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News & Events Digest: July 2025





Integrated Asset Management
How Integrated Infrastructure Asset Management Impacts Communities

*"This is the first installment of the Michigan Infrastructure Council's Community Highlights Series, featuring the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office in the city of Pontiac."*

"Michigan is fundamentally changing how it manages and regulates its critical infrastructure systems. We're moving beyond a history of deferred maintenance to a proactive, preventative and sustainable infrastructure strategy driven by asset management principles."

"By embracing integrated asset management, we're shifting from reactive fixes to proactive, long-term strategies. This ensures all Michiganders benefit from safe, affordable and reliable infrastructure services that power our diverse communities and economies."

"In the past, planning infrastructure projects in isolation created fragmented systems. This led to public disruption and missed chances for efficiency and greater societal benefits. "

"And these shortcomings weren't just inconvenient—they posed threats to public health, safety, economic competitiveness, and our overall quality of life."

"That's why the *Michigan Infrastructure Council* (MIC) is championing a new statewide approach for infrastructure through its 30-Year Integrated Infrastructure Strategy [ [link removed] ]."

"By fostering collaboration among public and private infrastructure agencies, streamlining data sharing and deepening the understanding of how decisions in one asset class impact another, Michigan is shifting from reactive fixes to integrated planning."

"This coordinated and holistic approach to managing critical infrastructure will reduce disruptions, optimize resources and ensure infrastructure investments provide the greatest value and resilience, ultimately enhancing the lives of all Michiganders."

"Through this new series, the MIC is highlighting communities in their asset management journeys. "

"If your community is interested in sharing a story for a chance to be featured in a future edition of the community highlight series, email the MIC today at [email protected]"

City of Pontiac: "Dig Once" in Practice

In the *city of Pontiac, *Mich., integrated infrastructure asset management is being put into practice and is actively improving the lives of its residents.

When the Pontiac *Watermain and Lead Service Line Replacement Project* was launched by the *Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office *(OCWRC), they used an integrated asset management approach to prioritizing critical upgrades, coordinating across agencies and making the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize aging infrastructure.

"Successful projects are not just about securing funding but also about coordination of services and minimizing disruption to residents," said Carrie Ricker Cox, special projects manager for regional systems within OCWRC.

Using asset management data, the OCWRC first identified where the 1940s-era cast iron water mains and lead service lines were, which are considered high-risk, failure-prone assets—especially vulnerable during Michigan’s harsh winters.

To maximize efficiency and minimize disruption of the water system upgrades, the OCWRC cross-referenced other planned infrastructure work and coordinated investments, *synchronizing road resurfacing, sewer replacement and stormwater upgrades *within a single construction cycle.

*Project Objectives and Benefits*


* Replacing water mains reduces service disruptions while improving water quality.
* Revitalizing sewer systems prevents sewer backups, protecting residents and the environment.
* Coordinating with road work to minimize disruptions and optimize costs.
* Implementing trenchless technology eliminates excavating and reduces restoration costs.
* Protecting natural resources by reducing sewer overflows.
* Providing reliable services attracts residents and businesses, contributing to economic growth

The OCWRC created an *interactive story map* [ [link removed] ] with photos and videos to showcase the projects happening throughout the city. This tool provides an engaging way to explore the progress and impact of the water and sewer infrastructure improvements. 

This "Dig Once" approach significantly reduced construction disruptions for residents and businesses while optimizing each agency's spending and resource utilization. This was achieved by eliminating redundant activities such as permitting, excavation, repaving and traffic control.

*Integrated Asset Management helped the team adapt. *As new service lines were uncovered and community needs evolved, data-informed decisions kept the project on track and responsive.

With thousands of lead lines replaced and water quality improved, the project stands as a model for how infrastructure asset management supports equity, resilience and smart public investment.

Impact on the Community

With these comprehensive upgrades now completed, the corridors are now ready to serve the city for decades to come, a clear win for integrated infrastructure asset management.

This kind of proactive work has meaningful everyday impact on Pontiac residents. Replacing aging water mains before they break helps avoid disruptive water shutoffs and boil water notices, ensuring families have consistent access to clean, safe water at home and at school. It also strengthens the city’s ability to respond to emergencies by improving water availability for firefighting.

