The House of Representatives today passed HB 6243, a key piece of legislation being advocated by the League as part of our Prosperity Agenda. The bill reflects the Education asset of the Prosperity Agenda and the Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3) project by providing a mechanism to help foster “Town-Gown” economic development partnerships.  

Specifically, the bill allows for Educational Opportunity Districts to be created in communities that have colleges or universities. These Districts are essentially DDA’s that have representation of the municipality, the college, and local businesses. 

Previous discussion in committee centered around the economic development impacts of higher education working with communities. Research continually shows the positive economic relationship that occurs when communities partner with higher education. This includes business opportunities such as incubators, entrepreneurs, retail and other economic development benefits. League Trustee David Lossing (Mayor of Linden and Legislative Director for the University of Michigan, Flint) previously testified on the importance of these partnerships and this legislation.

Amendments were added to the bill in committee that allow private schools to utilize this tool with communities, and that prohibit public dollars from being spent on college/university buildings.  The League supported these amendments.  The bill passed 73-30 . The League thanks Chair Ed Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) for his hard work on this bill. Also to be commended is Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) for his hard work and willingness to work on this legislation.

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.

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