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February 2012

Transportation Legislation a Hot Topic for State and Federal Agendas
Early 2012 is shaping up to be the time for both state and federal legislators to zero in on transportation legislation. Here in Michigan, Governor Snyder's Special Message on Infrastructure has resulted in a 19 bill package that was introduced Jan 26 and has both Republican and Democrat sponsors. Click here to read about HB 5304 that would shift funds from some local road agencies to counties. Click here for a brief summary on some of the other bills in the package. Click here for a Detroit News article on the state bills.On the national level, both the House and Senate are moving forward on authorization legislation for a new transportation funding bill. Click here for a summary.

Media Focus on PPT Issue Continues Warning of Risk to Local Services
Media coverage of the governor's proposal to eliminate the personal property tax on business continues to warn of the serious damage that would be done to communities should the PPT be eliminated without a replacement source of revenue for vital local services. Click here to see the latest PPT news from around the state.

Lansing Region Leads Nation in Manufacturing Growth
The Lansing-East Lansing region has led the country in manufacturing job growth since the end of the recession, according to a new national ranking. Read more.

League Organizes Information on Urban Cooperation Act
Click here for the League's new One Pager Plus Fact Sheet on the Urban Cooperation Act and its related statutes. Read more.

Local Transit Success Story: LaHood, Levin Come to The Rapid
After years of planning and construction, the expanded Rapid bus system's Wealthy Operations Center officially opened with a ribbon cutting with US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Watch a WOOD-TV video. Successes like this show what Michigan is capable of when it comes to the future of transit, a key to revitalizing Michigan as outlined in the League's 21c3 initiative. Read more.

State Releases List of Communities to Receive EVIP Grant Funding
The state released a list of 27 communities that will receive Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) grant funding totaling $4.3 million.  Click here to see the list. Click here for more about the funds, which will be used by local units to help offset costs associated with service sharing, consolidation or other cooperative efforts.

 

January 2012

League Selects Six New Members for Board of Trustees
Six local government officials from throughout the state were recently named as the newest members of the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees. Click here to read more.

League Leading Executive Searches in Five Michigan Communities
The Michigan Municipal League is excited to be working with five communities at once on executive searches. While we realize this may be a tumultuous time for a community, we expect this trend to continue as more department heads and managers reach retirement--and we want you to know we’re here to help. Click here to learn more about the League's comprehensive search service.

Ann Arbor.com Editorial: Only Eliminate PPT If It Is Revenue-Neutral
Read an Ann Arbor.com editorial that Michigan's communities cannot endure more revenue losses. The notion that lower business taxes will create new jobs must be balanced with supporting the local services and quality of life issues that make Michigan a desirable place to do business. See the Replace Don't Erase coalition.

Closup Event: Non-Profit Role in Urban Revitalization
Click here to learn about a Jan. 30 CLOSUP event in Ann Arbor on the role of non-profits in urban revitalization.

Oklahoma City Uses Placemaking to Solve Economic Woes
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett told NPR how his city used “placemaking” to avoid the economic pitfalls other urban areas have experienced. It's what the League is saying about placemaking and the economics of place on our blog and in our book.

Newly Elected Officials Praise Value of League NEO Training Sessions
Read an Ionia Sentinel-Standard article on the appearance of Belding and Portland officials in the Jan-Feb Review, the League's bi--monthly magazine. The article focuses on the value of League trainings for local officials. Click here to learn about more trainings and informative sessions planned at Capital Conference March 20-21 in Lansing.

The state released a list of 27 communities that will receive Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) grant funding totaling $4.3 million.  Click here to see the list. Click here for an Inside 208 blog post about the funds, which will be used by local units to help offset costs associated with service sharing, consolidation or other cooperative efforts.

Report: State Investment in Arts and Culture Pays Off for Economy
Read a Crains article about a report from Art Serve Michigan that shows that every $1 of state investment in arts and culture creates $51 for the economy.

Communities Call for State to Use Some of $$ Surplus to Restore Cuts
The League believes the state should use some of its $633 million surplus to restore revenue sharing cuts to local governments to support public safety, road maintenance and other local services. Read a Niles Daily Star story. Read a Detroit Free Press story. Read a Detroit News story. Read a Dome Magazine column.

State of State Speech Addresses Transportation, PPT Among Issues
Read about Governor Snyder's second State of the State speech, in which addressed a few issues of importance to local communities. He called for elimination of the Personal Property Tax on business while still supporting local government services. Read the Detroit News on Snyder's PPT plans. Transportation funding was an important topic, with a large package of transportation bills to be introduced soon. Transportation will be the focus of the general session at Capital Conference this year.

Jackson's Armory Arts Village Showcased for Local Officials
Jackson's Armory Arts Village was the site of the League's Region Meet Up on Jan. 20. The event gained media attention for showcasing the unique project for officials from other Michigan communities. Read the Jackson Citizen Patriot article.

League CEO Talks Michigan Local Issues with Paul W. Smith on WJR
Read about League CEO Dan Gilmartin's conversation with Paul W. Smith on WJR Jan. 18, discussing Michigan cities, Gov. Rick Snyder and an array of other issues. Click here to listen to audio of the entire interview.

Tours After Meet Up 5-7 pm Friday at Armory Arts Village in Jackson
The League is hosting a FREE, open-house-style meet-up event for League members from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 20. Guided tours of the Armory Arts Village will take place after the meet-up.The site was a former state prison and National Guard Armory and is now a live-work space for artists. Click here to learn more.

Governor Creates New Technology Innovation Fund for State and Locals

Gov. Snyder has created the Information, Communications and Technology Innovation Fund to help fund technology projects for local governments. Read about the new Civic Commons Marketplace app store: a resource to help the public sector think outside traditional parameters and create more transparent and efficient governments.

Troy City Council Approves Revised Transit Center Plan
Troy's City Council and business community have come together on a revised plan to build a federally funded, multi-modal transit center. It will be a key hub for regional transit, helping to move the state forward as a place where people want to live and work.

Check out the League's YouTube Channel Video Playlists
The League has updated its YouTube channel with playlists that make it even easier to find what you're looking for. Check out all our video playlists, including Gov. Snyder on The Economics of Place, the CEA presentations at the 2011 League Convention, the 2011 Green Communities Conference, and much more!

Transportation Asset Management Council Conference on April 25
Save the date for the Transportation Asset Management Council Spring Conference, April 25 in Livonia. Click here to see the flyer and to learn more about the TAMC.

Ecorse Emerges Video on Community Visioning Process
Watch a YouTube video on the city of Ecorse's intensive community visioning process that was designed and facilitated by the Michigan Municipal League and the Land Information Access Association.

Webinar on Adjusting to Reduced Transportation Revenues
Click here to learn about a Jan 17th webinar from the State Smart Transportation Initiative on easy-to-implement strategies being used by several state DOTs to raise revenues and cut costs to adjust to current economic conditions.

State Fund Surplus Opportunity to Keep Promise to Local Taxpayers
Read a public statement from the League's Summer Minnick calling on the Legislature to restore revenue sharing cuts in response to the $457 million surplus in the state general fund. Read a Dome Magazine column calling on the state to use these funds to invest in Michigan's assets.

MPPS Survey Results on Data-Driven Performance Management
Who is using data in their decision-making? How are local governments using performance measures to help manage their jurisdictions? What problems have they faced? The University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) asked local government officials all these questions and more. Learn at Capital Conference what more than 200 Michigan cities and over 150 villages had to say in the Michigan Public Policy Survey on performance management methods and strategies. MoreStrong Year of Building Regional Ties Could Continue in 2012
Read about Greater Lansing's steps toward more regional cooperation in 2011. Read a report on the new laws that will remove barriers to services consolidation between Michigan municipalities.

Census Shows Young, Educated Adults Flocking to "Cool Cities"Read a Detroit News column on why young adults are moving to "cool cities" which offer the quality of life they're seeking, rather than those simply offering low taxes and cheap housing. Census Bureau figures confirm the League's message that place matters. Read more about the economics of place. Click here to learn more about the Economics of Place.

2012 Outlook Better Unless State Cuts PPT Without Replacement
Local governments are optimistic about a better budget year in 2012, unless the state moves forward on eliminating the personal property tax on business without replacing this vital revenue source for local services. Read more. For an article involving Saline, click here.

Stay-Home Tourism: The Value of Arts and Culture in Placemaking
Read a Detroit Free Press story on a local family's holiday "staycation" touring the rich arts and culture offerings of metro Detroit. It shows the important role these assets play in a community's vibrancy, as outlined in the League's 21c3 initiative.

EMU Launches New Program to Help Cities With Financial Reporting
The Eastern Michigan University College of Business has developed a new partnership program for Michigan municipalities to help them improve the transparency of their financial information for their citizens using the new state financial reporting guidelines. The League is helping to notify Michigan communities about the opportunity. Read more.

Bill to Restore Tax Break for Renaissance Zone Residents
The Legislature has passed a bill to restore the state income tax exemption for renaissance zone residents that was lost when the new corporate income tax replaced the Michigan Business Tax. Read more about the new measure to help those trying to revitalize urban centers.

U.S. Rep Working to RetainTransit Funding Dollars in Michigan
Michigan U.S. Rep. Gary Peters has asked that the federal government keep $8.4 million in transportation aid in Michigan. Public transit is an essential component to revitalizing Michigan as outlined in the League's 21c3 program and on the Nov. 27th Prosperity Agenda radio show. Read more.

League Wins MarCom Awards for Magazine and Radio Show
The League has won two international “MarCom Awards” from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, for The Review magazine and the Prosperity Agenda radio show. Read more about the League's outreach initiatives on placemaking and other issues important to the future of local communities.

December 2011

Free EVIP Webinar on Next Step is Now Available- View Online Here
By January 1, cities must comply with the second requirement of the Economic Vitality & Incentive Program (EVIP) to qualify for the next one-third of the funding.  This step requires communities to submit a plan to the State Department of Treasury of one or more proposals to increase existing levels of cooperation, collaboration, and consolidation, within their jurisdiction or with other jurisdictions. This webinar is about where to go from here, how to proceed, and your next steps. It begins with a brief presentation on the basics of navigating the forms and materials needed for a proposal, and is followed by a Q & A.

League Victory: Governor Signs Brownfield Credit Replacement Bills
Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law a five-bill package that creates new economic development and community revitalization programs for Michigan communities. The League supported the package that replaces the Brownfield tax credits. In a press release from the governor’s office, League Board President Karen Majewski, Mayor of Hamtramck, states “Michigan’s communities are doing all we can with properties and buildings that have become neglected and are in a state of deterioration. The signing of these bills will help our communities to continue to address these obsolete and blighted eyesores.” Read more. Read more about the League’s vision for a better Michigan here.

League's "Economics of Place" the Focus of That Michigan Radio Show
The League's book "The Economics of Place: The Value of Building Place Around People," received rave reviews on That Michigan Radio Show, sponsored by the Prima Civitas Foundation. Click here to listen to the show. A podcast is also available on itunes as "That Michigan Show 12." The League's Dan Gilmartin was also featured on Katherine Loflin's "Place Matters" radio show. Read more.

