ADVOCACY DAY & SPRING WORKSHOP 2026

The Michigan Downtown Association's Advocacy Day and Spring Workshop, spanning two days, focuses on strengthening and sustaining Michigan's downtowns. Advocacy Day (March 3, 2026) involves legislative updates, discussions on key messages for lawmakers, and direct meetings and receptions with state legislators, promoting dialogue between downtown leaders and government officials. The Spring Workshop (March 4, 2026) provides educational sessions and networking opportunities at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Key topics include thoughtful interior and exterior design for historic downtowns, planning for inclusive and safe public spaces, strategic re-evaluation of downtown events, integrating green initiatives for climate resiliency, lessons learned from crisis management like downtown fires, and fundamentals of historic preservation and architecture. The event aims to equip downtown directors, organizations, and municipal leaders with the knowledge and tools to adapt to evolving trends, address challenges, and foster downtown revitalization and economic development.