COMMUNITY EXCHANGE – a program sponsored by Michigan Municipal League (MML) designed to foster collaboration and networking in local communities. The Village of Middleville participated in Community Exchange this year with the Village of Sparta by, first, visiting Sparta on July 20th and later hosting staff from Sparta on August 6th.
Sparta Day 1 July 20th: Several staff and 2 council members traveled to Sparta for part 1 of our 2026 community exchange program. While in Sparta we toured their brand-new village offices and council chambers while meeting some of their staff. We toured their wastewater treatment facility, drinking water treatment facility, airport, downtown, and 2 of their city parks. We had a lengthy discussion about best practices and shared some resources with each other to help with customer or employee service.
Middleville Day 2 August 6th: Several staff and 2 council members welcomed Sparta to Middleville for part 2 of our 2026 community exchange program. After some brief introductions we started the day at Bradford White’s training facility (iTEC) for a video tour of Bradford White, a walking tour of the training facility, and lunch. Next, we went to the department of public works compound to tour the wastewater treatment plant and the DPW garage. Then, we loaded up on the Barry County Transit for a driving tour of the village including Calvin Hill Park, and recent housing developments. We wrapped things up in the afternoon with a walking tour downtown visiting some of our newer businesses and other contributions to the DDA district. Wrapping up, we presented a plaque and key commemorating the community exchange between 2 of the largest villages in the state.
