policy developments, the latest on the state budget process (including personal property tax reimbursement...
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Sterling Heights Regrows a Beloved Third Space
Nelson Park, located in southwest Sterling Heights, is a cherished local space for residents and visitors alike. With ARPA dollars in hand, the City listened to resident feedback on what further amenities could be developed. Now. the park boasts not only a community garden, but also a butterfly...
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In Harbor Beach, A More Accessible Harbor
The City of Harbor Beach took an abandoned Coast Guard and transformed it into an accessible pier that connects the waterfront to the city’s Harbor View Trail network. The project was completed entirely with City personnel and equipment, including a barge used for dredging the City's marina.
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Chelsea Says “Yes, and...” with Holmes Family Park
Located just 500 feet from City of Chelsea offices and the main thoroughfare of historic downtown, a nearly three-acre site with ties to WWI and WWII is set to advance four key community priorities: expanded green space, walkability, non-motorized connectivity, and inclusive recreation.
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In Buchanan, a Downtown for the 21st Century
Once home to agricultural mills, then to heavy industry, the City of Buchanan finds itself again in transition. To keep up with a rapidly modernizing downtown, the City did a complete overhaul of utility infrastructure and the downtown streetscape, which now boasts a curbless, tabletop design,...
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With Ruck-22, Royal Oak Shows Support for Veterans
The City of Royal Oak’s Ruck-22 March has become a beloved tradition, raising awareness and donations for veteran health and wellness. Participants walk while carrying weighted packs to raise awareness of veteran suicide and the physical and mental challenges many veterans face after service.
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The Holland Ice Park: A Four-Season Wonderland
The City of Holland renovated an underused patch of land in Window on the Waterfront Park into a year-round destination. Holland Ice Park, which welcomed its first skaters during the winter of 2024-25, combines skating, curling, community gathering spaces, and a diverse calendar of seasonal events.
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Live with the League — 6.8.2026 — All the Legislative Things
Happy summer from Live with the League! We’re here with an update on what’s going on in the ever-dynamic budget negotiation process, the movement of the property tax reform package proposed by House Republicans, the ongoing process of becoming the last state in the union to establish a statewide...
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Stanwood Crossings Helps Address the Portage Shortage
Like most Michigan municipalities, Portage faces an attainable housing shortage. With a lot of planning, state funding, grants, and private assistance, the City has developed Stanwood Crossings, an owner-occupied single-family housing subdivision based on the community land trust model, aimed at...
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With a “Mini Forest,” Rochester Plants a Revolution
The former garbage dump at the edge of Rochester provided the perfect opportunity for the City to do something amazing. Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, from City officials to teenage volunteers, the site is now home to a thriving mini forest, planting using the Miyawaki Method of...
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Ecorse Levels Up Its Boat Launch
With some of the best walleye fishing around, the City of Ecorse’s John D. Dingell Park was a special amenity for residents. With help from EDA and MEDC grants, the City fixed up the boat launch and added ADA accessible kayak pads, a kayak rental kiosk, a playground, and a walkway—making a...
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East Lansing Puts People First
For the City of East Lansing’s five-year update to its Comprehensive Plan, it engaged community members for guidance on what priorities they’d like to see addressed. It resulted in a human-first, forward-looking plan that focuses on four key areas of resident interest: housing, sustainability,...
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In Livonia, A Next-Generation Senior Center
Last winter, the City of Livonia debuted its new Senior Wellness Center, connected to the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center. Guided by a focus on accessibility and long-term adaptability, the new senior center is a gorgeous, modern space with expanded amenities and configurable programming areas.
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A Waterfront Gathering Space in Douglas
In 2020, the City of the Village of Douglas acquired an underutilized marina, which it has since begun to develop into a year-round gathering space, boasting gorgeous views, a lakeside pavilion, and rentable boat slips. Thanks to the generosity of two local residents, the Douglas Marina Park &...
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Oak Park Elevates Itself
Based on feedback on its Recreation Master Plan, the City of Oak Park looked to “elevate” its offerings, in particular its popular farmers market and summer concert series. The result of that effort, a new event hub and band shell which will have its grand opening in June 2026, activates a...
