In keeping with the theme of collaboration and cultural change that has been prevalent throughout the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference, there was a significant focus on interconnectedness between local and state government as well as the business community during a discussion this morning on how to achieve fiscal stability during a session titled “Michigan’s Future Financial Stability.”

Panelists including Doug DeVos, president, Amway; Robert Ficano, executive, Wayne County; John Nixon, director, State Budget Office and Department of Technology Management and Budget; and Dayne Walling, mayor, City of Flint; joined moderator Rick Albin, political reporter, 24 Hour News 8.

The panel highlighted the issues many regions, counties and municipalities across the state are having in regards to a decline in revenue and the difficult decisions that have to be made structurally and strategically to realign these area’s financial futures. They highlighted the importance of long-term planning and the reliance the business community places on stability and predictability of the cities where they locate.