Region 3 Education Seminar Highlights

The League’s Region 3 Seminar, held in Spring Lake on April 24, 2009, was a huge success! League Legislative Associate David Worthams gave an update on the latest news regarding transportation funding at the state and federal level. He discussed the current funding crisis and possible solutions. He also highlighted the League's transportation goals for the state and encouraged members to join two coalitions: www.getmichiganmoving.com and www.drivemi.org.

Dene Westbrook, Systems Architect for the League, walked the attendees through the new League website, emphasizing the new 21c3 section and the ability to now register online.

Both Wyoming and Holland made exciting presentations in their bid for the Community Excellence Award with Wyoming taking home the plaque for Region 3.

Ryan Cotton, village manager in Spring Lake presented “Tips for Healthy Neighborhoods: Pedestrians Are the Key.” Recognizing that a vibrant community needs to be pedestrian friendly, the communities of Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, and Grand Haven have worked together to develop interlinking pathways. The results? Increased economic activity, lower crime rates and happier, healthier citizens.

Topping off the day, Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) shared his journey from the pulpit through city hall to the Legislature. Current items of concern in the Legislature include the ongoing and ever-present budget issues, prison reform, and the need to see prison as more than just a place to house felons.

Click here for more on our Region 3 winner!

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