Michigan Infrastructure Council Launches Asset Management Essentials Course to Strengthen Local Decision Making

Michigan communities now have a new, free resource to help local and state leaders strengthen long-term infrastructure planning, according to the Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC).

The MIC has introduced the Asset Management Essentials for Elected Officials and Decision Makers program: a self-paced online course designed to help Michigan’s leaders make confident, data-informed decisions about roads, water systems, public buildings, and other critical assets.

The course can be completed in less than three hours and introduces the fundamentals of asset management in practical, easy-to-understand terms. It connects local challenges to statewide priorities and reinforces collaboration between elected officials, department heads, and staff responsible for day-to-day operations.

Additionally, a companion guide known as the Asset Management Essentials Primer offers a quick-reference version of the online course to accommodate all schedules and learning styles.

Ludington City Council Member Kathy Winczewski noted the program helps bridge a knowledge gap many officials encounter after taking office.

“When most of us first ran for office, aging infrastructure probably wasn't at the top of our campaign platforms,” Winczewski said. “Maybe you ran on economic development or affordability. But here's what I've learned in my years of public service: asset management isn't a separate issue that competes with your priorities—it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible.”

The new Asset Management Essentials program expands on the MIC’s successful Asset Management Champions training, which has already trained approximately 800 infrastructure practitioners statewide. By offering an accessible version tailored to decision makers, the MIC aims to give community leaders the tools to understand the “why” behind infrastructure investments and plan more effectively for the future.

The MIC Chair Palencia Mobley P.E. stated that strong asset management helps communities get more out of every public dollar.

“Reliable infrastructure underpins every community promise, from clean water and safe roads to affordable housing and recreation,” Mobley said. “When Michigan’s leaders understand how assets connect across systems, they can plan smarter, stretch tax and rate payer dollars further, and strengthen public trust for the long term.”

Visit the MIC’s website to learn more about the Asset Management Essentials program and download the accompanying primer.

About the Michigan Infrastructure Council
The Michigan Infrastructure Council cultivates partnerships that strengthen the state’s infrastructure systems and supports public and environmental health, economic prosperity, and quality of life.