April 30, 2026 12:00pm
Address: Clare-Gladwin CTE John C. Magnus Center, 3200 S. Clare Avenue, Harrison, MI US 48625
Contact: Brooke HovenkampBrooke Hovenkamp
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free (pre-registration required) – Boxed lunch included
Format: In-person only
MMDC invites municipal partners across Clare, Isabella, and Osceola counties to join our Municipal Lunch & Learn Series, a three-part program designed to provide practical insights on key economic development topics. Each session offers opportunities to learn from experts, discuss challenges, and support local decision-making.
Session 1: Data Centers 101
This session will cover the fundamentals of data centers, including infrastructure requirements, energy demands, and potential impacts for local communities. While there are no known data center projects currently proposed in the area, interest in this topic continues to grow. This session will help municipalities stay informed and prepared for emerging trends.
What to Expect
- A practical overview of data centers and emerging development trends.
- Discussion of potential local impacts, including land use, infrastructure, and energy demand.
- A facilitated roundtable discussion focused on common questions and myth-busting related to utilities and data center development.
Featured Speakers:
- Sarah Mills, PhD – Director of Graham's Center for EmPowering Communities, University of Michigan
- Dr. Sarah Mills is a professor of practice at the University of Michigan's Urban & Regional Planning program and the Director of UM's Center for EmPowering Communities. Her Center aims to help local governments understand the impacts (both positive and negative) of energy infrastructure, to inform policies that advance community goals and enhance quality of life. Sarah received her doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan, where her dissertation looked at the intersection of farmland preservation and wind energy development. She has a master's in engineering for sustainable development from the University of Cambridge, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Vi
llanova University. She grew up on a farm in Monroe County, Michigan but now lives in Ann Arbor where she serves on the City Planning Commission.
- Dr. Sarah Mills is a professor of practice at the University of Michigan's Urban & Regional Planning program and the Director of UM's Center for EmPowering Communities. Her Center aims to help local governments understand the impacts (both positive and negative) of energy infrastructure, to inform policies that advance community goals and enhance quality of life. Sarah received her doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan, where her dissertation looked at the intersection of farmland preservation and wind energy development. She has a master's in engineering for sustainable development from the University of Cambridge, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Vi
- Daniel Mahoney – Director of Policy & Regional Affairs, DTE Energy
- Daniel Mahoney is director of Policy and Regional Affairs at DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), a diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Currently, Mahoney is responsible for leading the company’s public policy and local government affairs practice groups. In this capacity, Mahoney sets strategies for the company’s state and local policy agenda and leads stakeholder engagements around key priorities for DTE Electric and DTE Gas. He also serves as a non-voting member of SEMCOG’s executive committee and as a board member for the Michigan Municipal League Foundation.
Prior to joining DTE in 2013, Mahoney led the campaign fundraising committee for the Michigan House Democrats from 2003 – 2009, serving under Minority Leader Rep. Dianne Byrum and Speaker of House Andy Dillon, and fundraising for Dillon’s gubernatorial primary campaign in 2010. Mahoney also served as Vice President of Membership and Development for the Small Business Association of Michigan from 2012-2013. Mahoney is a graduate of American University (’01) with a bachelor's degree in American Studies. He currently lives in Northville, MI with his spouse and two daughters.
- Daniel Mahoney is director of Policy and Regional Affairs at DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), a diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Currently, Mahoney is responsible for leading the company’s public policy and local government affairs practice groups. In this capacity, Mahoney sets strategies for the company’s state and local policy agenda and leads stakeholder engagements around key priorities for DTE Electric and DTE Gas. He also serves as a non-voting member of SEMCOG’s executive committee and as a board member for the Michigan Municipal League Foundation.
- Lindsey McGuirk – Director, External Engagement - Growth Team, Consumers Energy
- Lindsey McGuirk serves as the Director of External Engagement for Consumers Energy’s Growth Team, where she leads strategic outreach and site readiness efforts that strengthen relationships with community partners, businesses, and economic development organizations across Michigan. In this role, Lindsey is responsible for elevating Consumers Energy’s presence as a trusted partner in the state’s economic future; championing initiatives that drive business retention, expansion and attraction projects, and advance community prosperity. She has spent more than a decade at Consumers Energy supporting Michigan’s business become more competitive through programs and services that help strengthen performance, reduce costs, and grow.
- Elaine J. Venema, PE – Senior Project Manager, Fleis & VandenBrink
- Elaine graduated from Michigan Tech with Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and joined Fleis & VandenBrink in 2006. She is currently a Sr. Project Manager and F&V’s expert in industrial pretreatment program compliance and wastewater permitting. She is an active member in the Michigan Water Environment Association, serving on the IPP Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and Contaminants of Concern Committee, and is a past MWEA Board of Directors President.
Who Should Attend:
Elected officials, municipal managers, planning staff, planning commissioners, and other local government professionals. Municipalities are encouraged to coordinate attendance in line with their policies and OMA requirements.
Register Now to secure your spot for Data Centers 101!
Stay Tuned for More Information on Upcoming Lunch & Learn Sessions
- Session #2: Housing TIF - Learn how Tax Increment Financing can be used to support housing development, close financing gaps, and encourage residential investment in your community.
- Session #3: Elective Pay - Explore how direct pay provisions turn federal tax credits into cash reimbursements for local government energy and infrastructure projects.