The group banded in 1899 under the motto “Cooperation solves any problem” to reflect the organizers’ combined purposes: exchange of information, shared learning, development of unified policies on matters of municipal concern, and to form a collective voice on matters including home rule for local government.
[citation needed] Inspired by the conference, Baum wrote to the mayors of 50 Michigan cities but only heard back from 15 so he decided there was not enough support at the time to pursue the idea further.
In the words of Harold D. Smith, the first director of the League, “they were at the mercy of a body composed of members who had little or no experience in municipal affairs.” Their initial efforts were focused on securing home rule for cities and villages, or as Smith put it, “bringing impressively to the attention of a rural legislature the problems of growing cities in the state.”[1] Those activities were later reinforced by the creation of a League advocacy office in Lansing, the seat of state government in Michigan, where League staff act as registered lobbyists for cities and villages.
Better Michigan.” Its stated mission is to serve as “the one clear voice for Michigan communities" and to aid them in creating desirable and unique places through legislative and judicial advocacy; to provide educational opportunities for elected and appointed officials; and to assist municipal leaders in administering community services.
The mission statement concludes: "Our mission is that of a non-profit, but we act with the fervor of entrepreneurs to passionately push change for better communities and a better Michigan.”[3] The League also provides a variety of services to its member communities, including a risk management and liability pool, purchasing program, executive search services, a municipal litigation center, education and training.
The Michigan Municipal League Foundation[4] provides funding for the League's educational programs and related functions such as a Shared Services Initiative which provides monetary and advisory support for local governments seeking to explore options for public services collaboration.
League projects include the center for 21st Century Communities, an effort to help local officials identify, develop and implement strategies that will strengthen a community's sense of place in order to attract and retain young and talented members of the world's increasingly mobile workforce.
[citation needed] An executive director is appointed by the Board to have authority over the League's programming, policy development and member services.