House General Government Committee Takes Testimony on EVIP, Call Your Lawmakers
On Tuesday, February 19, 2013, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for General Government held testimony on the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). The League testified with concerns about the governor's failure to recommend an increase in EVIP, as well as concerns regarding the administration of the program itself.
We informed the committee that in the last decade the Legislature has failed to invest in cities by diverting over four billion dollars in revenue sharing to other state general fund programs. This, combined with property tax declines, has resulted in the fiscal uncertainty faced by many of our communities. We've lost thousands of public safety officers since September of 2001, and 46 percent of Michigan's college graduates are leaving the state in search of place (and looking for jobs as a secondary factor). <MORE>
State
Affairs Update
Members Have Letters Published, League Releases "Just Fix the Roads" Video -- Several Michigan Municipal League members have had letters published by their local media regarding the Just Fix the Roads effort. We appreciate everyone's help on this important issue and encourage more of our members to pitch in. It's vital that as many voices as possible are heard in the call to get increased funding to improve Michigan's crumbling transportation infrastructure. <MORE>
Mayors Day of Recognition of National Service
PPT Calculation Spreadsheet Available
MSHDA Launches MI Neighborhood Program, Applications Due March 22
Step Forward Michigan Now Accepting Homeowner Applications for Loan Rescue Program
2013 PASER Training Announced
Federal Update
Sequestration Cuts Enacted if Congress Fails to Act by Friday, White House Releases Impact on Michigan -- About $85 Billion in Federal Spending Reductions are set to go into effect for the remainder of fiscal year 2013 if Congress fails to negotiate a compromise by this Friday, March 1.
At this point, hope is diminishing that both sides can reach an agreement because each party has prepared their own version of a legislative solution as a public relations mechanism to avert blame to the other side. The House and Senate are expected to vote on these various solutions Wednesday or Thursday, but neither is expected to pass. <MORE>
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
21st Century Communities
Governing Magazine Leadership Forum Returning to Michigan -- Governing Magazine has announced it's coming back to Michigan for another one-day Leadership Forum. The event will take place on May 1 at the East Lansing Marriott Hotel and is free for all public sector and government employees.
This year's forum will feature interactive discussions on topics such as energy, infrastructure, finance, government operations, workforce strategy, technology and economic development. Also, a panel of Michigan mayors will discuss the vital role cities have to play in Michigan's recovery. For more information and to register, visit the forum website.
Coastal Management Grant Proposals Due March 29
DEQ Offering March Seminars on Water & Wastewater Asset Management, Funding Options
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 |