Michigan Project Earns Tiger III Grant Award for Road, Bridge
The St. Clair County Road Commission was awarded $3.6 million to reconstruct 2.6 milies of Smiths Creek Road and replace the Smiths Creek Road Bridge over the Pine River. Once completed, the project will enable all-season access to a nearby landfill which uses green technology to create energy at the county's innovative septage bioreactor. Read more.

DC Streets Blog: New Plans Could Make Detroit Nation's BRT Leader
DC Streets Blog says the Motor City’s plans to shift some $500 million from a 9-mile light rail system to bus rapid transit system could go a long way toward remedying the crushing mobility problems experienced by the city’s transit-dependent population. Read more. To read another article on the future and fate of Detroit's light rail and bus mass transit plans, click here.

League Asks Governor Snyder to Veto Domestic Partner Benefit Bills
The League opposed HBs 4770 and 4771 that prohibit local units of government (including public schools, counties, cities, villages and townships) as well as the state from offering domestic partner medical benefits. The League sent this letter to the governor asking him to veto the bills. Read more.

League's Kelly Warren Discusses Compassionate Friends-Detroit
The League's Events Director was a guest on the "Public Report" show to talk about The Compassionate Friends-Detroit Chapter that she started for bereaved parents, adult siblings, and grandparents.  The show airs on Friday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 am and Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 pm on the TCT Television Network (www.tct.tv), WDWO.  The station airs in 6 counties in Michigan—Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston.  It should appear on Comcast Channel 299 or 399, and non-cable-Channel 18. Visit www.compassionatefriends.org.  

Scholarship Available for Elected Officials Academy Program
The MML Foundation Tim Doyle Scholarship Fund is offering 7 full scholarships for the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) Core Weekender, Feb. 24-25 at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. The Core program is a requirement of EOA Level One, and is an important step in continuing education for elected officials. Apply today!

East Lansing Annual Report Highlights Placemaking Successes
East Lansing's 2011 Annual Report highlights placemaking success stories throughout the community. Read more about how the city's efforts are paying off in population increases and economic development: proof that the League's philosophies for building 21st century communities works.

League Honorary Lifemember Passes Away in Lansing at Age 85
The League offers condolences to the family of William G. "Bill" Davis of Lansing, who passed away Nov. 22 at home at the age of 85. Davis was a retired Associate Director of the League and an Honorary Lifemember for his years of service to the community and to the League and its members.

Detroit Arts Venues Aim to Help Drive Next Economy for Region
Read a Detroit News story on how the city's major cultural venues hope to help drive Detroit's economic future: the concept underlying the 21c3 program.

Free Research & Analysis Services for Metro Detroit Communities
The University of Michigan-Dearborn's Institute for Local Government is working with other university programs to provide free research and analysis services on management and policy issues faced by local governments. Read more.

"Our Town" Arts Grants Available for Creative Placemaking Projects
The National Endowment for the Arts is offering grants for creative projects for placemaking, which the League's 21c3 program has identified as a key economic driver. Read more.

Green Communities Conference Videos, Presentations Now Online
Click here for videos, slides and notes from the presenters and discussion groups at the 2nd Michigan Green Communities conference sponsored by the League and MDEQ Office of Environmental Assistance.

Foreclosure Bills Moving with Redemption Period Reduction
The House Banking and Financial Services committee reported bills intended to shorten and streamline the mortgage foreclosure process. The League supported HB 4544 but opposed HB 5176 on portfolio loans. Read more.

Michigan Cities See Placemaking as the Way to a Brighter Future
Click here to read a DC.Streets blog on Michigan's placemaking strategy led by the Michigan Municipal League. The blog praises the "economics of place" concept as a "philosophical sea change" that could revitalize urban centers like Detroit. Read a Detroit News column on Detroit's RiverFront Conservancy and River Walk, and the impact that placemaking efforts like this are having on the city's future. The blog also cites examples of 21c3 projects such as Sault Ste Marie's efforts to build economic synergy between the town and the local state university. To order the book "Economics of Place," click here.

Bridge Magazine Analysis: Shadow Tax Cut Deepens Local Budget Crisis
Read Rick Hagland's column on how lost property tax revenues have hurt local services. Read Haglund's column on how owners of commercial, industrial and utility property have enjoyed a decade-long reduction in real and personal property taxes, combined with the recent $1.6 billion business tax cut, yet are pushing hard to repeal the state's personal property tax on business equipment. It's a revenue source that helps fund important local services including police and fire protection, libraries and schools. View the “Replace Don’t Erase” effort.

Snyder's Message on Talent Development Talks Quality of Place
The governor's latest policy-driven special messages to the Legislature was on talent development. and how quality of place is essential to attracting that talent. Read more.

Small Towns Could Lose Control of State Road Funding Under Proposal
Some small cities and villages could lose local control of state road funds under a proposal that would give the funds to counties to distribute for communities that receive less than $50,000. Read more.

Despite $324 Million in Tax Reductions, Businesses Seek Relief
Read Rick Hagland's column on how owners of commercial, industrial and utility property have enjoyed a decade-long reduction in real and personal property taxes, combined with the recent $1.6 billion business tax cut, yet are pushing hard to repeal the state's personal property tax on business equipment. It's a revenue source that helps fund important local services including police and fire protection, libraries and schools. View the “Replace Don’t Erase” effort.

November 2011

You Won! Now What? League Helps Newly Elected Officials with Classes
View our resource page for newly elected and appointed officials. Read about Petoskey's mayor-elect attending a session in Boyne City. Click here to find the nearest NEO training session.

Collaboration Creates Sustainable Communities, Earns Awards
Read about awards given out to projects around the state that are great examples of collaborative efforts to create vibrant, sustainable 21st century communities.

Personal Property Tax Not Likely to Go to Legislative Vote in 2011
The personal property tax (PPT) issue won't be considered by the Legislature in 2011, according to the Livingston Daily. The League supports replacing the PPT with a full, guaranteed source of revenue. View the “Replace Don’t Erase” effort.

Detroit News: Riverfront Rebirth Proves What's Possible in Detroit
Read a Detroit News column on Detroit's RiverFront Conservancy and River Walk, and the impact that placemaking efforts like this are having on Detroit's rebirth. It's a great example of the economics of place at work, and how the 21c3 assets can help build vibrant, viable communities for the 21st century.

Planetizen's Top 10 Books for 2012 Highlights "Economics of Place"
Planetizen's Top 10 Books for 2012 calls the League's "The Economics of Place" "noteworthy." Detroit Free Press columnist Ron Dzwonkowski writes that in the four decades he's covered public policy debates in Michigan, "much of the expelled hot air has been about the best use of taxes and regulations...to create a climate that will attract investment capital -- money that creates jobs. How different Michigan would look today if that debate had been about the best way to attract "human capital" -- or to invest in it, so Michigan today had a well-educated 21st-Century work force..." Read more.

Community Collaboration Summit in Kalamazoo on December 6
The League's Dan Gilmartin and MTA's Larry Merrill will discuss intergovernmental cooperation at the Community Collaboration Summit Dec. 6 in Kalamazoo. Register. Read about the League's recent success with the Urban Cooperation Act.

Please Share Your PA 152 Resolutions with the League
The League asks members to share resolutions regarding Public Act 152 (SB 7) which sets a “hard cap” for public employers on medical plan costs among its options. The samples will be shared via our online website resources.

League's Dan Gilmartin Discusses Placemaking on Bright Side TV
Watch a YouTube video of League Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin discussing the role of placemaking in economic development on “The Bright Side” public television show. Read a blog post about the show. Click here to learn more about the League's book, Economics of Place. Click here for Dan's Economics of Place blog.

Detroit News Cites Findings of AEG Report on Personal Property Tax
Click here to read the Detroit News on the Anderson Economic Group report that confirms the Replace Don't Erase coalition's concerns that eliminating the personal property tax without replacing the revenues would financially devastate local communities across Michigan - from small, rural communities to our largest commerce centers that serve as regional engines for the state’s economy. Read the League press release

Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto Wins Northeast Michigan Athena Award
Alpena Mayor Carol Shafo, past League president, won the 2011 Northeast Michigan Athena Award for her attributes and contributions to the community. Read more.

AEG Report Confirms Financial Devastation to Michigan Communities if PPT is EliminatedA report just issued by the Anderson Economic Group (AEG) about the Michigan Personal Property Tax affirms what the Michigan Municipal League has been telling legislators, the media and our citizens for months: Eliminating the personal property tax without replacing the revenues would financially devastate local communities across Michigan - from small, rural communities to our largest commerce centers that serve as regional engines for the state’s economy. Read the League press release

Renaissance Zone Income Tax Fix Moves to Senate Floor
The Michigan Senate is considering the bill to exempt residents in renaissance zones from paying the the 4.35% income tax. As previously reported, the legislation to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax and instead tax businesses as part of the Corporate Income Tax also eliminated the exemptions for renaissance zones that were in the income tax.  As such, any taxpayer (business or resident) in a renaissance zone will have to pay the 4.35% state income tax as of January 1, 2012 if they do not have a signed contract with the MEDC. Read more.

Glazer Questions Use of Indiana as Model State for Michigan's Future
Read Lou Glazer's column questioning the Mackinac Center's ongoing tradition of using Indiana, the poorest and least educated Great Lakes state-as a role model for Michigan.

Voters Back Funding for Core Services in Metro Communities
Read about voter-approved millages for core services such as public safety and libraries. Read about the new social role of libraries. Read the League press release.The burden could become even tougher if the state eliminates the personal property tax on business without replacing this crucial revenue source. Visit the Replace Don't Erase website. Read a Grand Rapids Press editorial.

Historic, Brownfield Site Developers Vie for Shrinking State Aid
Read about the impact of changes to historic building & brownfield tax credits enacted earlier this year. The League is concerned that in the new funding system, smaller communities may no longer be able to get state assistance for downtown revitalization. Click here to read the League's Andy Schor on efforts to remove language from the new Community Revitalization legislation that would limit use of future brownfield and historic funding for obsolete and blighted properties.

Watch Video of Gov Snyder on League's Economics of Place Book
Click here to go to the Economics of Place blog to watch the video of Gov Snyder discussing the League's new book during the Annual Convention in October.

League Officials Meet with President Obama, Discuss Local Issues
During two recent consecutive weeks, League officials had the opportunity to meet with President Obama and administration officials to discuss initiatives of importance to communiites. Read more.

Michigan's Library Community Gears Up for $30 Million Battle
Read about the Coalition including Michigan's librarians, police officers, firefighters and others uniting to oppose elimination of the personal property tax on business without replacing this crucial revenue source. Go to the Replace Don't Erase website.

