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About the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission

About the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission

Established in 2005 by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Executive Order 2005-10 created an advisory council to address issues affecting Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), ensuring their full participation in both community and economic spheres.

Public Act 536 of 2008 subsequently formed the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, the Office of Asian Pacific American Affairs, and an Interagency Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs, establishing a structured framework for addressing AAPI concerns. This landmark legislation transitioned the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Council (MAPAAC) into a permanent entity within Michigan's state government, guaranteeing ongoing advocacy and representation for AAPIs regardless of administrative changes.

Governor Granholm's Executive Order 2009-21 further solidified MAPAAC's role by transferring powers from the previous advisory council and formally integrating MAPAAC into the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. This consolidation streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency within state government, positioning MAPAAC as a steadfast advocate for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community in Michigan. MAPAAC is now housed within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Global Michigan.

Audience and tables watching speaker present at Asian American, Native Hawaiin, and Pacific Islander month celebration
Four performers dancing on stage at Asian American, Native Hawaiin, and Pacific Islander month celebration

The Commission is charged with the following responsibilities:

  • Stimulating and encouraging the study and review of the status of American Pacific Americans (APAs) and developing a unified policy and plan of action to address their needs.
  • Promoting methods to ensure equal access to education and state services and working to guarantee such access.
  • Providing insight to policymakers on the challenges faced by APAs and reviewing and advising on state policies concerning their affairs.
  • Promoting public awareness of APA cultures, while also securing appropriate recognition of accomplishments and contributions to the state.
  • Advising governmental bodies on program coordination and administration, and making recommendations for changes in state programs, statutes and policies that affect APAs.
  • Monitoring, evaluating, investigating, advocating and initiating programs for the betterment of APAs.
  • Serving as a reporting agency for incidents of anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander American harassment in the state and providing recommendations to the Governor and legislature to combat discrimination against APAs in public and private employment, as well as civil and political rights.
  • Cooperating with and coordinating activities with other ethnic and advocacy-focused commissions and overseeing the review and approval of the annual report.

Read MAAPAC Bylaws