MAGMA Advisory Council Meeting: Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative

The Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA) hosted a Q2 MAGMA Advisory Council Meeting on June 5, 2026, in person on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, in partnership with the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute.

This Advisory Council meeting focused on emerging developments and opportunities in drone and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly as they relate to:

Mobility innovation
Workforce development
Regional economic growth in Michigan

Attendees gained insights into how drone technologies are shaping the future of mobility and creating new opportunities across Michigan’s workforce and economy.

Featured Presentation

The session included a featured presentation and interactive discussion highlighting the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative, offering perspectives on how advanced air mobility is influencing industry, talent needs, and innovation across the state.

The keynote speaker was Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), who shared insights from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and provided a statewide perspective on advancing mobility innovation. Click here to view the MEDC slide deck.

Afterwards, an interactive panel discussion around partnership, aerospace careers, and career path development featured:

Brittany L. Telander, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan Foundation
Marshaun Brooks, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Joseph Freeman, along with two students from Manchester Community School's Drone Soccer Program

Click here to view the presenter directory slide deck. Photo from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWope.

About MAGMA

MAGMA serves as a collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders across Michigan’s advanced mobility ecosystem to:

Strengthen the talent pipeline
Support innovation
Align workforce strategies with industry needs

Through partnership and shared leadership, MAGMA works to advance mobility-related opportunities that benefit employers, communities, and workers throughout the state. We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging and informative discussion on the future of mobility in Michigan. MAGMA is convened by the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN).

Looking Ahead: 2027 Advisory Council Registration

Beginning in 2027, participation in the MAGMA Advisory Council will transition to a paid annual registration model to support ongoing programming and engagement.

The annual registration fee will be $100 per person (equivalent to $25 per meeting) and will include:

Access to all four MAGMA Advisory Council meetings held throughout the calendar year
Live participation in each session via Microsoft Teams or in-person events
A streamlined, one-time registration covering the full year (no need to register for individual meetings)

Additional Details:

Registration will be effective upon payment and valid for the current calendar year only
Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable
No prorated rates or mid-year discounts will be offered

Following registration, participants will receive instructions to access and join each scheduled session.

We look forward to continuing to provide valuable insights, collaboration, and engagement opportunities through the MAGMA Advisory Council.