Urban Cooperation Act Bills Head to Governor with Popular Support
HBs 4309, 4311 and 4312 were concurred in the House Thursday afternoon. The legislation had sign off from the League, MPFFU, FOP and POAM. The legislation made changes to the Urban Cooperation Act and corresponding statutes to ensure a more efficient and effective process to share services. This is a big victory for the League, which has been pushing for changes to these states, providing certainty to both employers and employees while removing barriers that have existed for decades. Read more.To read the League's press release, click here.

NLC/Sustainable Cities Institute to Create One-Stop Shop
The National League of Cities and the Sustainable Cities Institute will create a one-stop shop to help cities identify and implement local sustainable practices and policies. Read more.

Michigan State Park System Best in Nation for Planning, Resource Mgt
Michigan has received the 2011 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal as the top state park system in the nation. Read more.

League Testifies on Changes Needed to Michigan's Energy Policy
The Senate Energy & Technology Committee started review of PA 286 of 2008, a law that changed Michigan's energy policy. The League testified that the legislation needed several changes to benefit municipalities. Read more.

Detroit to Lead Nation in Visitor Growth as Hotel Industry Rebounds
Read a USA Today Travel story on the resurging hotel industry, and how Detroit is predicted to see an expected 22% increase in hotel occupancy due to factors like the state's efforts to lure more leisure travelers, Detroit's resurgent sports teams and the recovering auto industry. It illustrates many concepts in the League's newly released book Economics of Place.

City Manager Embraces Cedar Springs' Intimacy
Click here to read an article on Cedar Springs City Manager Christine Burns from The Center for Michigan.

League President Karen Majewski Hails Snyder's Regional Transit Ideas
League President and Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski was among those quoted by Streetsblog in praising key aspects of Gov. Snyder's new plan for transportation reform in Michigan. Read the League press release on the plan's implications for local communities. Read the governor’s message, executive summary and white papers detailing his recommendations. Click here to read about the League's Arnold Weinfeld quoted in a MIRS article.

October 2011

Capitol Summit on Rail Transportation Oct. 31 in Lansing
Click here to register for this free summit and panel discussion with state and national experts exploring how rail development affects Michigan businesses, the economy and the environment. Headed by Gov. Rick Snyder and John Porcari, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the summit also includes Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joseph C. Szabo; Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle; former chair of the Amtrak Board of Directors John Robert Smith; CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Rich Studley; Michigan Environmental Council President Chris Kolb; Michigan Municipal League CEO Dan Gilmartin and State Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.

Grand Rapids Press: Cities Matter in Driving Michigan's Economy
Click here to read a Grand Rapids Press editorial on why cities must be nourished as the economic engines, cultural centers and hothouses of diversity that Michigan needs to become strong and vibrant again. Click here to read a Muskegon Chronicle article on concerns in Zeeland and West Michigan about talk of eliminating the personal property tax on businesses. Click here for the newly revised Replace Don't Erase website.

Action Alert: SB 567 Amendment Could Reduce Brownfield Funding
There is a movement in the State House to reduce the ability of communities to receive state dollars for brownfield projects by not allowing obsolete or blighted properties to qualify for new state dollars. The vote will be taken in committee on Wednesday! Your State Representative needs to hear from you NOW to oppose the amendments to SB 567. Click here to learn more. Click here for Inside 208.

Zoning Preemption for Gardening Bill Discussed in House Committee
The House Agriculture Committee took up HB 4887 for a hearing.  The bill allows for gardening of fruits and vegetables by right and allows for food stands and sales of produce by right.  It has language pre-empting all local ordinances.  It has been dubbed “right to garden.”  Read more.

Q&A with League Director on Building Communities for People
Read a Grand Rapids Press Q&A with the League's Dan Gilmartin on the issues facing Michigan communities today. To learn more, visit the Economics of Place blog. Watch a YouTube video of Dan's talk at Convention.

Center for Community Progress Land Bank Training in Traverse CityClick here to learn more about a Land Bank training seminar in Traverse City on Oct. 26. Registrations will be accepted at the door, or you can pre-register. Cost is $15.

Last week U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that Michigan will receive over $46 million toward public transportation projects throughout the state as part of $928.5 million in federal funds for more than 300 such projects across the country. Read more.

Detroit News Applauds Clare's Cops & Doughnuts 2011 CEA Win
Click here to read a Detroit News kudo for Clare's Cops & Doughnuts Bakery, which won the League's 2011 Community Excellence Award at the Annual Convention.

Economics of Place Subject of WJR Radio Show at League Convention
Click here to listen as Prosperity Agenda co-host Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell joins Dan Gilmartin and guests at the 2011 Convention to talk about the League's book Economics of Place, and why communities should be built around people.

Why Investing in Public Goods Will Boost State's Struggling Economy
Read why investing in schools, infrastructure and placemaking assets can do more to boost the state's struggling economy than lower taxes and reduced government. The League opposes any effort to remove the personal property tax on businesses without replacing this crucial revenue stream for local services. Read more.

Thirty-Six Hours in Ann Arbor: A Study in Placemaking Assets
Click here to read a colorful day-long tour of the city that really shows what placemaking is all about, and how it's built on the 21c3 assets.

Young Activist Finds Energy, Challenges in SW Detroit
Click here to read how Let's Save Michigan director Sean Mann is working to engage and inspire fellow Detroiters to help transform the city.

Greater Lansing: See Region Through Inspired Eyes
Greater Lansing has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its future.Check out the 2011 Ten over the Next Ten list of young professionals who choose to live, work and make a difference in Greater Lansing. Read more.

Last Day to Vote for Top 100 Public Spaces in US and Canada
Click here to vote for a Michigan community among the Top 100 Spaces in the US and Canada. After Oct. 15, you can see the results at Planetizen.

Economics of Place Book Released, Available from League at Amazon
Read about the League's new book on placemaking, The Economics of Place: The Value of Building Communities Around People

How the Foreclosure Crisis Impacts Future Prosperity of Michigan
This month's Prosperity Agenda talks to experts on how the foreclosure crisis has hit Michigan and how it impacts our future prosperity. Listen to the show..

Traverse City Success Story: Revitalized by Urban Core Investment
Read another great example of how downtown investment can revitalize an entire community. This kind of focus on placemaking is a central theme of Convention this year. Read more about this important issue on the Economics of Place blog.

Convention a Great Opportunity to See Revitalized Downtown Success
Read an article about how investment in downtowns is a crucial key to revitalizing Michigan communities. The article focuses on Grand Rapids' turnaround story ,and how investment in the Amway Grand was one of the main catalysts for that transformation. The hotel is the site of the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 5-7. Online registration is no longer available but you can still register on-site. Contact registration@mml.org if you have questions.

Alternative Transportation Demonstration Closes Ypsi Street
Let's Save Michigan joined forces with local businesses and others to show support for alternative transportation in Ypsilanti. Read more.

Transportation for Michigan Event Takes Place This Weekend
A two-day transportation odyssey begins Saturday at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and concludes with a Monday meeting on transportation and logistics in Traverse City. Along the way, members of the Transportation for Michigan (Trans4M) coalition will meet with lawmakers, local officials and citizens interested in improving the public transportation in Michigan. Read Facebook event post. Read press release.

House Leader Gets OK to Raise Transportation Funding Levels
Congressman John Mica, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been given the go-ahead by House Republican leadership to seek $15 billion in additional revenues per year to fund a new transportation reauthorization bill. Read more.

September 2011

Snyder to Address League Members at Convention in Grand Rapids
League members will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from Gov. Rick Snyder on local issues when he speaks during Thursday's general session at the League's Annual Convention Oct. 5-7 in Grand Rapids. See the whole Main Stage lineup.

Bike Parking Products Discount for Complete Streets Communities
A Michigan company is offering bike parking products at a discount to communities with a Complete Streets resolution or ordinance, or a bike parking ordinance. Read more. The 2nd Annual Green Communities Conference is Oct. 28 in Lansing. Register. The event is free and includes lunch.

Governor Signs SB 7 on How Locals Pay for Employee Health Care
On Saturday the Governor signed SB 7, a bill that changes the way local units of government pay for health care. The new law, PA 152 of 2011, creates a preference for a hard cap for public employers. A public employer can opt into an 80/20 cost sharing arrangement instead, or a local government may opt out entirely by 2/3 vote of its governing body. Read more.

Plug-In Vehicle Readiness Training Seminar Sept. 29; Green Con Oct 28
A free electric vehicle training seminar will be held Sept. 29 in Auburn Hills. Register. The 2nd Annual Green Communities Conference is Oct. 28 in Lansing. Register. Both events are free and include lunch.

Social Media II: Webinar for Advanced Users on Sept. 27
Learn how to quickly increase "likes" and "followers", how to use the latest tools to promote your community, and how to share your story with a larger audience. Click here to register.

SB 7 Creates Hard Cap, 80/20 on Public Employer Medical Benefits
Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) creates a hard cap on the amount a public employer may contribute to a medical benefit plan for employees and/or elected officials. Read the bill and our summary.

Weigh in With Your Favorite Public Spaces in North America for Top 100
Click here to add/vote on Planetizen's Top 100 Public Spaces in the US and Canada. Learn more about placemaking.

Foundations, Federal Agencies Launch Arts Collaborative
Click here to read about the Ford Foundation announcing the launch of ArtPlace, a public-private collaboration designed to drive revitalization in cities and towns by putting the arts at the center of economic development. See list of recipients including Detroit.

Sirolli Counsels Decision Makers on Economic Development: Listen
Read Dr Ernesto Sirolli's advice to Australian officials on fostering entrepreneurship. The internationally recognized economic development expert is in the Main Stage lineup for Convention. Register now!

Michigan Transportation Twitter Talk Draws Statewide Attention to Topic
Read about the League's Transportation Twitter Talk that took place at noon on Sept. 13. People and organizations across the state participated via their computers and smartphones, using Twitter to be part of this innovative live conversation to help shape the future of transportation in Michigan. Learn more about the event. Click here to read about the panelists who participated in the event at the League's Lansing office. Read a Sustainable Cities Collective blog about the event.

Local Leaders Convene Forum on Neighborhoods, Local EconomiesCity leaders gathered Sept. 8 for a special forum on neighborhoods and local economies, organized by NLC, the League and MSHDA. Read more. Read an Mlive story about revitalizing Michigan cities.

Press Conference Draws Attention to Personal Property Tax Issue
Click here to learn about the devastating impact on Michigan residents if the Personal Property Tax (PPT) on businesses is cut but not fully replaced.

Templates, Webinar, City Samples Available on EVIP Resource Page
Click here for EVIP resources, including templates, samples of actual dashboards prepared by other Michigan communities, and the League's EVIP webinar.

League CEO to Speak at Citizens Research Council Annual Meeting
League CEO & Executive Director Gilmartin is the keynote speaker for event Sept. 16 at the Detroit Athletic Club. The theme is the fiscal health of local governments, and Gilmartin said he was honored to be invited to present on this important and timely topic. Read more.