"Working together, we have made impressive progress replacing water pipes, improving sanitary sewer lines and enhancing green stormwater infrastructure and beautifying open spaces," Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel said. "All of these initiatives have benefitted the health and safety of residents."

The Pontiac Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project [ [link removed] ] is an example of how infrastructure projects, when properly coordinated and communicated, can significantly improve community quality of life while tackling complex challenges in aging systems. This project is a strong case study that demonstrates when communities invest in integrated asset management, they unlock smarter solutions, stronger infrastructure and healthier futures.

These are the kinds of community-driven outcomes the MIC is working to celebrate across the state. By empowering local leaders with tools, training and resources [ [link removed] ], the MIC is helping communities take control of their infrastructure futures.

The Pontiac Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project illustrates how effective infrastructure investment, guided by data and coordinated planning, can deliver real improvements to the lives of Michigan residents.

Read more about this series and case on LinkedIn. [ [link removed] ]

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MIC Training
Register today for the Infrastructure Asset Management Champions program

The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is inviting applicants for the Asset Management (AM) Champions program starting Aug. 12, 2025, aimed at promoting infrastructure asset management across Michigan.

Asset management practices provide a data-driven decision-making framework that holistically manages costs and risks across the organization to meet its goals and objectives, enabling communities to generate more value from assets over their entire service life.

This program equips participants with tools to educate their organizations on practical asset management, fostering a proactive and strategic approach to overcome deferred maintenance challenges. The curriculum includes asynchronous modules, facilitated discussions, peer interaction and expert consultations.

Scholarships from MIC and the State of Michigan ensure that selected participants can attend at no cost.

Will you join over 600 AM Champion graduates and help us create an asset management culture in Michigan? Here’s what an AM Champion graduate had to say about the program:

"“Michigan Infrastructure Council's Asset Management Champion Program has helped the City of Rochester Hills evolve our infrastructure decision making, and I estimate we saved ~$3M / ~10% on our capital projects this year from better communication, planning and timing.”"

*"Joe Snyder, Chief Financial Officer, City of Rochester Hills"*

The program will run from August through November 2025 and will require approximately 25 hours to complete.

The AM Champions Program is approved for up to 2.5 continuing education credits for drinking water operators, with professional engineer graduates also eligible for continuing education credits, based on contact hours.

*Application deadline is Aug. 08, 2025. *

*Register online to become a part of the next AM Champion cohort. [ [link removed] ]*

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Treasury Outreach

Treasury Talk Podcast: State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and Outreach Manager Sarah Rusnell discuss information and resources for tax professionals. [ [link removed] ]



Find Your Fit

Your Career Starts Here! [ [link removed] ]






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Tax Policy Update

New Tax Policy Bureau Update Published

The Michigan Department of Treasury's Tax Policy Bureau recently published the July 2025 edition of the Tax Policy Update newsletter [ [link removed] ].

In this latest quarterly issue, the following topics are covered:


* Sales tax applies to retail sales of marihuana, Court of Appeals says
* Recently issued guidance from Treasury
* Medicaid waiver for home care providers—updated
* Court of Appeals: Taxpayer facing Treasury enforcement of tax liens not entitled to declaratory judgement to preserve legal rights of nonparty, Internal Revenue Service
* Michigan Supreme Court orders Mini-Oral Argument on the Application (MOAA) in Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance

Read the latest version of the Tax Policy Update. [ [link removed] ]

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Treasury Webinar

Michigan Treasury Offers Free Webinars to Support Local Governments

Over the last several years, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Local Government and School Services (BLGSS) has taken big steps to become a *Trusted Partner* and strengthen its connection with local governments across the state. From streamlining processes to collaborating on policy, their goal has been simple: help local communities stay financially strong and sustainable. 

A key part of that effort? Training and outreach. 

While Treasury’s team has always made themselves available for presentations (and they still do), their ability to connect expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person events shifted to online webinars, making it easier than ever for local officials to get guidance—no matter where they’re located. 

