"Detroit Matters" - that’s the straight forward headline on the cover of the Michigan Municipal League’s most recent edition of the Review Magazine. The March/April 2013 magazine, available for free online here, is all about Detroit and why Detroit should matter to the rest of Michigan. The cover story focuses on John George and his Motor City Blight Busters program (pages 24-27).

Other highlights in the issue include:

• A column by League CEO Dan Gilmartin that explains how Detroit is Michigan’s beating heart (page 5);
• Q&A articles with people living in Detroit and why they chose to move there in recent years (pages 8-10);
• The revitalization of Clark Park (pages 12-14);
• A feature article on Recycle Here!, Detroit’s grassroots recycling program (pages 16-18);
• A look at several of Detroit’s social entrepreneurs, including Ponyride.org; GreenGarageDetroit.com; DetroitSoup.com; HatchDetroit.com (pages 19-21);
• A first-hand account of volunteering at Cass Community Social Services (pages 34-35);

"Our Review magazine often has articles related to Detroit, but this is the first time in recent history where an entire issue was devoted to Detroit,” said League CEO Daniel Gilmartin. “Our 2013 Convention is taking place in Detroit in September and we thought now would be a good time to highlight some of the positive people, places and things in our state’s largest city. This issue of the magazine gives our members and the general public a glimpse of what they might see if they come to our Convention in September or simply visit Detroit.”

So why does Detroit Matter? Gilmartin explains it best in his column at the start of the magazine. Here’s a segment: “Imagine your body without your heart. Sure, maybe some fancy life support machine could keep your arms, legs and gut technically alive. But you certainly won’t grow and thrive. … Detroit is the beating heart that’s big enough and strong enough to keep Michigan’s lifeblood flowing. A state’s major metropolitan area is also its calling card to the rest of the world. It is the magnet that draws people and business, the face of our cultural coin. … Help us make Detroit a place that matters, so that Michigan will matter, too."

The League’s March/April Review Magazine was mailed out to subscribers this week. The print version of this magazine goes to more than 8,500 municipal leaders – mayors, city council, city managers, municipal staff – as well as state and federal politicians, numerous state agencies, and others interested in community placemaking efforts. The bimonthly magazine also is posted on the web here.

Matt Bach is the League's director of media relations. He can be reached at (734) 669-6317 and mbach@mml.org.

Governing Magazine has announced its coming back to Michigan for another one day Leadership Forum.  The event will take place on May 1 at the East Lansing Marriott Hotel and is free for all public sector and government employees.

This year's forum will feature interactive discussions on topics such as energy, infrastructure, finance, government operations, workforce strategy, technology and economic development. Also, a panel of Michigan mayors will discuss the vital role cities have to play in Michigan's recovery.

For more information and to register, visit the forum website.

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

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.