Michigan Communities Score Several Victories in Lansing! 
Michigan communities will benefit greatly by several bills that moved through the legislative process last week, including an amendment to the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), an opt-out provision to a health care reform bill and increase funding for revenue sharing. Also moving ahead is a new redevelopment tool to help downtowns and business districts with vacant or burned out properties. View the July 5 press release. These bills come on the heels of one of the biggest victories for Michigan communities – the passage of reforms to Public Act 312, dealing with binding arbitration for public safety workers. View the League PA 312 press release.
State
Affairs Update
 MDOT Communication Regarding 2012 Standard Specifications for Construction – The use of the 2012 Standard Specifications for Construction on local agency projects begins with the November 4, 2011 bid letting. Projects let prior to this date will not be required to use the 2012 Standard Specifications for Construction. Read more at the League’s Inside 208 blog. Contact Andy Schor, aschor@mml.org.
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Road Maintenance Best Practices Conference July 26
Two- Inch Rule Will Wait Until Fall
MDOT Announces 2013 Federal Program Application Deadlines
AmeriCorps Volunteers Available for Housing Agencies
MAM
Summer Workshop Registration Now Available!
Municipal Partnership Act Remains in House
Chambers Ping Pong Urban Cooperation Reform
PERA Bill Passed by House
Federal Update
Transportation Funding Cut 34% Under Proposed House Bill – Congressman John Mica of Florida, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has announced his outline of a new six-year transportation authorization bill which would cut funding 34% from current levels. See the League’s Inside 208 blog for more information. Contact Arnold Weinfeld, aweinfeld@mml.org. MORE>
New Round of TIGER Grants Announced
Amtrak Privatization Discussion Raises Concerns
Homeland Security Budget Slashed
Support CDBG!
Legislation
Protecting Public Access TV Introduced
Rural
Development Solid Waste Grants Available
21st Century Communities
 Sirolli Entrepreneur Training Available – Earlier this year, the Michigan Municipal League facilitated a three-day training session with Ernesto Sirolli for local officials to learn techniques in how to retain, attract, and coach entrepreneurs in their community. We are again partnering with Sirolli to offer a similar three-day session September 7-9 at the League Capital Office in Lansing. Read more at the League’s 21c3 blog. Contact: Arnold Weinfeld, aweinfeld@mml.org. MORE>
Detroit Is On the Move
National League of Cities to Celebrate City Achievements Through City Showcase Program
Could Climate Change "Hurt" Michigan's Industries? The American Security Project Thinks So
National Association of Realtors Determines Americans Like Mixed-Used, Walkable Neighborhoods
Complete Streets Communities Number Growing
"Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards" Invites the Public to Nominate Their Community Leaders
Transit Options for Boomers May Be Few |
