Michigan's Colleen Martin celebrates internship program award for Livingston County Assessors Association

During the recent City of Brighton council meeting held on January 28, 2025, significant discussions highlighted the city's involvement in national election administration and local property tax initiatives.

One of the standout moments was the recognition of a Brighton representative who was selected as one of six members from a pool of 54 applicants to serve on the National Certified Election and Registration Administrators Advisory Committee. This committee, associated with the Election Center at Auburn University, focuses on reviewing and improving the curriculum for election administration training. The representative emphasized the importance of this role, particularly given Michigan's decentralized election system, which differs from larger states. The committee's work aims to ensure that election officials are well-prepared and that the training programs remain relevant and effective.

In addition to election administration, the meeting also featured a presentation by City Assessor Colleen Martin regarding the Livingston County Assessors Association's recent achievement. The association received an award from the Michigan Assessors Association for its innovative internship program, which aims to address the declining number of assessors in the state. This program, unique to Livingston County, provides hands-on experience for interns who have completed the Michigan Certified Assessing Technician program. The initiative not only enhances the interns' knowledge but also integrates them into the daily operations of local municipalities, fostering a new generation of assessors.

The meeting also included updates from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which discussed landscaping improvements in the downtown area and highlighted the importance of collaboration with neighboring communities, particularly Genoa Township.

Overall, the discussions at the Brighton council meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing election administration and property tax management, while also fostering community relationships. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to have lasting impacts on local governance and community engagement.