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Dearborn Embraces Being the “Coffee Capital”
Boasting more than 40 coffee shops, the City of Dearborn realized it had a unique identity to share with the rest of the state. With a bit of DDA money and a lot of support from local businesses and stakeholders, Dearborn Coffee Week has grown from a small neighborhood festival to a significant...
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Kalamazoo Creates Its Own Endowment
Kalamazoo’s Foundation for Excellence is a municipal endowment—the only one of its kind—made possible by an anonymous donation. Since 2017, this publicly accountable fund has been used for property tax cuts, housing development, youth programs, and other City initiatives benefiting Kalamazoo...
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Sault Ste. Marie’s Waterfront Gets a Makeover
After nearly a century of neglect, the Carbide Dock in Sault Ste. Marie was falling into the water. With funding and collaboration from federal, state, and local stakeholders, the dock is now a thriving hub of commercial, educational, and resident activity.
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Live with the League — 5.11.2026 — A Call to Action: Show Up for Local Zoning
Today, we’re talking about a litany of Lansing happenings of interest to League members, including our recent testimony on a package of tax reform bills, the Senate passage of the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, and what’s going on with the budget. We also call upon all League members to reach out to...
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In Berrien Springs, the Playground of Kids’ Dreams
The beloved Wolf’s Prairie Playground in the Village of Berrien Springs had reached the end of its life. To create its successor, the Village enlisted local children to draw their ideas. The resulting hand-sculped, inclusive fantasyland features a kayak, a life-size campfire, and—of course—a...
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At the Harvey Center, Port Huron Residents Lead the Way
In 2025, the City of Port Huron purchased an inert community center from the Housing Commission. The now-revitalized Harvey Center is run by a joint committee of residents, nonprofits, and the City, bringing a slate of community-driven programming to its Southside neighborhood.
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A Depot on the Move in Holly
The Village of Holly’s historic Union Depot was in the way of railroad development and slated for destruction. Through a campaign crowdfunding and civic engagement, the Village put the Depot on wheels and rolled it out of the way of danger.
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Live with the League — 4.27.2026 — Lansing Legislative Line-Up
Today’s show features a packed update on what’s going on at the Capitol, tracking several key issues moving through the Legislature. Plus, a look back at last week’s Legislative Reception and some of the advocacy conversations happening right now with lawmakers.
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Live with the League — 4.13.2026 — Talking CEA with Houghton & Negaunee
This week on Live with the League, we discuss the many rewards and benefits of winning the League’s prestigious Community Excellence Award (CEA)—along with some practical advice on getting started—with Eric Waara, City Manager for the City of Houghton; and Mona Lang, consulting director for the...
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Live with the League — 3.23.2026 — Spring Has Sprung in Lansing
On this week's Live with the League grab bag, we’ll be covering the recently concluded CapCon 2026, a conference at the National League of Cities, some election bill updates, and—of course—everyone's favorite topic: housing.
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Live with the League — 3.9.2026 — MI Home Program is in the House!
We're focusing on the housing bills recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature, including the MI Home Program (now House Bills 5660 and 5661). The housing discussion will continue in Lansing on March 10 during our general session at CapCon 2026. In the meantime, be sure to show your support...
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An Architect Designs His Future in Negaunee
A Michigan architect describes his life, professional career, and what made him ultimately choose to settle in Negaunee—winner of the 2025 Community Excellence Award.
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Live with the League — 2.23.2026 — Digging into the New Housing Bills
Our State & Federal Affairs team gives an update on the recently introduced housing package, plus a call to action for our members, conversations around preemption, and what all this could mean for local government. Also, a breakdown of Governor Whitmer's newly released budget recommendation and...
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Live with the League — 2.9.2026 — A Look at Lots of Legislation
Today we focus on what's happening at the Capitol and what it means for communities across Michigan: campground legislation and energy policy, drones, property tax reform conversations, and a quick note on an upcoming primary election.
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A Young Person’s Guide to Attracting More Young People
The League’s intern, Jack Brady, discusses how Michigan can reverse the flight of Generation Z from the state.
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Why I Would Leave Michigan
League intern Jack Brady discusses why young people who grew up in Michigan are choosing to build their adult lives elsewhere.
