A live webcast on Tuesday, August 3rd at 12:00 pm will discuss the impact the new health care reform bill will have on local governments.

The webcast is sponsored by the National League of Cities, with support from the International City Managers Association (ICMA) and will be introduced by Gregory Dyson of ICMA-RC and moderated by Rita Patel, partner, DLA Piper.

Expert speakers are scheduled and will speak on the impact the law will have on communities in the years to come. Speakers will discuss reforms that will take place immediately and those that will take place over the next several years, and what local governments must do to insure that, as employers, you are in compliance with the law.

A live question and answer session will following the presenation which will be archived by the NLC will for future viewing, 24 hours after it is originally aired.  The webcast can be viewed here.

Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

The Michigan Municipal League has a new temporary feature on the main page of our website - it's a countdown clock to get the early bird rate on our 2010 Convention. As of today, there's just 25 days left until the early bird rate expires. The early bird rate deadline is Aug. 24 and the Convention is Sept. 21-24 in Dearborn. Signing up before the early bird rate expires will save you upward of $50 per registrant.

We understand how budgets are extremely tight for our communities and members, but this year's Convention is packed full of cost-saving ideas and examples. It's almost as if you can't afford not to attend!

At this year's convention you'll hear from Ford CEO Alan Mulally about how the automaker was able to succeed without having to file for bankruptcy or get federal financial support. Nationally known author and social critic James Howard Kunstler will discuss his vision of more livable communities. Flint Karate instructors Jacky and Dora King will explain that despite having very little resources they were able to turn more than a dozen over-grown abandoned lots into urban gardens. All of our speakers will give you inspirational ideas for your own communities.

In addition, there are conference sessions on how to use social media in your communities, the latest in Lansing legislative issues, dealing with taxpayer bankruptcy, the ins and outs of risk management and much more. We also will have pre-conference sessions on the Open Meetings Act, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, energy efficiency options and how to building community in today's economy.

There's definitely something for everyone so keep an eye on the countdown clock on our home page in the right corner as you won't want to miss this Convention and this early bird discount. For details go here. For a complete Convention schedule go here. For the line up of speakers go here. To register go here.

Matt Bach is director of communications for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at (734) 669-6317 or mbach@mml.org.

The League had a huge victory today when the Senate passed the Complete Streets legislation. As previously reported, HB 6151 and 6152 create Complete Streets policies in state law - Act 51 transportation funding law and the Planning Act.  These bills match up perfectly with the concepts in the League's Prosperity Agenda and the Physical Design and Walkability core asset identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities.

The League has worked closely with Rep. Switalski and Rep. Byrnes, sponsors of this important legislation.  We have also worked with Sen. Gilbert (chair of the Senate Transportation Committee) and his staff to have this legislation perfected in the Senate.  The Michigan Department of Transportation had concerns with HB 6151 that the existing language could prevent them from submitting their 5-year plan to the state Transportation Commission for action on projects, and language was worked out ensuring that doesn’t happen.  The League was able to retain language that would ensure that a community has to be consulted and agree on any projects that MDOT or the county road commission does in a municipality with a Complete Streets policy.  This was key to ensuring support from the League. Our staff worked with Senate and House policy staff to perfect the language.

HB 6151 was amended and sent back to the House for concurrence. That did not happen today, but the House is expected to concur when they return to session in a few weeks.  HB 6152 was not amended and was sent on to the Governor for her signature.

Andy Schor is the Assistant Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him at (517) 908-0300 or by email at aschor@mml.org. 

The House New Economy Commission today reported legislation - HB 6242 - that would create a state New Economy Commission. The idea of this commission is to create a central location at the state that would work on and consider new economy issues. The commission would develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the new economy in Michigan and promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices.  The commission is also charged with developing a strategic vision for Michigan that includes economic development, international issues, outdoor recreation, land use, transit, and green initiatives.  The League worked with Rep. Ed Clemente (sponsor of the bill and Chair of the committee) on this legislation, and looks forward to the state focusing on these important 21st century issues. The bill is expected to be considered on the House floor shortly.

Andy Schor is the Assistant Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him at (517) 908-0300 or by email at aschor@mml.org.