The Michigan Association of Planning is hosting its Spring Institute May 13 in Lansing, with a theme of "Moving Toward Resilience: How Community Planners Can Lead the Way to a More Sustainable Future". An impressive lineup of national experts will share approaches local leaders can take to prepare their communities for the impacts of our changing natural environment. Speakers include author and journalist Mark Hertsgaard, Jim Van der Kloot of the US EPA and Michael Davidson from ICLEI. For more information and to register visit http://planningmi.org/si.asp

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him at lforrest@mml.org or 734-669-6323.

DETROIT, Michigan - Wednesday, October 20, the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) recognized two League members for their outstanding planning efforts to promote assets such as excellent physical design, multimodal transportation options and environmental sustainability. The Village of Onekema was honored with the Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan for its joint master plan with Onekema Township. This plan, which is connected to the establishment of a joint planning commission and shared ordinance, includes goals related to downtown walkability, quality schools and natural resource conservation.  MAP cited the effort for its "originality and innovation" and for its value as a "model for collaboration". Auburn Hills' Riverwalk Master Plan was recognized as an Outstanding Planning Project for Best Practice. The City developed this Plan, which communicates a vision for a riverfront park system linked to regional trails and downtown, through a public process that MAP cited as "open, inclusionary, interactive". The Master Plan includes a detailed resource guide for sustainable design and water conservation.

Congratulations to the City of Auburn Hills and the Village of Onekema for your outstanding planning vision and hard work.

Luke Forrest is project coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League's Center for 21st Century Communities. He can be reached at 734-669-6323 or lforrest@mml.org.