Having had time to reflect over the Legislature's inability to enact real reform on the issue of Public Act 312 (for the time being), I have come to the conclusion that there are other matters on our legislative agenda that are gaining momentum...matters that reflect our overall effort toward helping give local officials and communities the tools they need to continue the work they do every day of building vibrant places.
I am reminded of our efforts on creating incentives for transportation oriented development, or the bills that passed out of committee this week on "complete streets". The "town-gown" hearings that have been held on allowing those communities with universities or community colleges to establish a additional DDA district around that school and other bills to establish a micro-loan program to encourage entreprenuerial growth in our state.
Yes, while we'll always have to deal with "politics as usual", on any number of issues, the fact is that this past week we found out that Public Act 312 and the Urban Cooperation Act are not untouchable. And in thinking about it, there are other ways we'll continue to move forward, as we hammer home with policy makers that investing in our communities will lead Michigan's economic resurgence.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Municipal League. He also cover federal issue. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
13933d96-3c1f-4468-9328-5520f4ec0e10|1|5.0