Twitter Talk: Snyder May Work Behind Scenes on Light Rail
Read a Detroit Free Press article with Rich Studley, MI Chamber of Commerce CEO, on why he thinks Gov. Snyder may work behind the scenes on light rail. Studley was a panelist at the recent Transportation Twitter Talk hosted by the League and Let's Save Michigan.

President Unveils $447 Billion Jobs Plan in Speech Before Congress
President Obama has put forth his $447 billion American Jobs Act with tax cuts for employers and employees, job retraining incentives, spending on infrastructure, and funds for local governments to retain police and fire fighters. Read more.

Media Notes Need for Replacement Plan for Personal Property Tax
Media outlets across the state are starting to take heed of the League's fight for a replacement funding stream for local governments already hit hard by tax revenue declines and cuts in state revenue sharing. Click here for the media page on the Replace Don't Erase website.

MAM Summer Workshop, League Convention Highlight Placemaking
Municipal leaders are reinventing their communities to survive and thrive in the 21st century. MAM 2011 Summer Workshop attendees got an inside look at successful 21c3 projects, and learned how to grow local entrepreneurs, develop green initiatives and repurpose commercial industrial strips. Attendees also saw how civic engagement can help reach those goals faster and easier. Click here for photos. These same concepts will be explored at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 5-7 in Grand Rapids. The governor will speak at Thursday's general session. Early Bird Deadline is Sept. 6! Click here to register.

Federal Highway Admin Relents on Traffic Sign Regulations
After months of listening to the concerns of local and state government officials from around the country, the Federal Highway Administration has announced that it will eliminate or extend a majority for the compliance dates for replacing street signs. Read more.

Local Officials Offer Mixed Views on Fiscal Impact of Employee Unions
The Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan has released their latest survey of local officials across the state offering mixed views from local officials regarding public sector employee unions. Read more.

It's Happening: Crain's Lists 32 New Developments in City of Detroit
Click here to read a Detroit Lives! blog post about the growing momentum in the city of Detroit, which includes 32 new developments happening in Detroit, and buzz from Channel 4 that the swank W Hotel chain is eying the Whitney Building. It's a solid sign that the placemaking efforts of Detroit's urban pioneers, visionaries and entrepreneurs are creating the kind of momentum needed to propel the city forward into the 21st century.

Survey Results on Value of Placemaking to the Housing Industry
A new MSU Land Policy Institute survey has good news for placemaking advocates like the Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3): most developers and bankers “strongly agreed that supporting placemaking needs to be an important part of Michigan strategies to create high-impact economic activity attraction." Read more.

Free EVIP Training Webinar Now Available on League Website
Click here to watch the League's Economic Vitality Incentive Program training webinar on the EVIP requirements and using the templates to aid in compliance. $5 million in grants is available from the state to assist in combining government operations per EVIP. Read more. An EVIP training will also be offered at the League's Annual Convention,

Court: Medical Marijuana Can't Be Sold in Dispensaries in Michigan
Click here and here to read Detroit Free Press stories on a Michigan Court of Appeals decision that could shut down dispensaries statewide.

Interactive Census Data Shows Community Demographics
Data Driven Detroit (D3) has created an easy-to-use tool for understanding your community's demographics using the information compiled in the 2010 Census. Access the D3 Census map report.

Hard Cap and 80/20 Legislation Heads to Governor's Desk for Signing
On Tuesday afternoon the conference committee on SB 7 approved the conference report which includes a preference for a hard cap. However, a public employer can opt into an 80/20 cost-sharing arrangement. Read more.

Green Communities, Complete Streets Training & Funding
Learn about training, conference and funding opportunities this fall for community leaders looking to increase environmental sustainability or speed implementation of Complete Streets. Learn more.

August 2011

Sustainable Cities, Urban Gardening in Detroit Featured on PBS Program
A Sustainable Cities project story on Detroit urban farming is featured on PBS this week. Click here to watch the video.

Vote Online for Lansing Food Truck in Food Network Contest
Help boost awareness of Michigan's new food truck culture and "local food" by voting online for Lansing Old Town's Purple Carrot, which is vying for a spot on Food Network's Great Food Truck Race. Click here to vote. Click here to learn how local food strengths local economy.

Governor Snyder to Speak at League Convention in Grand Rapids
The governor will speak Thursday at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 5-7 in Grand Rapids. The League has also added a new feature this year: Vendor Presentation Sessions, where business professionals offer insights into their areas of expertise.

Ecorse Planners Seek League Help to Envision Better Future
Read a Detroit Free Press article on Envision Ecorse!, an effort launched by Ecorse city officials and the Michigan Municipal League to engage residents in creating a new master plan for the city. Read more.

Michigan to Receive $9.1 Million in Grants for Transportation Projects
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced more than $9.1 million in grants to fund Michigan transportation projects including reconstructing I-196 in Allegan County and rail improvements for the Chicago Hub/Michigan Line in Berrien County. Read more.

Michigan Rural Community Assistance Program Offers Training
MRCAP is offering "Security and Emergency Response for Water and Wastewater Systems," a free training for water operators on Aug. 23, 30 and Sept. 13, and a Community Funders Forum on Aug. 22, 29 and Sept. 12 for community leaders and civil engineers.

More Vendor Presentation Sessions Added to Convention Line-Up.
The Social Media Pavilion will get you Tweeting and Facebooking in minutes! Planning for Place and Making Main Street Work With Less provide the tools to create a placemaking vision and put it into action. Avoid costly litigation through the Top Ten Open Meetings Act Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. Playing For Keeps will help you identify potential funding sources for playgrounds. Show Me the Money offers tips to find and win grants for municipal projects. Confronting the Foreclosure Crisis is all about preserving vacant properties. When Construction Projects Go Bad can help protect your municipality from construction project lawsuits. You'll find it all at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids.

Two Michigan Congressmen On Federal Deficit Supercommittee
House Speaker John Boehner has appointed both Congressman Dave Camp of Midland and Fred Upton of St. Joseph to serve on the deficit supercommittee established by the debt-ceiling deal. CALL TO ACTION: Local officials are urged to not only speak with their own congressional representatives during this August recess, but to also contact Congressmen Camp and Upton and let them know of the value of the investments that have been made with federal dollars. Let them know that we cannot simply cut our way to prosperity, we must also invest. More.

Bay City, Monroe on Forbes Top Ten List of Best Places to Live Cheaply
Great schools, low crime and unemployment rates, good income and economical housing earned Monroe the #2 spot on Forbes' national Best Places to Live Cheaply list for 2011. Bay City was close behind in the #5 spot for the same socioeconomic markers. It shows Michigan has the potential to attract new residents and businesses, if municipalities continue to build on the quality-of-life assets that create a sense of place and make our cities attractive, vibrant places to live. Read more about meaningful change for cities, villages and all communities on Dan Gilmartin's Economics of Place blog. Congratulations, Monroe and Bay City!

Farmington Hills City Hall Revitalization Gets LEED Gold
Congratulations to the city of Farmington Hills for earning LEED Gold Certification for its City Hall Revitalization Project. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for businesses and taxpayers, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contributte to a heathier environment for residents, staff, and the community. It's a great example of making green initiatives a top priority for a 21st century community!

Excelda Manufacturing Expanding to Downtown Brighton Headquarters
A major company is moving into a new downtown Brighton headquarters. It proves that economic development will happen when a city focuses on making itself a vibrant place to live and work through the 21c3 assets. Read about it on Pure Michigan. Read a Livingston Daily article. Read more on how Brighton is thriving.

Mayor Uses Tank to Show the Importance of Placemaking
Check out a very funny video of a Lithuanian mayor using a tank to crush a car illegally parked in a bike lane. While the League certainly doesn't advocate this approach to Complete Streets, it does make a great point on the importance of walkability as a key asset to placemaking. Click here to read more. Click here to see how placemaking will be featured at the League's Annual Convention.

Neighborhood Soccer Players Building Community in Detroit
A neighborhood-based soccer league is bringing Detroiters together in a fun and creative way. The 22-team league had a tournament on Belle Isle during the 5th annual Arise Detroit event. Read how Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan dreamed up the soccer league as a fun way to engage people and foster tight-knit communities.

Report: Farmers Markets Boost Local Economies and Create Jobs
Click here to read about a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists that increasing farmers markets could create tens of thousands of jobs in economically struggling rural and urban areas. That's no surprise here in Michigan, where farm markets are thriving as bustling centers of community activity in Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Royal Oak and dozens of other communities all over the state. Want to share your farm market success story? E-mail pictures of your community's farmers market to the League.

Survey Shows Local Government Officials Short on Optimism
A new University of Michigan survey found only 32 percent of Michigan's local leaders think the state is heading in the right direction and half feel the state is on the wrong track. Read more.

Josh McManus of CreateHere Shows What's Working in Cities
Chattanooga, TN is experiencing a renaissance with an explosion of small-scale projects and investments, much of it sparked by CreateHere, an unconventional nonprofit working to transform the city into a creative hub. Read more. The group's co-founder Josh McManus will be a keynote speaker at the League's Annual Convention Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids.Register for Convention now!

Rustwire Offers A Detroit Tour, Courtesy of Let's Save Michigan
See the photo tour of Detroit on Rustwire, showing the "sunny side" of the city instead of the typical "ruin porn." The League sent Rustwire the photos to show them Michigan's greatest city is far from dead, and is in fact experiencing a rebirth through the efforts of visionary urban pioneers and others who care about the future of our cities.

Grand Rapids Voted 2nd Best Place to Live in U.S. by Market Watch
Grand Rapids came in second only to Austin, TX in a real estate industry list of the best places to relocate in America. The city made the list for its solid schools and strong economy, which are enhanced by the city's emphasis on the 21c3 assets such as cultural economic development. Come see for yourself when the League's Annual Convention takes place in Grand Rapids Oct. 4-7 during the final week of ArtPrize, the city's internationally known celebration of the power of public art.

CEOS for Cities on Talent as Indicator of Economic Success
Click here to read about CEOs for Cities Talent Dividend research and Dan Gilmartin's Economics of Place blog post on the importance of attracting talent.

Governor Rick Snyder: "Michigan's Cities are Michigan's Future"
Gov. Rick Snyder has announced a new Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives, saying "Michigan's cities are Michigan's future." The new office is the result of a partnership between the state and the Council of Michigan Foundations. Harvey Hollins III of Belleville has been named the new office's director. Hollins is currently Wayne State University's vice president for government and community affairs. The new office will focus on the economic development needs of Michigan's urban centers. Read more. To read a Lansing State Journal editorial on the announcement, click here.

Traverse City Joins the Lip Dub Video Craze: Click Here to Watch!
Traverse City has created a lip dub music video like Grand Rapids' YouTube phenomenom that set world records this summer. Click here to watch the League's music video celebrating member communities and the League Annual Convention Oct 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Watch the Traverse City video. All these videos show the power of place in creating a community's identity.

Social Media Webinar Goes Beyond the Basics - Sign up Today!
This one-hour webinar features three speakers well-versed in social media and the ways Michigan's cities, villages, and urban townships are using it - or should be using it. They will show you how to best use social media to promote your communities, programs and attractions. This can't-miss session is available to League members from the comfort of their own computer, so register today!

