MML Releases Sample Resolution Supporting Increased Transportation Funding 
The Michigan Municipal League has released a sample resolution regarding road funding. This resolution has been written with the concerns of cities and villages in mind. Please consider using this resolution as a model to adopt and show your support for enhancing transportation funding. A copy of the sample resolution can be found here.
State
Affairs Update
MI Public Service Commission Issues State of Competition of Video Services Report -- The MPSC issued its sixth annual status of competition for video services in Michigan as required by the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act (Public Act 480 of 2006).
The MPSC made three recommendations to the Legislature: changing the due date of the annual report to March 1 from February 1 to provide survey respondents more time to provide information to the MPSC; requiring providers to provide certain contact information to the MPSC; and requiring a provider to notify the Commission if it changes its name, goes out of business, or merges with another company.
The entire report is available on the MPSC's website.
Mayors Day of Recognition of National Service
PPT Calculation Spreadsheet Available
League Members, Others Hear Governor Snyder's Transportation Plan
MSHDA Launches MI Neighborhood Program, Applications Due March 22
National Brownfield Association Program on Brownfield Issues Being Held Feb 21, Register Today!
Step Forward Michigan Now Accepting Homeowner Applications for Loan Rescue
2013 PASER Training Announced
Federal Update
Federal Sequestration Deadline Nears With No Negotiation in Sight -- On New Years Day Congress delayed the fiscal cliff, in part, because of a delay in sequestration. Sequestration is the term for automatic spending cuts of billions of dollars that would go into effect primarily in defense spending, but across the board in many other federal programs as well. The new deadline is March 1, and unlike in late December, there is not as much of an outcry for resolving the issue. Congress does not seem likely to come up with a bipartisan solution as these cuts are set to go into effect in less than two weeks. The League has been urging Congress to resolve these cuts in a well-thought-out manner rather than the across-the-cut approach sequestration would mandate. If they do not act, the federal government is set to shut down at the end of March, when the temporary funding for federal programs ends. Stay tuned for more information regarding these negotiations.
Federal Budget Deficit Shrinks Short Term, Long Term Problems Ensue
Transportation Alternatives Grant Program
US Department of Transportation Seeking Local Feedback on National Environmental Policy Act
MAP-21 Resources Available
21st Century Communities
From Food Cart to Brick and Mortar -- You may have heard by now that food carts are all the buzz in some cities across the country. The one that probably takes the cake is Portland, OR, with over 500 scattered throughout the city. But a little bit of this craze is coming to Michigan and for good reason.
Mark’s Carts was the first true stationary “food cart pod” (a grouping of food carts) in Michigan, opening two years ago in Ann Arbor. With eight individually owned food carts serving a diverse array of food from early spring to late fall, it has proven to be a magnet for townies, the business community, and students who want to enjoy delicious local food and an informal outdoor communal seating experience. <MORE>
Great Town Gown-Type Program in Ypsilanti Highlighted in Ann Arbor.com Article
Citizens Institute on Rural Design Seeks Proposals, Due March 5
Applications for the MI Historic Preservation Network 2013 Awards Now Available
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
