MML CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin was opening keynote speaker at the second annual Northern Michigan Placemaking Summit. Gilmartin spoke on the same day in Traverse City and Petoskey.  

The summit, hosted by the Grand Vision, Michigan Land Use Institute and Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, and co-sponsored by the League, brought together over 100 persons at both locations to hear about projects and activities taking place in the region around place-making. Breakout sessions included discussions on art and culture, downtowns, recreation, walkability and investment.

In his remarks, Gilmartin applauded the work of those in the region, noting that folks understand the need to be moving regional assets together for economic prosperity and that projects are being done at the local level by local people.

The summit once again showed that through the Grand Vision, this region of our state has perhaps the best example of a place and asset based regional economic development strategy that fits right in line with the League's work through the "Center for 21st Century Communities"

To learn more about what's going on view this video.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

Governing Magazine, in partnership with the League and other private and public sector organizations, is hosting a forum in Lansing on June 7, is hosting a event designed to focus on issues of importance to state and local government officials in Lansing. The forum is similar to others being held by Governing in state capitols across the country.

The forum will cover issues in finance, transportation and infrastructure, livability and economic development. high performance and health and human services. Sessions will be interactive and led by experts from across the country.

The forum will take place at the Radisson hotel in Lansing. Registration is open and there is no charge to attend. 

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

Communities across the country are undertaking efforts to help individuals and families reach financial self-sufficiency.

Such financial empowerment efforts are bringing together key stakeholders to provide greater access to financial education, income-boosting supports and tax credits, financial products and services, savings tools and consumer protections.

Through the Cities for Financial Empowerment Coalition communities are connecting individuals with tools for managing financial distress, credit repair and counseling and financial products and services. In Michigan, the Community Economic Development of Michigan (CEDAM) has launched the Michigan Communities for Financial Empowerment (MCFE).

MCFE is a network for local leaders in Michigan, providing the tools, resources and supports necessary to implement local initiatives that provide residents greater access to financial opportunity. Types of activities include "Bank On" campaigns, children's savings initiatives, financial education networks and "Show Me the Money Day" events.

The network is open to local communities across the state. For more information, contact Megan Kursik, kursik@cedam.info or 517-485-3588.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

A recent report from the Federal Highway Administration shows that small investments can go a long way.

The analysis comes from a pilot program that provided $100 million to four municipalities across the country ($25 million each) to invest in a infrastructure network for non-motorized transportation, (sidewalks and bike paths).

The program built 333 miles of on-street biking and walking routes, 23 off-street facilities and 5,727 bike parking spaces in the four areas. Compare this to the fact that $100 million would only get you five miles of new four-lane highway!

The FHWA report is full of data showing how a small down payment on active transportation can lead — quickly — to dramatic improvements in air quality, traffic levels, and public health.  Its why the League is supportive of a multi-modal transportation system and why transportation is a critical asset of vibrant 21st century communities as noted in the League's 21c3 program.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.