Land Bank's 5/50 Collections at Community Progress Roundtable
The Center for Community Progress will hold a roundtable on Land Bank's 5/50 collections on Aug. 30 at MSHDA in Lansing and Northern Michigan University in Marquette for treasurers, land bank staff and local unit representatives. Email cknox@communityprogress.net to learn more.

Prosperity Agenda on Detroit's Transformation & Michigan's Future
The Prosperity Agenda aired July 27 on News/Talk 760 WJR. League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin and co-host Marge Sorge talked to experts working on transforming Detroit, and discussed the importance of the city to Michigan’s future economic prosperity. Listen now.

New Wi-Fi System to Spur Growth and Investment in Empire
A grant from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments helped Empire create a new Wi-Fi- system to spur growth and investment in the community. Read more about how messaging and technology play a key role in the future of 21st century communities. Watch the video.

July 2011

Fourteen Communities Awarded $1M for Advanced Lighting Tech Projects
Fourteen Michigan communities received a total of $1,066,429 for advanced lighting technology projects from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for projects that create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read the press release.

Governor Speaks at MLGMA Summer Workshop in St. Joseph on July 28
Three TV stations, two radio stations and several newspaper reporters were on hand when Gov. Rick Snyder spoke at the MLGMA Summer Workshop in St. Joseph on July 28. The governor focused on local government issues including PA 312, road funding and shared services, with a lengthy Q&A session with more than 200 managers from across the state. Read Mlive coverage of the event. Read Herald Palladium coverage of the event. Read a WSJM preview article before the workshop.

Mlive Takes Online Poll for Public Opinion on Shared Services
Click here to see results of an online poll on Mlive, asking the public to vote on what services they think would be best for consolidation: public safety, purchasing, planning, administration, or maintenance.

MAM Advocate of the Year Nominations Due July 29, 2011
The deadline is July 29 for Advocate of the Year nominations. The award recognizes outstanding advocacy work during the past 12 months on behalf of cities and villages at either the state or local level by a mayor or village president who is a MAM member.  Click here for a PDF of the form. Read more.

Governor Speaks at MLGMA Summer Workshop in St. Joseph
Gov. Rick Snyder spoke at the MLGMA Summer Workshop in St. Joseph on July 28. He focused on local government issues such as PA 312, road funding and shared services, with a lengthy Q&A session with more than 200 managers from across the state. Read more.

Media Takes Note of Blog Focus on Corktown's Michigan Avenue
Dan Gilmartin's new blog Economics of Place is creating buzz about the need to shrink Michigan Avenue in Detroit. Read more. Click here to read his blog post.

League, Local Officials Celebrate Governor Signing PA 312 Reforms
League staff and local officials watched as Gov. Snyder signed into law the Public Act 312 reforms to help locals maximize public safety resources without jeopardizing collective bargaining rights for police and firefighters. Read more.

Economic Vitality Incentive Program Guide and Dashboard Requirements
Click here for a PDF of the Economic Vitality Incentive Program Citizens Guide and Dashboard Requirements. It explains the first of the program's three components, to qualify for one third of the funds attached to the revamped statutory revenue sharing program. This first component is due Oct. 1, 2011. Read more.

MAP-21 Federal Transportation Funding Proposal Introduced
With a Sept. 30 deadline looming for a federal transportation authorization extension, Sen. Barbara Boxer announced a $104 billion proposal to maintain baseline funding & programs over the next two years. It needs $12 billion in additional funding to work. Read more.

"Michigan Matters" Shows why 21c3 Placemaking Really Works
Click here to watch videos on WWJ-TV Detroit on what draws businesses and people to a particular place. It's exactly what "placemaking" based on the 21c3 principles is all about.

List of Federal Grant Opportunities Available for Local Governments
"Reconnecting America" has compiled a list of federal grant programs and deadlines. Read more.

Citizens Research Council of Michigan on Fiscal Challenges
The CRC's annual meeting is 10:30-2:00 pm Sept. 16 at the Detroit Athletic Club with a keynote address by the League's Dan Gilmartin. The focus is on the fiscal challenges facing cities. Click here to learn more.

MI Cities Ranked in Walkability Rankings Published by Walk Score
Read about Walk Score's 2011 walkability rankings for 2500 cities across the country. See how Michigan cities ranked. Physical design and walkability are key assets of 21st century communities, and an important element in making the kinds of places that people want to live and work. Placemaking is a central theme at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Click here for speaker info. Click here for the Convention flyer. Register now!

Placemaking: "Third Places" Are Good For Rural Communities Too!
Placemaking isn't just for urban areas. Read how "third places" - the coffee shops, restaurants, clubs, etc. where people meet outside their homes - help create a sense of place in rural communities too. Placemaking is a central theme at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Click here for speaker info. Click here for the Convention flyer. Register now!

Strong Waterfront Communities Enchance Michigan's Economy
Waterfront communities play a critical role in Michigan's economic vitality. Read Dan Gilmartin's new blog Economics of Place to find out why. Join the conversation!

Webinar: How Local Governments are Using Social Media Tools
This League webinar will take you beyond the basics of social media, and show you how the state's cities, villages and urban townships are - or should be - using it. Learn more and register. Webinar is 12:30-1:30 pm Sept 27.

Find Your Community in the League Convention's New Music Video
Can you find your city or town in the Michigan Municipal League's new music video? League staff travelled all across Michigan to capture images of local communities, then set the names and images to our own Michigan version of Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere." It will also be up on the big screen for everyone to see during the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. It's just some what's in store for Convention-goers. Check it out!

Complete Streets Campaign: Shrink Michigan Avenue to Boost Detroit
Street size should fit the scale of the neighborhood. Read Dan Gilmartin's new blog Economics of Place to find out why this seven-lane transit desert needs to change to reinventDetroit's Corktown itself as a vibrant, hip neighborhood. Watch a video on how you can help shrink Michigan Avenue. Join the conversation

Sirolli Entrepreneur Training Available to Grow New Enterprises
The League will offer a three-day training session with Ernesto Sirolli for local officials on how to retain, attract and coach entrepreneurs Sept 7-9 at the League Capitol Office in Lansing.  Learn more. Sirolli will also be a featured presenter at the League's Annual Convention from Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Register now.

National League of Cities to Celebrate City Showcase Program
The National League of Cities 2011 City Showcase program is a chance for Michigan communities to get a national spotlight on innovative practices and programs. Click here to apply by July 31. The City Showcase takes place during the NLC's Congress of Cities and Exposition in Phoenix, Nov 9-12. Read more.

Placemaking Featured at League Convention
After placing Detroit on top of its "America's Most Miserable Cities" list three years ago, Forbes has this month put the turn-around city on the magazine cover as one of the Best Places for Doing Business, calling it "a land of opportunity." Read more. It's a great example of how placemaking can transform a city's image by building on the assets of 21st Century Communities. Cities like Ferndale are also reinventing themselves through placemaking efforts. Placemaking will be the central theme at the League's Annual Convention, Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Click here for speaker info. Click here for the Convention flyer. Click here to register.

Michigan Communities Score PA 312 Reform & Other Victories in Lansing!
Michigan communities will benefit greatly by several recent legislative victories. Read more. These successes come on the heels of one of the biggest victories for Michigan communities: PA 312 reforms to help local governments maximize public safety resources without jeopardizing collective bargaining rights for police and firefighters. Read an Observer & Eccentric story praising the reforms. Read the League press release on PA 312 reform.

Michigan Communities Score PA 312 Reform & Other Victories in Lansing!
Michigan communities will benefit greatly by several bills that have now moved through the legislative process, including an amendment to the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), an opt-out provision to a health care reform bill and increase funding for revenue sharing. Also moving ahead is a new redevelopment tool to help downtowns and business districts with vacant or burned out properties. Click here to read the League's press release. These successes come on the heels of one of the biggest victories for Michigan communities: the passage of PA 312 reforms to help local governments maximize public safety resources without jeopardizing collective bargaining rights for police and firefighters. Read an Observer & Eccentric story praising the reforms. Read the League press release on PA 312 reform.

Brooklyn GLV to Become Music Destination with First "MI Fest"
Brooklyn has long been a destination for auto race fans but now MI Fest on the grounds of Michigan International Speedway will host a new annual music festival Sept. 16-18, a celebration of local rock heritage featuring former Detroiter Jack White. Read more. It's another innovative example of placemaking through the use of arts and culture in economic development, a key asset of successful and vibrant 21st century communities.

MDOT Communication on 2012 Construction Specifications
The League has received a communication from the Michigan Department of Transportation regarding MDOT’s 2012 Standard Specifications for Construction. Click here to read the communication.

Southeast MI Communities Ban Text, Email by Lawmakers at Meetings
Leaders in Royal Oak and Sterling Heights want to promote transparency and integrity at public meetings by banning local lawmakers from emailing, blogging, texting or otherwise electronically communicating during public meetings. Read more. To read more about ways to use messaging and technology beneficially, click here.

PA 312 Reform a Victory for Michigan Taxpayers & Public Safety Workers
The state legislature approved PA 312 reforms that will help local governments maximize public safety resources without jeopardizing collective bargaining rights for police and firefighters. The League has worked long and hard for these reforms, which League Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin calls a common sense reform that will "add fiscal sanity to the arbitration process." Read the League press release. The bill is now headed to the governor's desk for signing. Click here for a Grand Rapids Press news story in which Kentwood Mayor Richard Root lauds passage of the bill. Read a GRP editorial on why the changes are good for taxpayers. Read an Observer & Eccentric story praising the reforms.

Michigan Attorney General Issues First Opinion on Medical Marijuana
Read about Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's formal opinion on medical marijuana. The law will be a topic at the League’s annual Convention Oct. 4-7 during ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. Click here to read about the Senate Committee moving forward two bills to amend the law. The League encourages members to check with their local city or village attorney regarding the application of the AG opinion to their community.

Woodward Light-Rail Project Surges Ahead with Final Route Announced
Light rail in Detroit is taking a big step forward after the city and federal governments signed off on a final route for the service that would run from the Rosa Parks Transit Center through downtown and north along Woodward to the State Fairgrounds. Read more.

"Cool" Factor Lures Young & Artsy With Detroit's Gritty Urban Appeal
The Detroit News says placemaking efforts are changing the city's image and drawing youthful energy. Read Dan Gilmartin's Review editorial on why placemaking matters in Michigan. Read a Review article on Ferndale's similar transformation.

League Welcomes New Legislative Associate to the Capital Office Staff
The League has hired Jason Mancini of Livonia to lobby and provide policy development on issues concerning transportation and municipal infrastructure. Read more.

Does Sprawl Bring Happiness? The Civic and Moral Cost of Suburbia
Click here to read an insightful review of "Sprawl, Justice, and Citizenship: The Civic Costs of the American Way of Life." It presents a powerful argument for revitalizing our urban centers to promote social equality and protect the environment .

