The Network had seven years of increasingly solid programming under its belt when, with assistance from the National Trust and the SHPO, four “Forums” were hosted to determine Michigan’s preservation needs at the close of the state’s Sesquicentennial Year of 1987.  At gatherings in Grand Rapids, Durand, Marquette, and Traverse City, Forum participants asked that the Network promote further strengthening of the State Enabling Legislation allowing local communities to protect their our historic properties, assist with the establishment of new local protective ordinances, serve as an information exchange, develop training programs, and advocate for local and state preservation efforts.  The Network was soon renamed the Michigan Historic Preservation Network – the MHPN – to reflect its expanding role.