Washtenaw County

If you're unfamiliar with the area, Washtenaw County is home to the cities of Ann Arbor,Saline and Ypsilanti and other beautiful cities and townships, the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. This is an active county to say the least: 12 museums, 25 live theaters - including two opera societies, the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fair in the summer, and top-rated golf courses. They have beautiful parks, hundreds of miles of bike and nature trails and a commitment to "open spaces" and community development along with top-notch school systems, and some of the greatest restaurants, galleries and cultural events in the country.

With so much happening, you might think that the local government could rest on its laurels and let the county "take care of itself". Nothing could be further from the truth. Washtenaw County has one of the most progressive, pro-active and future-thinking government leaders we've encountered.

County Administrator Bob Guenzel
Serving as Washtenaw County's administrator for nine years, Robert "Bob" Guenzel has faced a continually increasing need for county services despite an equally continuing decrease in county revenues. Nevertheless, he has successfully managed this delicate situation. In fact, Bob was recently chosen Executive of the Year by Business Direct Weekly, the business-to-business publication covering Washtenaw, Livingston, and western Wayne counties.

The Leadership Academy and The Group of 180
As part of the county's Leadership Academy's ongoing training program, The Group of 180 pulls together key people in the organization every quarter to discuss new challenges, shifting priorities and new initiatives. Those individuals are responsible for bringing that information back to their co-workers and their own community of interest. Often referred to as "The 180," the morning-long meeting features a keynote speaker who addresses some part of the theme for the day, and sets aside time for members of the group to discuss issues and ask questions of senior management.

In Ian's Words
The plans you made and the goals you set are incredible and I am POSITIVE you will serve as an example to towns, cities, counties, and even states all across our nation. It is not often that I witness a group of civic leaders with so much foresight and hope for their community's future. Nor have I often witnessed so many departments and organizations coming together for community excellence. It is great to see so many who understand and embrace the concept of "public servant" the way you do. -Ian

Feedback
One of The Changing Point's goals is to help solidify change by offering a place where community leaders can share their victories and challenges. If you were part of the "Washtenaw 180", please let us know what you thought of the day, what changes you've made personally or professionally and what you'll do differently.

Please feel free to e-mail your thoughts, ideas, or questions to Ian ( Ian@TheChangingPoint.com ). We look forward to hearing from you soon.