June 2011

Global Gridlock: Video Shows Why Better Mass Transit is Necessary
Watch a video of Ford's Bill Ford on crowded roads, CO2 emissions, and the unsustainable use of resources for transportation. It shows why mass transit is crucial to the world's future. Read why transit is a key asset of 21st century communities. Meanwhile, Amtrak privatization discussions have raised national concerns about the system's fate. Read more.

Public Act 312 Reform Bill Passes Michigan House, Heads to Senate
The Michigan House of Representatives has approved a bill to reform binding arbitration for police and firefighters now under Public Act 312. HB 4522 now heads to the Senate. The Michigan Municipal League has for years fought for changes to PA 312, which was adopted in 1969. HB 4522 makes several changes to PA 312 including defining ability to pay and making it the top factor for an arbitrator to consider. It also speeds up timelines and moves up the last best offer. Read a blog post on this by the League's Samantha Harkins. On June 28 the House Local Government Committee reported a number of labor reform bills. Legislative break starts Friday so the House is expected to deal with SB 8, SBs 485-492 and SB 493 on the House floor this week. Read more.

Ecorse Wins $20,000 Grant to Help Fund "Envision Ecorse" Project
Ecorse has obtained a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to help fund Envision Ecorse, an asset-centered community visioning project.  Joe VanderMeulen of LIAA will lead the project and help create a strategic plan to leverage those assets and spark economic development. 

Tree Planting Grant Opportunity for Municipalities and Public Entities
The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance has created the Go Green Youth Challenge to engage youth in a statewide tree planting effort. Local units of government, nonprofit organizations and other public entities can apply for the grants. Applications are due by Aug. 19. Learn more.

Grand Vision: Village of Buckley Project to Create Sense of Place
An M-37 road project will improve the safety and walkability of the Buckley community and help create a sense of place. Click here to learn more about the Grand Vision. Click here to learn how to use the same 21c3 strategies and tools to become a more vibrant place.

Medical Marijuana Bills Move Forward; Issue Also at Convention
A Senate Committee has moved forward two bills that amend the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. This law has caused many challenges for Michigan communities and the issue will be one topic discussed at the League’s annual Convention, to be held Oct. 4-7 during ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. Read more.

Revenue Sharing Cuts Impacting Public Safety in Michigan Cities
Click here to read a Michigan Messenger story that reports on how deep cuts to state-funded local revenue sharing have forced local communities to make major cuts to police and public safety programs, fueling a boost in violent crime in some cities. Click here for the League's Revenue Sharing/EVIP resource page or click on the Resource Page image on the right sidebar.

Nielsen: Van Buren Communities Look to Share More Services
Leaders in Paw Paw are considering a study on shared services possibilities. They’ll be applying for funding through the Shared Public Services Initiative, a program administered by the League Foundation. To listen to the radio interview with Paw Paw Village Manager Larry Nielsen, a League board member, click here.

Food Truck Culture Spreads to Lansing, East Lansing Streets
Last week the 21c3 blog talked about the arrival of street food in Ann Arbor. Now Lansing and East Lansing are joining the trend that is enhancing quality of life and creating a more vibrant sense of place in cities across the nation. Read more.

Listen to League's Sean Mann in Web Chat on Transit in Detroit
Replay the web chat that took place at noon Tuesday on the Detroit Free Press website as Sean Mann of the Michigan Municipal League and Let's Save Michigan talks about the future and challenges of transit in Detroit.

League's Director, NLC Take Local Priority Issues to Washington DC
The League's Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin and the NLC Board of Directors were in Wa DC last week to lobby on behalf of local priority issues, including reauthorization of federal transportation dollars, Community Development Block Grand funding and comprehensive immigration reform. Read more.

Alpena Editorial: Shafto's Passion Will Be Tough to FollowRead an Alpena News editorial applauding the accomplishments of Alpena Mayor and League Board President Carol Shafto, who announced last week she would retire from politics at the end of the year.

Emergency Management Webinar on Wednesday - FREE to Members!
It's crucial that local leaders understand the important changes and triggers of the new emergency management process. Don't forget the League's Emergency Management Webinar at 12:30 pm Wednesday, June 15. The 1-hour webinar is FREE to members! Register now!

ArtPrize, Lip Dub Video Show Art's Power to Inspire and Transform
Watch a video on ArtPrize, one of Grand Rapids' most defining characteristics. Read a story calling it "the perfect lesson for coping successfully with a failing economy." The League's Annual Convention is Oct. 4-7 during the final week of ArtPrize. Click here to register now! The Grand Rapids' lip dub video has topped 3 million hits. Read about Rob Bliss, who created the video.

$13.9 Million to Revitalize Pontiac Downtown and Neighborhoods
The city could soon see a resurgence as state, county and city officials prepare to spend $13.9 million awarded to Pontiac by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program to revitalize the downtown and selected neighborhoods. Read more.

Federal Money To Bring New Life to Polluted Sites in MI Communities
Lansing and Northville are among seven Michigan communities to receive federal grants to clean up and redevelop polluted sites to help make them cleaner, healthier and more prosperous places to live and work. Read more.

Green Tax Exemption Proposed for Clean Energy Devices in HomesNew legislation may encourage the use of small-scale clean energy devices such as solar panels and small wind turbines by exempting them from property taxes. Read more.

Task Force on Mass Transit Vision for Woodward Avenue's Linear City
Berkley, Birmingham, Ferndale, Huntington Woods and Royal Oak are part of a task force working on a mass transit vision for the Woodward Avenue corridor. Read more. To read about transit as one of the key assets of the League's 21c3 initiative, click here.

Medical Marijuana Focus of State Bar's Mackinac Policy Conference
The State Bar of Michigan's Criminal Law Section will focus on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act for its Bienniel Mackinac Policy Conference, June 17-19 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Both attorneys and municipal officials are invited to examine the issues and consider a policy statement to guide future action. Click here for details. The $75 registration covers a member and guest for all conference events. Special hotel rates!

Michigan Municipal League Named Among MIRS Lobbying Survey's Best
The League’s Lansing team was recognized among the top lobbying organizations in the state in the 2011 MIRS/EPIC-MRA Insider Survey. With hundreds of associations in Lansing, just being mentioned in this survey shows the growing credibility the League’s outstanding lobbying team has in Lansing. Read more.

Alpena Mayor, League Board President to Retire End of December
Alpena Mayor and League Board President Carol Shafto issued a press release on June 7 announcing that she will retire from politics at the end of December, coinciding with the ends of her terms as mayor and League board president. Click here to read the press release. The League applauds Shafto for her many years of dedicated civic involvement, and looks forward to her leadership throughout the remainder of her term in office.

Grand Rapids Lip Dub Video to Promote City Nears 3 Million Views
The Grand Rapids' lip dub video has had nearly 3 million hits on You Tube. Like Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" commercial, it's an incredible example of how Michigan cities can reinvent themselves. The video was a response to a Newsweek report listing Grand Rapids among America's "dying cities." Read about Rob Bliss, the 22-year-old GR whiz kid who created the video. See all that's great about Grand Rapids during the League's Annual Convention. Register now!

League Working to Save Off-System Bridge Program in Jeopardy
Federal law requires states to spend 15% of their federal bridge funding on bridges not on the federal aid system- almost 50% of the nation's bridges. A proposed budget shift could jeopardize the program. Read more.

New Revenue Sharing Program Set; Details Available on EVIP Payment
Click here to read details on the new Economic Vitality Incentive Program for statutory revenue sharing.

Hazel Park Concert Series Hopes to Draw Artists and Art to City
Artists and musicians are raising money to establish the Hazel Park Arts Council for everything from art gardens and fairs to mural projects. It's a great example of how grassroots civic organizations can work with municipalities to create a vibrant community. Read more.

GM Exec Reuss Strong on Corporate Responsibility to Communities
GM Executive Mark Reuss used strong words to talk about GM's responsibility as a corporate citizen of Detroit and Michigan during the recent Mackinac Policy Conference. Read more.

Clare Cops & Doughnuts Wins Community Excellence for Region 4
An entrepreneurial collaboration of Clare police officers won the League’s Region 4 Community Excellence Award on June 1 in Saginaw and now Clare has the chance to win the statewide CEA honor. To read media coverage of CEA winners, click here. The 2011 Annual Convention registration is now open! Click here for Early Bird registration.

Food Courtyard Brings Street Food Culture to Downtown Ann Arbor
An outdoor food cart courtyard is now open behind Downtown Home & Garden in Ann Arbor. Several entrepreneurs have opened up shop there, with offerings including Indian, Asian and vegetarian items. The street food concept is a booming trend in progressive cities across the nation, helping to create a vibrant sense of place in walkable urban areas. Read more. To read a news story on the start of the food court, click here. To read about Ann Arbor named among 11 most walk-friendly communities, click here. To read a 1st-person peek at the street food experience, click here.

Ten Counties in Pure North Michigan 1,000 Nights Coalition Campaign
Communities in ten counties of Northern Michigan are using the League's 1,000 Nights concept in a big way, with a Pure North Michigan campaign to promote "1,000 Nights" of events and activities in the region, as a way to encourage young people to plan for a future in Michigan. The counties include Alcona, Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Isabella, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon. Click here for the Pure North Michigan blog.

Alpena Mayor Names June Scleroderma Awareness Month
Alpena Mayor and League Board President Carol Shafto has declared June Scleroderma Awareness Month in her city. Read more.

Marquette Waterfront Safety Wins Region 7 Community Excellence
A comprehensive waterfront safety initiative from Marquette won the League’s Region 7 Community Excellence Award on May 27 and now Marquette has the chance to win the statewide CEA honor. Assistant City Manager and CEA presenter Karl Zueger says, “As Michigan transitions largely from an industrial to recreational coastline, Marquette’s goal as a 21st Century Community is to create a safe and enjoyable Great Lakes experience.” The League’s Region 7 covers Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in its entirety. Read more. To read media coverage of CEA winners, click here. Convention Registration is now open! Click here to register.

Ann Arbor Named Among Eleven Most Walk-Friendly Communities
Ann Arbor was recently named one of the nation's 11 most walk-friendly cities by the Pedestrian Bicycle Information Center.  According to the city's transportation program manager, 15.6% of Ann Arbor residents now walk to work.  The results from a 2005 survey show that this rate is over 6 times of just under the national average of 2.5%.  You can read the full article here. 

May 2011

Center for Michigan E-Reports on Citizen Support for Local Taxes
Click here for the latest e-newsletters from the Center for Michigan on the latest statewide citizen reaction to the year's big changes in Lansing, and trends in voter support for local taxes.

Radio Show: Why Transit Matters to Michigan's Future Prosperity
The Prosperity Agenda radio show aired May 25 on News/Talk 760 WJR. We talked to experts from across the state about the recent Obama administration announcement that Michigan will get $200 million to upgrade rail lines and even more money to pay for modern train engine and passenger cars, and the potential economic benefits to Michigan cities. Click here to listen

"Uncork Paw Paw" Wins Region 2 Community Excellence Award
Paw Paw's media-savvy placemaking campaign to build on its assets as a wine country destination won the Region 2 CEA on May 20. It's another great example of placemaking working hand-in-hand with cultural economic development. Click here to read more. The League's 2011 Tour continues in Houghton May 26-27 for Region 7. To read media coverage of CEA winners, click here.

