- Bridge Michigan will host an October summit about the top issues facing Michigan
- It’s a free event where the public can hear from policymakers, experts and others
- Sign up to learn more here
Bridge Michigan will host its inaugural “Issues Summit” in October, where Michigan residents, policymakers, experts and civic leaders will discuss the top challenges facing the state.
The free event will be Oct. 21 at the Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit.
Bridge journalists will lead discussions and Devin Scillian, former WDIV Channel 4 anchor, will emcee the half-day event. Scillian is a member of the board of the Center for Michigan, the nonprofit publisher of Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit.
“This is about turning what we’re hearing from people across Michigan into a shared, public conversation at a moment when it matters most,” said Katy Locker, CEO of the Center for Michigan. “We’re creating a forum that helps voters understand the issues — and ensures those priorities carry forward beyond the election.”
Related:
- What’s Michigan’s top election issue? Cast your ballot with Bridge Listens
- Here are facts shaping Michigan as state gears for big election year
- Watch: Bridge Michigan reporter talks legislative gridlock on WJR
The Issues Summit builds on Bridge Listens, a statewide effort to hear directly from voters about what matters to them.
Readers say they are concerned about health access and affordability, education, the environment and water, economic opportunity and the cost of living. Throughout the year, reporters are exploring these topics, asking gubernatorial candidates how they would address these concerns and sharing with readers what the research says.
The October event will occur just shy of two weeks before the November election. Voters will select the next governor, members of Congress, state lawmakers, and university board members. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is term-limited.
At the Issues Summit, members of the public will be able to directly ask questions of experts.
“Through Bridge Listens, we’re not guessing at what matters — we’re documenting it,” said Kathy Kieliszewski, executive editor of innovation. “Our role as journalists is to bring clarity, context, and accountability to those issues, and to create a space where they can be examined seriously.”
The event is starting a new tradition, too, with The Center for Michigan holding a statewide forum annually. The Power Foundation, the Joyce Foundation and the Skillman Foundation are supporting the effort.
Speakers and full registration details will be announced at a later date.
You can sign up here to get early access to registration and to receive announcements about the event.
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