Christian Wuerth
One of the things I have come to appreciate about this role over the past six+ months is that I have been able to interact with colleagues around the state in a wider variety of settings than I normally would. Sometimes, it is simply someone with a question or an idea who calls, and we have the chance to catch up during the conversation. Part of this is also by design, as I continue to try and make my way to as many of the regional meetings as possible.
The regional gatherings have been great experiences, and I have very much enjoyed meeting some colleagues I have not had the chance to chat with previously. I would like to thank the Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, and Mid-Michigan Managers groups for their hospitality and allowing me to visit. While all were fantastic, the trip to Houghton and Hancock for the spring U.P. Managers gathering in May was particularly so as our colleagues in the U.P. are not always able to get downstate for our events. I met a lot of people for the first time and others with whom I have only interacted on Listserv or over the phone. The fact that it was in a stunningly beautiful part of the state—and in two communities managed by great people—is a bonus.
On the MME front, the board met back in late April and, in addition to general business, continued discussions on improving our transparency—specifically in the form of adopting a policy with respect to members attending board meetings. While we still have some refinements to the potential policy before it goes to a formal vote and potential adoption, there was consensus to open the July 16, 2024, meeting up to the membership as it will be taking place at the Summer Workshop. We will also be working with Michigan Municipal League staff to get the agenda posted online ahead of time. Upcoming dates (for those on the edge of their seats) are July 16, October 25, and December 5.
On another topic of frequent discussion, the board discussed a concern expressed about certain members who meet the criteria for full professional membership and work in the manager/CAO office not being allowed on the Listserv. Two things came out of this discussion—in continuing to discuss various concerns regarding the Listserv—the board has concluded that the tool itself, while highly useful, is limited in its capabilities and another option may better address our needs. A subcommittee of the board is also researching options for alternatives to the Listserv that would better allow for multiple channels/venues for achieving the goals of the Listserv.
The board voted to amend the membership of the Listserv to allow for the inclusion of management analysts, management assistants, and assistants to the manager who are full, professional MME members with the approval of the CAO of their organization. If you would like to add a staff member meeting the above criteria to the listserv, please send me an email directly at cwuerth@villageofmilford.org. Please include the name, title, and email address for the person you wish to add as well as a note as to why you would like them added.
Our July board meeting will include follow-up on these items as well as our first discussions on the 2025 budget and several action items stemming from the work our committees have been doing in recent months. I will pause here to once again thank all of you currently serving on a committee—the work done at this level is vital to our organization and I continue to be impressed with the ideas and discussions taking place in these meetings.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with many of you—both longtime and new friends alike—in Marquette in a few weeks. Based upon the agenda, it should be a great week and an opportunity to connect, share and seek advice, and to learn a few things from the educational sessions. Safe travels and see you soon!
Christian Wuerth
President, Michigan Municipal Executives
Village Manager, Milford
Christian Wuerth currently serves as President of MME. He began his career in local government as an intern with the City of Birmingham in 2004 before moving to the Village of Milford, where he has served as Village Manager since 2014. Prior to his career in local government, Christian worked in the nonprofit sector and spent two years serving in AmeriCorps NCCC, a national service program. He has previously served on several MME committees, including serving as the Chair of the Professional Development Committee, and previously served on the Board of Directors for MME.