Bikes Belong, a national organization that promotes more bicycling, is accepting applications until May 24 for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between local governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to fund the construction or expansion of bicycle facilities such as bike lanes trails, and paths. The grants committee also will consider advocacy projects that promote bicycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation.

To be eligible for a grant, a partnership must include collaboration between at least one city/county government office or department; one nonprofit organization with a mission specific to bicycling, trails, or recreation; and one local business.

Luke Forrest is a Project Coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him via email or Twitter. 

The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program is currently accepting proposals for free technical assistance. RTCA's mission is to assist community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives.  RTCA staff provide guidance to communities so they can conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. Applications are due August 1. Learn more by visiting the RTCA website.

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

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.