Grand Rapids Lip-Dub Promo Video Premieres to Celebrate City
Read the mlive.com story on how Grand Rapids brought out the community to participate in a city-wide lip-dub video that showcased the city's assets and featured about 3,000 residents from high school athletes to local TV personalities. Click here to watch a trailer for the Grand Rapids Lip-Dub video of "American Pie." Grands Rapids is the site for the League's 2011 Annual Convention.

Victory for Revenue Sharing and Historic/Brownfield Funding!
Gov. Rick Snyder and House and Senate leadership announced the final budget deal for the 2011-2012 fiscal year on May 19. Of the extra $310 million available due to updated revenue estimates, the League secured about $65 million for our members in the form of revenue sharing, "Economic Vitality Incentive" grants and brownfield and historic credit replacement. This is a great victory for Michigan communities! Read more on Inside 208. Read a Detroit Free Press article with comments from the League's Summer Minnick. Click here to read the press release.

DEQ Seeks Input on Costs from Scrap Tire Dumping to Municipalities
The League is a member of the Scrap Tire Advisory Committee Meeting (STAC) created by the DEQ Solid Waste Management Unit. STAC is discussing potential amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add more stringent requirements for scrap tires haulers that could help communities save money by cutting down on illegal dumping of scrap tires. Please click here to respond to the survey. Deadline for responses is May 27.

Monroe's River Raisin National Battlefield Park Wins State Award
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network's 2011 Cultural Landscape Award was presented to the Monroe County Historical Society, River Raisin National Battlefield Park, and River Raisin Heritage Trail on May 20. The prestigious statewide award honors outstanding cultural landscape preservation projects completed in the last three years.The War of 1812 battlefield became part of the National Park System in October 2010. Monroe also won last year's 2010 Region 1 Community Excellence Award for the project, which transformed an entryway of the city from a blighted, industrial site into an historic park - a great example of cultural economic development, by creating a sense of place based on a unique aspect of the city's cultural and historic heritage. Congratulations, Monroe!

Old Town Lansing Receives 2011 Great American Main Street Award
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced that Old Town Lansing is a recipient of the 2011 Great American Main Street Award. The award recognizes Old Town for following the Main Street Four-Point Approach, embracing sound historic preservation ethics and building strategic partnerships.  Last year, Ferndale was named as a recipient. Click here to read more. Click here to read a CBS news story about  American cities on the rebound as people return from the suburbs for a more vibrant quality of life.

Saline Signs on to Statewide Entrepreneurship Program
Saline has partnered with the Michigan Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs (MORE) program, which the city learned about at the League's 2010 Annual Convention. Click here to read more. Click here for a sneak peek at all the educational and networking opportunities we're putting together for the 2011 Convention.

Imagining Detroit: NY Times Looks at City's Alternative Future
Read NY Times columnist Mark Bittman's inspiring take on Detroit's future, which focuses on what Bittman saw during a recent city tour including urban agriculture, multiculturalism and food-based entrepreneurship.

Study Shows $2 Trillion Needed to Rebuild Aging US Infrastructure
The Washington Post reports on an Urban Land Institute study showing the US is "falling dramatically behind much of the world in rebuilding and expanding an overloaded and deteriorating transportation network it needs to remain competitive in the global marketplace." This reaffirms the League's ongoing efforts to reinvent the way Michigan approaches transit, a key element in creating sustainable, vibrant communities as outlined by the 21c3 initiative. Read about a report linking transit with jobs.

Dan Kildee: Strong Cities, Land Use Policies Key to Nation's Future
Read a Mott Foundation interview with Dan Kildee, co-founder and president of the Center for Community Progress, on the issue of abandoned urban properties and the need for urban redevelopment to strengthen our cities.

Deadline Extended for MDOT 2014 Bridge Program Applications
MDOT has extended the application deadline to 3 pm May 20 for the 2014 Call for Bridge Projects. Click here to go to the MDOT website to access details on this important program.

Burton Seeks Energy Grant for LED Lighting for Municipal Buildings
Burton officials are seeking a state energy grant they learned about at a League event. The new LED lighting would save taxpayers money by cutting energy costs to light the city's governmental buildings. Read more.

Michigan Association of Mayors Capitol Reception Registration Open
Register today for the Michigan Association of Mayors Capitol Reception on Thursday, May 19 from 11 am to 1 pm in Lansing at the State Capitol. Discuss your community's concerns with your legislators and network with colleagues. Read more.

Project for Public Spaces: Michigan Leads the Way in Placemaking
An article on the Project for Public Spaces website cites examples including the revitalization of Detroit's Eastern Market and the Grand Traverse Bay Region in a discussion on how Michigan is leading the way in the nation for the concept of placemaking as a key to economy and community development. Click here to read more. Click here to learn more about the League's Center for 21st Century Communities.

Michigan Voters Show Willingness to Pay More for Valued Services
From the Public News Service: Many politicians insist that constituents want lower taxes, but results from recent millage votes across Michigan paint a different picture. This trend comes at a time when state government is continuing to cut funding for communities. Read more. For the statewide millage results click here.

Local Governments Share a Challenge in Sharing Services
The League's Arnold Weinfeld explains the challenges facing local governments in sharing services. Click here to read the Center for Michigan article.

Count Questions on US 2010 Census to be Accepted Starting June 1
The Census Bureau has established the Count Question Resolution process to allow elected officials to challenge their jurisdiction’s 2010 Census count. It will accept challenge submissions from governmental units starting June 1, 2011. All challenges must be received by the Census Bureau no later than June 1, 2013. Click here to read an Inside 208 blog on Michigan's census profile. Click here for the League's resource page with more information.

Ludington Sparks Article on How Culture Can Help Local Economy
The Ludington Daily News wrote about a presentation by the Ludington Cultural Economic Development Task Force during the Region 3 Education Seminar on May 11. The event also spotlighted three great Community Excellence Award entries. A winter event that has given an economic boost to Ludington won the Region 3 CEA. Ludington now has a chance to win the statewide CEA in the League’s “Race for the Cup.” Read more about this peer-selected “Race for the Cup” contest that recognizes outstanding community services, projects and programs. Also in the running were Kentwood’s new city library, presented by Kentwood Mayor Richard Root and Kentwood Deputy Library Director Jim Dewald Jr.; and Reed City’s collaboration in economic development initiatives with the surrounding township, presented by Reed City Manager Ron Marek. Read the Tour blog.

Free Webinar Series on Re-sizing Michigan Communities
The Center for Community and Economic Development at Michigan State University is hosting a series of free webinars starting May 17 to explore issues impacting communities with declining populations and density. Topics will include land use, infrastructure and use of limited resources. Read more.

Utica-Monroe Hold Mayor Exchange, Honor City Employees, Others
Utica's Heritage Luncheon was held on May 10 during the mayor exchange with Monroe. League Executive Director Dan Gilmartin was honored for the League's assistance in improving city services at the event which honored many city employees and volunteers. Read more on Patch. For the Advisor & Source article, click here.

2011 IGNITE Youth Business Plan Winners Announced in Lansing
The Prima Civitas Foundation has announced the winners of its 2011 IGNITE competition for student entrepreneurs. This year's entrants included everything from handmade sweets and dog walking services to alternative fuel engines and recycling. It's a great example of encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship in the next generation. Read more.

Michigan Receives $200 Million in Additional High-Speed Rail Funds
Read the Inside 208 blog post on additional federal funds awarded to Michigan for high speed rail. Click here for the Transportation for America press release. The grant requires no state matching funds. It will help purchase track, upgrade rail infrastructure and separate passenger and freight trains, reducing the Detroit-Chicago run by one hour. Click here for the 21c3 resource page on transit.

Wyandotte Homeowners Get Chance at Geothermal Energy
Wyandotte is creating what could be one of the first geothermal public utilities in the nation. The city is part of the Green Communities Challenge.

Hamtramck Hosts Region 1 Meeting; Southfield Wins Region 1 CEA
Southeast Michigan officials gathered in Hamtramck on May 6 for the second stop on the League's 2011 Tour en route to the Annual Convention Oct. 4-7. Southfield's Field Zone Youth Center won the Region 1 Community Excellence Award. Other great entries were Brighton's downtown development project, Farmington Hills' Gold LEED-certified city hall and Sterling Heights' collaborative success with a local assembly plant. Sign up today for the tour stop near your community. Click here for updated news on the Tour blog. On Twitter at #mmltour.

House Passes Omnibus Budget - Discussion Continues for Changes
Click here to read the League's latest Inside 208 blog post after the House passed the omnibus budget for all general fund departments except education. League staff is continuing to work on significant changes before final decisions are made. Click here to read a Detroit Free Press guest commentary about how the budget plan would drastically reduce development and investment dollars coming into existing communities and downtowns, while any replacement fund would mean greater state government influence and less local control. Click here for the League's resource page on the governor's plan.

Help a Community Flourish: Vote Online for a Local Orchard Project
Edy's Fruit Bars is sponsoring an online competition for neighborhood groups to receive a free fruit orchard. Michigan has four entrants: Flint's Youth Karate-Ka Assn (guest speakers at the League's 2010 Convention); Kimberly Royal Memorial Garden in Pontiac; Growing Hope in Ypsilanti; and Edible Avalon in Ann Arbor. Click here to vote for one every day until May 31.

Kayla Stanford 5K Run/Walk to Help Prevent Cardiac Death in Youth
Family and friends of the League's Kelly Warren are hosting a 5K fundraiser at Ypsilanti High School on May 7 to raise awareness of cardiac deaths in youth and to purchase AEDs for schools. Click here to read the Ann Arbor Journal story. Click here to go to the Kayla Foundation website and find out how you can help the ongoing cause.

Four Unique CEA Entries Shine at League Tour Kick-Off in Kalkaska
West Branch won the Region 6 Community Excellence Award for its "Fabulous Fridays" program and is now in the running for the statewide CEA. But every CEA entry was an impressive example of community excellence. Hillman offered its "Extreme Makeover" bridge and street reconstruction project. Rogers City talked about its $7.6 million water and sewer project. Petoskey presented its improvement plan for the Bear River Recreation Area.

Grand Rapids Voters Pass Transit Millage for The Rapid Bus System
Mass transit got a boost in Grand Rapids on Tuesday after voters approved a millage increase to "The Rapid" bus system. It's the kind of progressive transportation model discussed in the League's 21c3 initiative. Read more.

Two New Federal Energy Grant Opportunities for Local Governments
Local governments are eligible for two new federal grants. The US EPA will fund feasibility studies for renewable energy developments on brownfields or other contaminated properties. The Department of Agriculture is offering grants and loans to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Read more.

