On Thursday May 24, the City of Farmington Hills in cooperation with the City of Farmington, Millennial Mayors Congress, Jaycees, and Michigan Municipal League, hosted a very successful Millennial Mixer, designed to engage young residents age 21-35.

Mayor Barry Brickner has made it a priority to improve outreach to this segment of the population during his tenure.

Kaylan Katz Matsumoto, a Farmington Hills resident and event participant, described the event as "a great experience for young people of our generation to collaborate with local government and give our input on regional challenges." Nearly 20 participants provided input on their vision for what is needed to attract their and future generations to the Farmington Hills and Farmington communities.

Matsumoto added on the city's Facebook page, "Millennial Mixer tonight with Farmington and Farmington Hills youth leaders and Gov't members was very enlightening! Working together to create a better Michigan for future Generations! Can't wait for the next...meeting!".

Valerie Bieberich, Talent Programs Coordinator for the Michigan Suburbs Alliance and overseer of the Millennial Mayors Congress, summed up the event saying, "For metro Detroit to attract young residents and become economically competitive, we all have to work together as a region."

The conclusion from young residents, and supported by key note speaker Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League: "invest in 'place,' people, and transportation."

--submitted by Nate Geinzer,