For 30 years, the Michigan Coalition to Protect Public Rights-of-Way (PROTEC) has worked to protect the interests of Michigan communities and their residents.
Founded in 1996 by a group of Michigan municipalities concerned about local control of public rights-of-way, PROTEC was created to give communities a stronger, coordinated voice on issues involving the use of public property by telecommunications, cable, utility, pipeline and other industries. Today, PROTEC represents more than 100 Michigan municipalities and continues that work on behalf of local governments across the state.
As PROTEC celebrates its 30th anniversary, Bloom Sluggett attorney Mike Watza, who serves as the organization’s General Counsel, took a few minutes to reflect on its history, including how PROTEC got its start and how he became involved with the organization.
Mike has been closely involved with PROTEC and its work on behalf of Michigan communities for many years. Through coordinated advocacy, legal work and education, PROTEC has helped municipalities address increasingly complex questions surrounding public rights-of-way and local control.
The organization’s work has evolved over three decades as new challenges have emerged, from telecommunications and cable access to wireless infrastructure, energy projects and pipelines. Throughout that evolution, its central mission has remained consistent: helping Michigan communities protect their interests and maintain meaningful control over their public rights-of-way.
For Bloom Sluggett, PROTEC represents an important example of the impact that can come from municipalities working together around shared challenges. We’re proud to support that work and to have Mike serving as General Counsel to an organization with such a long history of advocating for local communities.
Congratulations to PROTEC on 30 years of service to Michigan municipalities, and thank you to everyone who has helped build the organization over the past three decades.