Michigan Municipal League to Host Webinar About Governor Snyder's 2012-13 Budget Plan
 On Thursday (Feb. 9, 2012) Michigan Governor Snyder will unveil his 2012-13 budget proposal. Are more cuts coming? What will it mean for your Michigan community’s budget? Will it be good news or bad news for your city, village or urban township? Michigan Municipal League staff and an official from the Citizens Research Council will help League members answer these budget-related questions and more during a FREE webinar 10-11 am Monday, Feb. 13. MORE>
State
Affairs Update
Community Revitalization Money (Brownfield Replacement) Available...Apply Now! - The program that was passed by the Legislature late last year - the Michigan Community Revitalization Program - is now up and running. There is $100 million total for both this program and for the Michigan Business Development Program. These are the state-allocated dollars that the Michigan Municipal League fought for when the Brownfield and Historic and MEGA credits were eliminated last year. Any community that is working with a developer on a revitalization program should click here for information on how to apply for these dollars. MORE>
Michigan Senate Committee Passes Bill to Reinstate Two Inch Rule for Sidewalk Liability
Bill to Require Local Road Agencies to Adopt Several Best Practices Scheduled for Committee Hearing Wednesday
“Super Drunk Driving” Bills Head to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder for His Signature
Two Bills to Retain Property Tax Cap in Tax Policy Wednesday
Bill to Exempt New Homes from Taxes Up in House Committee
Corridor Improvement Authority Legislation Creating Regional Board Passes House
Legislation Limiting Local Millage Questions Considered by Michigan House of Representatives
Michigan House of Representatives Committee Passes Legislation Penalizing Public Employee Strikes
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Dedicates Transit Center in Grand Rapids
Michigan Public Service Commission Publishes Annual Video Competition Report
Interacting with the State - Michigan Shared Services Community
Federal Update
 Transportation Authorization Legislation on the Move In Congress - Both the U.S. House and Senate are moving forward with legislation that would put in place a new transportation funding authorization bill. However, given the sharp contrasts in the proposals, there is still a great deal of skepticism as to whether or not a compromise can be found before the current extension expires on March 31. MORE>
Truck Weight Increase Battle Won…Others Remain
TIGER 2012 Grant Funding Available
Community Development Block Grant Allocations Announced
Firefighter Hiring and Retention Grants Available Through FEMA
Cell Tower siting - Local Control Rebuked by Court
Deficit Reduction - Members Urged to Pass Resolution
21st Century Communities
 Innovative Community Solutions Sought for American Government Awards, League Community Excellence Awards - The Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation has asked the Michigan Municipal League to inform our members about the American Government Awards Program and how entries from Michigan communities are now being sought. The timeline is tight - the deadline is March 1 - but your community has a chance to get a $100,000 grant to support replication and dissemination activities. In addition, top finalists will also receive monetary grants. MORE>
Register Now for Michigan Green Communities Regional Workshops in February
US EPA Launches New Guides to Local Renewable Energy Projects
Are You Ready for the Community Excellence Award's First Round?
Discovering Civic Software Through New App Marketplace
“Our Town” Arts Grants Available
Economics
of Place
Book Released, Available from League at Amazon |
