The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is
- The legislative and policy advocate for Michigan's local public health jurisdictions
- The recognized liaison between all Michigan local health departments and jurisdictions, Michigan Legislature, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and other state departments and organizations
- A policy incubator for public health initiatives
The MALPH Board of Directors, comprised of one representative from each local public health jurisdiction across the state, governs the Association. MALPH's voting membership is comprised of Michigan's local public health departments. Local public health professionals also have the opportunity to be a member of their specific discipline's forum within MALPH.