Tuesday, March 26, the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development is hosting a one-day seminar at the MSU Union titled "Re-Imagining Our Economic System". Academic experts from around the country will convene four panel discussions with the following topics:

What is the Economy For?

How has the current economic system succeeded and in what ways has it failed us?

What could a New Economy look like?

Where do we go from here to achieve greater balance between our economic, social, and environmental systems?

To learn more about this event and related events MSU is supporting, see the MSU CCED website.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator supporting the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.

The Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program provides grant funds to our coastal communities and partners to assist in the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of our sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems.  This RFP seeks projects that further the MCZMP objectives of protecting and restoring healthy coastal ecosystems, including fish and wildlife habitat; creating and enhancing public access to the Great Lakes and coastal resources; preserving historic maritime structures; revitalizing urban waterfronts; minimizing the loss of life and property in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards including erosion, floods, and rip currents; conducting research related to the potential impacts of climate change on Great Lakes coastal wetlands; conducting wind energy planning to limit impacts to wildlife, fisheries, and coastal and offshore habitats; and increasing recreational opportunities along Michigan's Great Lakes coast.

Grants are available in amounts up to $100,000 and require a 1:1 local match. Applications are due March 29. Find the full RFP and other information here.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.

Is your community dealing with an aging water utility infrastructure (treatment facilities, piping, storage tanks, pumps, or other equipment and appurtenances)? Are you facing high replacement costs? Attend this seminar to learn how the implementation of an asset management plan can help you address these concerns.

The complex management of water, wastewater and collection systems has a direct impact on a community's public health and safety, environment, economic development and quality of life. Asset management is a tool to help utilities prioritize and classify the assets associated with the management and operation of a water system. What does this mean to your community? More efficient management of public utilities, lower replacement costs, and an overall healthier community.

Additionally, the DEQ is now including an asset management program requirement in reissued major municipal WWTP NPDES permits that expire on October 1, 2012, and thereafter. This seminar will provide information pertaining to these new requirements.

Dates and Locations

All seminars will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

March 14, 2013 Ramada Inn Marquette, Michigan

March 19, 2013 Double Tree Hilton Bay City, Michigan

March 26, 2013 WMU Downtown Campus Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 28, 2013 Laurel Manor Livonia, Michigan

Register and find more details at the DEQ website.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email or Twitter.

The Snyder Administration recently initiated a public input process to gather feedback about the State's energy policy. Specific areas of focus include the renewable energy standard, energy efficiency incentives and electric choice. We encourage League members to submit their comments before April 25 at http://www.michigan.gov/energy. In addition to the website, there will seven in-person listening sessions in various locations starting February 14 and ending April 22. See http://www.michigan.gov/energy/0,4580,7-230-54408---,00.html for the complete schedule of events. 

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email or on Twitter.