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Live with the League — 1.26.2026 — League Events, League Resources, League Advocacy
There's a ton to discuss this week! We preview the upcoming Capital Conference in Lansing, especially useful for first-time attendees; shine a spotlight on the Michigan Funding Hub and how it can support your community’s funding strategy; finally, a legislative update covering recent rulings,...
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Bless the Sidewalk
Agnes Krahn, League communications associate, reflects on the value of connected communities—places that encourage you to put that screen down and get out into the real world.
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Live with the League — 1.12.2026 — The Year Ahead
We’re hitting the ground running in 2026 with a conversation between League Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin and our new Board President, Josh Atwood, Commissioner of Lapeer. We then shift gears and talk about key legislative priorities this year, and what communities should be watching…
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Why I would stay in Michigan
Jack Brady discusses the joys, possibilities, and potential of building a life in Michigan, from the perspective of Gen Z.
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Live with the League — 12.8.2025 — Year-End Legislative Updates
We’ve got several important legislative items moving right now, and this week we’re walking through what they mean for Michigan communities. We discuss the latest movement on economic development packages, what the new transparency law sets up for next session, early signals on property tax…
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Live with the League — 11.10.2025 — Housing Chat with Special Guest from Frankfort
This week, the League is touching base with the beautiful Lake Michigan community of Frankfort, where we spoke with City Superintendent Joshua Mills about Frankfort’s unique housing situation, the successes of its recently implemented housing commission and land trust, and its new Attainable...
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Live with the League — 10.27.2025 — Roads and Revenue Sharing: What You Need to Know
This week’s chat begins with a check-in with Taylor Pine, the League’s Digital Media Developer, on our Marketing & Communications team’s recent visit to the Upper Peninsula in search of stories, successes, and sightseeing. We then turned to our regularly scheduled legislative news, including a...
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Live with the League — 9.22.2025 — The Latest from Lansing
This week’s chat is a whirlwind tour, guided by our State and Federal Affairs team, of all that's gone down in Lansing in recent days. We do a deep dive into the “interesting” place we’re at in the budget process, eight days out from a government shutdown. We also have a conversation about…
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Live with the League — 10.6.2025 — We Have a Budget!
On this very special edition of Live with the League, we talk all things related to the $76 billion state budget that finally passed on Friday. John LaMacchia breaks down its effect on road funding, revenue sharing, the MI Home Program, and more.
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Not a Checklist or a Quick Fix—Something Better
Testing new ideas—especially an entire framework of thinking—isn’t without risk and discomfort. But that’s just what the League has been working on over the past year. We’ve designed and refined tools to help Michigan’s local officials break out of silos and move their conversations and…
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Michigan Central Station highlights the importance of preserving local history
No one wants to live in a place without stories. One source of stories? Architecture. Beautiful, historic buildings provide communities with important connection points, both physical and emotional. These are the places that make your town or city more than just a point on a map—they make it your...
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I Do Like These Trees
The League’s own Murph, Policy Research Labs program manager, reflects on the lovely treescape of Grand Rapids’ Monroe Center Street.
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Isn’t It Iron-ic: Negaunee Revives Its Past, With Nankin Square, Westland Evolves Beyond the Mall, & Wyandotte Gives Itself a Dumpster-Hiding Makeover
In the final entry in our series about the 2025 Community Excellence Award submissions, we take a look at three Michigan cities in the process of tackling one of the biggest projects of all: reviving and reimagining their downtowns.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
For nearly 150 episodes, the Michigan Municipal League podcast brought you insightful interviews on municipal innovations and politics. Now, this is where you can listen to posts from our blog, People & Place, as well as listen to previous Live with the League shows.Read our blog here: https://mml.org/resources-research/blogs/Watch previous Live with the League videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@MichiganMunicipalLeague
HOSTED BY
Michigan Municipal League
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does We Love Where You Live have?
We Love Where You Live currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is We Love Where You Live about?
For nearly 150 episodes, the Michigan Municipal League podcast brought you insightful interviews on municipal innovations and politics. Now, this is where you can listen to posts from our blog, People & Place, as well as listen to previous Live with the League shows.Read our blog here:...
How often does We Love Where You Live release new episodes?
We Love Where You Live has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to We Love Where You Live?
You can listen to We Love Where You Live on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts We Love Where You Live?
We Love Where You Live is created and hosted by Michigan Municipal League.
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