Let’s take a quick look at two of their most popular and impactful programs: 

*Fiscally Ready Communities* 

Launched in 2018, the *Fiscally Ready Communities (FRC)* program is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Treasury and MSU Extension. Its purpose is to help local governments build smart financial policies and sustainable practices. Whether you're newly elected or have decades of experience, these sessions offer valuable takeaways. 

“The Fiscally Ready Communities program helped me understand how to plan for large projects, budget better, and realize we needed internal controls,” *Village of Peck Supervisor Tim Heiden* said. 

That kind of practical impact is why the program was recognized nationally with the "Excellence in Community Programming Team Award" [ [link removed] ] by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals. 

*Upcoming FRC webinars:* 


* *From Fundamentals to Best Practices*
* Aug. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. ET 


* *Grants Management* 
* Sept. 25: 10-11:30 a.m. ET 
* Oct. 20: 2-3:30 p.m. ET 
* Dec. 4: 10-11:30 a.m. ET 

Interested in the upcoming *FRC *webinars? Find all the information you need to register and more by visiting our FRC program page [ [link removed] ].  

*Chart Chat Webinars* 

Another popular session is the *Chart Chat* series—a free webinar program designed to keep local governments informed and up to date. These sessions cover three core themes: 


* *Accounting and auditing essentials* 
* *Measuring fiscal health and performance* 
* *Timely policy and legislative updates* 

These webinars are built for treasurers, clerks, administrators, council members, and financial professionals alike. Whether you're brushing up on financial statements, reviewing how to fill out a corrective action plan, or just want to stay informed on changes like the Earned Sick Time Act, Chart Chat has something for you. 

The sessions are led by Treasury staff with deep expertise in local government finance and policy, and past topics have included: 


* Revenue sharing updates 
* Headlee amendment refreshers 
* Debt limit calculations 
* Preventable accounting issues in smaller municipalities 

*Want to catch up or stay in the loop?* 


* Find and register for our upcoming *Fiscally Ready Communities (FRC) *webinars. [ [link removed] ] 
* View past Chart Chats at the BLGSS Learning Center. [ [link removed] ] 
* Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive future webinar notices straight to your inbox. [ [link removed] ] 

If you're part of a local unit of government, these free training programs are a great way to keep your community on solid financial ground. Whether you’re managing the books or shaping policy, there’s always something new to learn—being a *Trusted Partner* means the Michigan Department of Treasury is here to help. 

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State Tax Commission Training
Michigan Certified Assessing Technician Course Offering in Macomb County

The State Tax Commission is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the September 2025 Michigan Certified Assessing Technician (MCAT) program course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 and 5 at the Macomb ISD Building, Clinton Township, Mich. The MCAT certification exam will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 8 at the same location.

Fully completed applications must be received no later than Aug. 15, 2025, to be considered for the September 2025 MCAT Macomb Program. Course applications and additional information are available on the State Tax Commission's website at www.michigan.gov/statetaxcommission [ [link removed] ].

Questions about this program can be directed to Will Gast at [email protected].

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Peter Morman

Peter Morman Named Legislative Affairs Director

Peter Morman has been named the legislative affairs director for the Michigan Department of Treasury, effective July 7, 2025.

Morman replaces Amanda West, who moved into a new role as the deputy treasurer of Advocacy, Policy, and Analysis. He most recently served as legislative liaison for the Office of Legislative Affairs and was responsible for working with legislators, state departments, the governor’s office and outside stakeholders on legislation and policy issues of interest to Treasury.

In addition to tracking and researching bills, Morman provided testimony on bills before legislative committees.

Morman began his career with State of Michigan in 2000 as policy advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives, later serving as a deputy director. He composed detailed analysis of legislation pending before state House committees, monitored state department budgets and activities, wrote issue briefs for legislators and served as policy advisor covering tax, transportation, and environmental issues. His areas of advisement most recently included individual and corporate income tax, property tax, sales tax, tax incentives, transportation funding, highway safety, and public transit.

Morman was previously employed as a policy advisor for the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Illinois, where he handled project management and outreach on environmental issues affecting energy, air quality, transportation and land use.

Morman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public policy studies from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Policy.

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