LANSING, Michigan - The Michigan Department of Treasury website has a posting dated May 15 which indicates $700,000 is still available in the second and final round of the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). More than $4 million (of the original $5 million) in EVIP funding was awarded for 28 projects throughout Michigan communities during Round 1 in January.

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Treasury by Friday, June 15, 2012 to be considered for this round of grants. For more information about EVIP, including a grant application for local units of government and information on previous awardees, visit www.michigan.gov/treasury and click on the Local Government Services tab. Or, contact: Caleb Buhs --- (517) 335-2167.

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

The White House has announced a number of actions federal agencies have taken to reduce regulatory burdens and eliminate unnecessary costs for local governments. 

As a example, federal traffic sign regulations have become more than just a nuisance for locals, but a financial burden as well. A new rule eliminates 46 regulations on traffic signs, providing more flexibility to state and local governments. For instance, communities will now be allowed to replace street signs after they wear out rather than by some imposed deadline from the federal government.

The elimination and or curtailing of such regulations is expected to result in $6 billion of savings in five years.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder talks Thursday, April 12, 2012, with Michigan mayors at the Michigan Municipal League's Lansing office. View more photos in this set on flickr.

LANSING, Michigan - More than 20 mayors and local officials from cities around Michigan met at the League's Capitol Office as part of a initiative of the Governor's Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives.

Harvey Hollins, Director of the OUMI began the day discussing the role of the office and how this meeting was set up for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and state agency directors to have a conversation about mutual priorities and interests.

Mr. Hollins then introduced Governor Snyder who for the next hour had a conversation with the mayors about his desire to establish a partnership with them and cities across Michigan. The governor talked about the importance of urban core communities to Michigan's economic recovery. He also took many questions and comments from the mayors who represented communities from across the state.

Throughout the day, the mayors heard from other agency directors such State Treasurer Andy Dillon, MSHDA Director Gary Heidel and Doug Smith of the MEDC. Each discussed some of the work they've been doing, its impact on cities and then took questions and comments from the mayors. League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin also spoke to the group about local economic development strategies. John Austin, representing the Brookings Institution reviewed their latest work on "Michigan's Urban and Metropolitan Strategy."

Mr. Hollins noted that this was the first in a series of meetings with mayors and local officials. He intends to get on the road and have regional conversations with mayors from around the state. Some of those attending included Battle Creek City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama, Bay City Mayor Christopher Shannon, Dearborn Mayor John "Jack" B. O'Reilly Jr., Detroit Director of Government Relations Kizzi Montgomery, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Hamtramck Mayor and League Board President Karen Majewski, Highland Park Mayor DeAndre Windom, Jackson Mayor Martin Griffin, Kalamazoo City Manager Ken Collard, Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Hannah McKinney, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, Muskegon City Manager Bryon Mazade, Royal Oak City Manager Donald Johnson, Saginaw Mayor Greg Branch, Saginaw City Manager Darnell Earley, and Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. View photos of the event in this set on flickr.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.


Hamtramck Mayor and League Board President Karen Majewski greets Gov. Rick Snyder at the Mayor's Summit Thursday, April 12, 2012. View more photos in this set on flickr.

Congress is on their spring recess during the next two weeks, giving local officials a perfect opportunity to speak with them of issues of importance such as transportation and the 2013 budget.

As you do so, please talk to them about the need for a longer term transportation funding bill that will bring stability to decisions being made at the state and local level on rebuilding our transportation system.  The Congress recently passed another 90-day extension of the current act.  The League and other local government and transportation advocates supported passage of S. 1813. While not perfect, S. 1813 and its House counterpart, H.R. 14, would be a good place to start.  .

Also speak to your congressional representative about the 2013 budget. Earlier this year, the Obama administration put its proposal on the table and the House recently passed its own. Members are urged to encourage Congress to take a balanced approach to the budget.  Be sure to speak to your representative about the importance of various federal programs you have used to improve quality of living in your community.  A sample resolution is also available for councils to adopt.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.