Michigan Infrastructure Council Invites Community Leaders to Join Next Cohort of Asset Management Training

The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) has opened applications for the ninth cohort of its Asset Management (AM) Champions program, a statewide initiative designed to equip Michigan's infrastructure leaders with tools and strategies to improve long-term decision-making, collaboration, and investment planning.

This free training runs from January to April 2026 and is open to professionals in public and private sectors across all of Michigan's 83 counties. Participants, including local governments, utilities, engineers, public works leaders, and more, will learn how to assess their organization's asset management maturity using the Asset Management Readiness Scale (AMRS) and apply best practices that extend asset life, reduce costs, and improve quality of life in their community.

Graduates of the course join a network of over 700 champions statewide, creating a growing coalition of infrastructure professionals statewide who champion sustainable investment and collaboration across a variety of sectors. Upon completion, participants can also earn continuing education credits for drinking and wastewater operators, approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Professional Engineer (PE) credits are also available, making the program a valuable professional development opportunity in the infrastructure field.

"Being part of the Michigan Infrastructure Council's Asset Management Champion Program has been incredibly eye-opening for staff at the City of Rochester Hills," said Chief Financial Officer Joe Snyder. "By putting the lessons we've learned into practice we're not just streamlining our operations; we're directly improving infrastructure management and project delivery and ultimately providing more value to residents. I estimate these improvements have saved us 10% (roughly $3 Million) on our capital projects this year alone through better communication, planning and timing."

In East China Township, where population and resources are small, but infrastructure needs are large, the AM Champions program has had a transformative impact.

"Asset management training and resources from the Michigan Infrastructure Council have helped us work with our elected officials to show the entire cost of an asset over its lifetime," said Director of Public Service Dwayne Loper. "We've been able to earmark funds for capital projects and critical asset replacement for the next 20 years for our water infrastructure. We're now focusing on our wastewater collection and treatment systems using the same process. This will allow for the eventual integration of all our businesses following the same methodology."

Applications for Cohort 9 are available online at https://www.michigan.gov/mic/am-champions and are due by Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

About the Michigan Infrastructure Council
Our mission is to cultivate partnerships that strengthen Michigan's Infrastructure to provide the foundation for public and environmental health, economic prosperity, and quality of life.