To: James Avery, Governmental Operations Committee
From: Joshua Freeman, Director of Administration
title
RE: MOU with the University of Michigan - Flint
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of an agreement between Genesee County and the University of Michigan - Flint
BACKGROUND:
Commissioner Brown has engaged with the University in an effort to create a relationship that is beneficial to Genesee County and to the University and its students. The move to our new administrative building will bring the two institutions closer together in proximity and also in a common goal to see the county and the university thrive. Those discussions led to the attached MOU.
DISCUSSION:
The MOU attempts to leverage resources from both institutions. Through collaboration, both entities will take advantage of those resources to each other’s benefit. Some of the expected partnerships included: research projects that evaluate the impact of county programs, internship programs with students of the university, professional development opportunities, strategic planning partnerships, participation in various committees of each institution, and the county may provide speakers who are practitioners to enhance student classroom experiences.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
No impact on HR with the approval of this agreement.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
This MOU includes no cost.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
No impact on facilities with the approval of this agreement.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
No impact on technology with the approval of this agreement.
IMPACT ON INDIRECT COSTS:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a set of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. One of those priorities, Inclusive and Collaborative Culture, demands that the county act as a convener to create partnerships that contribute growth in our community. By partnering with the University of Michigan - Flint, this partnership will work to enhance both the county and the experience of students attending the University. It may also help retain the talent that is being cultivated at the University through future employment opportunities at Genesee County. This partnership will also bring a diverse group of individuals to the table. By expanding our outreach, voices that would not normally be heard will now be included when we attempt to find solutions to issues.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a set of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, one of those priorities, Inclusive and Collaborative Culture, demands that the county act as a convener to create partnerships that contribute growth in our community; and
WHEREAS, collaborating with the University of Michigan - Flint will work to enhance both the county and the experience of students attending the University; and
WHEREAS, the collaboration may also help retain the talent that is cultivated at the University through future employment opportunities at Genesee County; and
WHEREAS, the partnership will also promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by expanding outreach so that voices that would not normally be heard will now be included when we attempt to find solutions to issues.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposal set forth by Commissioner Dr. Beverly Brown to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Michigan - Flint, is hereby approved (the Memorandum request and supporting documentation being on file with the official records of the October 11, 2023 Governmental Operations committee meeting of this board) and the Chairperson of the Board is authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Genesee County.