The head of a think-tank that focuses on transforming Michigan’s economy will speak in Livingston County later this month.
John Austin, president of the State Board of Education, has been mentioned as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014. He will speak at the Feb. 28 meeting of the Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee. The meeting, which is open to all Democrats in the county, will be held at 7 p.m. at party headquarters, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, in Brighton.
"This is a great chance for local Democrats who care about public education and its contribution to a vibrant Michigan economy to hear from one of the state’s leading thinkers on this topic," said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party.
Find out what's happening in Brightonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Austin directs the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas Foundation, a center for ideas and network-building with the goal of transforming Michigan’s economy. He is spearheading the Michigan Dream Restored initiative to develop ways to support key elements of a strong economy, including local and higher education, transportation and communications infrastructure, vibrant cities and communities, and protection of our lakes, waters, and outdoor recreation assets. Austin also works on policies to develop Michigan’s urban cores.
In addition, Austin serves as a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution. At the Brookings Institution, he authored key reports on the Great Lakes that led to federal support for Great Lakes clean-up and restoration, as well as regional actions to build on the Great Lakes as economic assets.
Find out what's happening in Brightonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In 2000, Austin was elected statewide to the State Board of Education and was re-elected in 2008. He served on the Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth and was the founding director of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, a $100 million joint effort by philanthropic organizations to improve the region’s economy.
Austin received his Masters in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and a Bachelor’s from Swarthmore College in Economics & Political Science. He has been married 25 years to his wife Terese. They and their three children live in Ann Arbor.
People wishing more information about the meeting may call (810) 229-4212 or email livcodems@gmail.com.