Become a Member
In a unique partnership with citizens, businesses and cities, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance facilitates an effective public conversation--one where your voice matters. With informed action, we are moving towards a strong and sustainable region. Now is the time to join us.
Why Join?
More than million people in southeast Michigan will be touched by your gift
The Suburbs Alliance cities are home to 950,000 Michigan residents. Our programs reach into every aspect of city life, from public safety to environmental protection to planning and development. Even if they never know that the Alliance is there, residents' lives will be made safer, healthier and more economically secure by our work. You may never know the individual child or senior or family that benefits from one of our programs, but better government and more sustainable communities improve the quality of life for every citizen.
As one of the early donors to our young organization, your gift will have a formative impact on the programs and policies that will drive the Suburbs Alliance over the coming decade. Regardless of which Suburbs Alliance program interests you, your gift will allow us to develop and promote leaders in urban policy and create a more capable, cohesive region.
You will help unique Michigan communities survive
Whether they were built around old trolley stops like Ferndale, immigrant populations like Hamtramck, or industrial complexes like Dearborn, Michigan's mature suburbs are special places rich in history and promise. However, over the past forty years, public policies and practices have forced many of these communities into decline. Your support for the Suburbs Alliance helps us to reverse that negative trend and protect the unique and beautiful character of Michigan's cities.
You are in good company when you support the Suburbs Alliance
Supporters of the Suburbs Alliance are the political and social leaders of our state. Mayors and city managers from southeast Michigan make up our Board of Directors; nonprofit leaders fill out our coalitions; and corporate executives provide guidance on a wide variety of projects. Our funders range from university students who can donate the price of a lunch up to state and federal government agencies who give grants in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. No matter your giving level, you will find peers among the Suburbs Alliance supporters.
City residents across Michigan and the U.S. will benefit from your investment
Innovative and creative public policies are a hallmark of our work at the Suburbs Alliance. Many of our findings and recommendations have been adopted by communities across the country. Take for example, our best practices for redevelopment, which have been incorporated into the state's Cool Cities program. Programs developed here with the support of your contribution may very well serve as future state and national models.
Political leaders throughout the state will be influenced by your generosity
New public policies are always attracting the attention of our political leaders, and the Suburbs Alliance is quickly becoming known as a source for inventive and resourceful solutions to the challenges facing our cities. Your support will help municipal and state officials learn from each other and bring best practices to the field of urban development.
Your gift will be used efficiently and effectively
Our annual organizational budget has grown to nearly $600,000 and we are proud that more than 85 cents of every dollar is directed at programs and services for our member cities. You can trust that your contribution will be invested wisely in support of activities that result in syste
>> BECOME A STUDENT ADVOCATE
There's no secret that southeast Michigan relies on engaged students for much of its strength. With the energy, resources and open-mindedness of Student Advocates, the Suburbs Alliance builds a powerful intergenerational force for regionalism.
Student members receive the same benefits as Citizen Advocates in exchange for a smaller membership gift. We also invite students to explore internships through our UniverCities Connection program.
Care about redevelopment? Urban sprawl? Public transit, energy efficiency and community collaboration?
Amplify your beliefs by becoming a Citizen Advocate with the Suburbs Alliance. Whether you donate $60 or $10,000, your gift will make positive and innovative change in southeast Michigan. In a sign of our gratitude for your support, we offer membership benefits at each giving level.
Showcase your support for innovation and collaboration by partnering with the Suburbs Alliance! We have a scaled dues system that enables our private sector allies to donate at a variety levels. All contributions, regardless of size, are used efficiently and effectively to advance our mission.
Municipal Members are the heart of the Suburbs Alliance. These mature, inner-ring communities define our goals and mission with full voting rights and free entry to our annual meeting, quarterly Mayors and Managers Breakfasts, and discounts on tickets to other events. As well, with a free subscription to our quarterly In The Ring report, Muncipal Members are on the cutting edge of the issues that matter most to them.
Annual dues are $.05 per resident based on the most recent U.S. Census.
>> BECOME AN AFFILIATE MEMBER
For communities that are not mature suburbs--such as counties, townships, villages, outer-ring suburbs, and educational institutions--Affiliate Membership is a powerful way to integrate our mission of redevelopment, sustainability and social equity with your own. In exchange for an annual $500 fee, Affiliate Members receive In the Ring, tickets to our annual meeting and invitations to other events.