Wakefield Councilman Dick Bolen Joins League Board of Trustees
The League Board of Trustees welcomes four-term Wakefield Councilmember Dick Bolen to the 19-member Board. Bolen will serve on the board until October 2011. As a councilmember, Bolen served his first three terms as mayor beginning in 2004, and has represented his city on various authorities and commissions. Read the press release.

WILX: Two Years In, and There is Still Medical Marijuana Confusion
The WILX news team was at the League's Capital Conference in Lansing in April, where they spoke with League members and guest speakers from the panel on medical marijuana. Read the story. Click here for the League resource page on medical marijuana.

Help Needed to Save Historic and Brownfield Funding for Locals
The League's Andy Schor spoke with WDET 101.9 FM radio show host Craig Fahle on April 26 about the importance of preserving funding for historic preservation and brownfield redevelopment. Click here to listen to the show. A Lansing State Journal article reports that "urban development experts and local officials are quietly trying to preserve key elements of what they consider the most important economic program for rebuilding Michigan's struggling cities." Read the League press release. Click here for a sample resolution calling on the legislature to retain the brownfield and historic tax credits. Click here for the issue advisory and a link to sample letters.

PCLS/MAMA Summer Education Conference June 24-25 on Mackinac
Speakers include Ann Arbor City Administrator Roger Fraser ( the new deputy state treasurer for local government services), Justice Mary Beth Kelly and Judge Douglas B. Shapiro. Click here to register.

New Transportation Report Reveals Poor Road Conditions in Michigan
Nearly three times as many federal aid roads in Michigan are in poor condition than there were seven years ago, according to the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council. Click here for the TAMC press release. Click here for a full list of TAMC reports.

Governor's Tax Plan and Lost Revenue Sharing Discussed on TV
The League's Arnold Weinfeld, State Rep. Mark Meadows and tax attorney Paul Joseph were on HOM-TV on April 21 to discuss whether Governor Rick Snyder's plan to cut business taxes is fair to Michigan citizens. Click here to watch the April 21 show. Click here for details on revenue sharing language. Click here for the League's resource page.

April 2011

Help Needed to Save Brownfield Credits for Urban Development
The proposed reduced appropriation dollars for brownfield and historic credits could seriously undermine one of the strongest job-creating tools available to local governments. The League needs members to send letters to their local legislators urging them to either greatly increase the funding for the Business Attraction and Economic Gardening Fund (HB 4526 or SB 177) or to add credits for Brownfield and Historic Preservation into HB 4361 (the new corporate income tax bill). Click here for the issue advisory and a link to sample letters. For a sample resolution calling on the legislature to retain the brownfield and historic tax credits, click here.

Prosperity Agenda Explores Why Place Matters to Michigan's Future
Listen at 7 pm April 27 on News/Talk 760 WJR when League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin talks about the importance of placemaking with guests Gary Heidel of MSHDA, author Peter Kageyama, Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institute and Susan Mosey of the University Cultural Center Association in Detroit. Click here for more.

Tell a Friend about the Michigan Municipal League's 2011 Tour!
Have you checked out the League's new website for the 2011 Tour? That's what we're calling the events leading up to the Annual Convention Oct. 4-7 in Grand Rapids. Click here to be one of the first to visit the 2011 Tour site. If you're as impressed as we think you'll be, please help spread the word by clicking "Tell a Friend" up in the Tour home page's top right corner - it will let you send an automated e-mail message to anyone you think might be interested in taking a look. And while you're on the Tour site, make sure to check out the Regional Seminars page and the updated information for this year's Community Excellence Award. We've made important changes to the process that we think you'll like!

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Their Revenue Sharing Plan
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the General Government budget, SB 177, which contains revenue sharing for local communities. Like the House, the Senate included a specific plan for a new statutory revenue sharing program, based on Governor Snyder’s proposal, which provides for a new “Economic Vitality Incentive Program” that appropriates $195 million to communities who meet three main criteria. Read more.

FREE IBM Cloud Collaboration Webinar Going on Today
The League has been working with IBM on a number of initiatives including Lotus Live, a cloud based, collaboration tool that allows users to share information and work on topics more efficiently. IBM is hosting a FREE webinar at 11 am on April 26 to discuss how the Lotus Live cloud-based collaboration tool can help municipal organizations be more productive and effective. Read more.

Racing for the Cup Now Easier to Show Your Community's Excellence!
Are you ready to present your bid for the 2011 Community Excellence Award at your Regional Education Seminar? This year we're starting the transition to a less formal "elevator pitch" style presentation for initial entries at the Regional level. This should make the competition more accessible and easier without a lot of time, expense and expertise required. The seven region finalists will go on to the final round at the League's Annual Convention. That's where you'll get to pull out all the stops for the kind of high-quality, entertaining production that's become such a highlight of convention. But giving a short presentation at your regional meeting is the ONLY way to enter! Of course, if you've already prepared a full presentation, you can still show it. Read more.

Citizens Research Council Releases Analysis of Public Act 4 of 2011
To allow for a more robust response to the current fiscal crisis, the state repealed PA 72 and replaced it with PA 4 of 2011, the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act. The Citizens Research Council of Michigan has just released an analysis of this Act. Read more.

Brownfield, Historic Dollars Cut 50% With Credits Still Eliminated
The House General Government Sub-Committee cut the amount appropriated for Brownfields and Historic credits in half when they passed HB 4274. The Governor has called for the end of all tax credits.  In exchange, he has said that the dollars would be appropriated to go to these projects. He proposed $50 million, but the sub-committee voted last week to cut the appropriation for the Business Attraction and Economic Gardening Fund by 50% to $25 million. Read more. 

Governor's Tax Plan To Be Discussed on Call-In Show April 21
The League's Arnold Weinfeld, State Rep. Mark Meadows and tax attorney Paul Joseph will be the guests on a live call-in cable show from HOM-TV in Meridian Twp. at 7-8 pm April 21 to discuss the governor's tax plan. Call-in: 517-349-1212. Click here for HOM-TV's live video player. Click here for details on revenue sharing language.

House Committee Passes Specific Language on Revenue Sharing
Last week the House General Government Subcommittee on Appropriations unveiled their specific plan for a new statutory revenue sharing program, based on Governor Snyder’s proposal. The committee voted to pass HB 4274 on a party-line vote. Click here to read more.

Senate Introduces One-Time Tax Collection Legislation
Last week, Senators Hildenbrand and Proos introduced legislation that would allow local governments to move up some of their their tax collections to July. The League has long supported one time tax collection as a means to realize more efficiencies. Read more.

National "Fix it First" Transportation Campaign is Now Underway
One of the League's national partners in transportation advocacy, "Transportation For America," has begun a new campaign designed to raise awareness on the need for a long-term solution to our country's transportation infrastructure problems. Read more.

Register Now for Parliamentary Procedure Workshop on April 20
Do your meetings run smoothly? Is your council or board debating issues until late into the night? Professional parliamentarian Coco Siewert will provide a guide to basic principles and objectives including charters, amendments, motions, debate, public hearings, voting requirements, and agendas. Register now!

Sample Resolution Now Available for Brownfield/Historic Credits
The Adrian DDA passed a resolution that calls on the Legislature to retain the Brownfield and Historic Tax Credits in the new tax plan. Download the sample resolution. Read more.

Foreclosure Bills Considered - May Cost Communities More
The House Banking Committee took more testimony on legislation dealing with foreclosure. The League does not have an official opinion on this legislation, but is part of the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force which is against HB 4544.  The committee is expected to meet again and vote on the legislation in May. Read more.

Federal Budget Deal Particulars Emerge on Program Cuts
Details are starting to become available on the deal that was struck late last week between Congressional leaders and the President on finalizing the FY 2011 federal budget.  I thought I would take this opportunity to provide you with some preliminary information on the cuts being made to programs of importance to communities. The agreement cuts $39.9 bi8llion, a $78.5 billion overall decrease from the President's original 2011 budget request.  Read more.

Transportation Initiatives, Coalitions On the Move to Strengthen Michigan
The League is part of a new coalition to enable better transportation options and upkeep for existing roads & bridges. MDOT has applied for more high-speed rail funds. The NLC and NARC are seeking input from city officials on barriers to federal transportation projects.

Regional Seminars Start May 4: Show Your Community's Excellence!
Are you ready to present your bid for the 2011 Community Excellence Award at your Regional Education Seminar? The seven region finalists will go on to the final round at the League's Annual Convention. Does your community have an innovative local success story, program, or project? Did it have a positive impact on your community? Could another community adapt this project to meet a similar challenge? if you answered YES, then get ready to tell your region about it in a simple 5-minute talk! Click here to learn more.

New One Pager Fact Sheet on Emergency Manager (EM) Law
Under the new Fiscal Accountability Act, the state may review a local government's finances, and if signs of severe fiscal stress are found, the local unit may negotiate a consent agreement with the state to develop a plan for resolving the stress. Click here for the One Pager Fact Sheet on the Emergency Manager Law.

League 2011 Capital Conference Draws Hundreds to Lansing Center
Hundreds attended the League's 2011 Capital Conference. Read the blog posts. Read a Detroit News story. View photos on Flickr. Read a MIRS story. Read Peter Luke's blog. Watch a WLNS video. Read about the Outstanding Service Award honorees.

Livingston County to Unveil "Advantage Livingston"
Livingston County communities have banded together to put forth a vision for increased and sustainable prosperity in alignment with many of the assets found in the League's 21c3 initiative. Read more.

New League Store Offers WebinarsOn Demand on Many Topics
Want to learn the latest about social media...the Open Meetings and Freedom of Information acts...the basics of local government operations -- in the comfort your own office? The new League Store OnDemand Webinars service offers busy members a convenient option to stay informed and up-to-date on important topics.

League Honors Officials for Outstanding Service
The League honored Kentwood Mayor Rick Root, Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski, the city of Howell, attorney Mike McGee, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation with Outstanding Service Awards at the 2011 Capital Conference. Read more. Click here to read press releases.

Holland's Smart Sidewalks Reuse Heat to Stay Snow-Free
Smartplanet blogged about Holland's underground piping system to keep sidewalks open in winter. Read more.

Great Lakes Water Safety Conference for Coastal Communities
Riptides and other water safety issues are on the agenda for the Great Lakes Water Safety Conference, April 27 in Gaylord. Click here for more information.

Civic Groups Funding Events, Services After Cities Stop
A Detroit Free Press story reports that some nonprofit civic groups are now paying costs that once were on local government budgets, stretching themselves far beyond their original intent. Read more.

SE MI Regional Energy Office Grant Sheds New Light in Hazel Park
Hazel Park has new efficient lighting throughout city buildings thanks to a special energy grant through the Southeast MI Regional Energy Office, a consortium of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, WARM, SEMCOG and the Michigan Municipal League. Read more.

State Needs to Invest in Urban Centers to Stem Population Drops
Mlive columnist Peter Luke discusses the 2010 US Census report showing dramatic population drops in Michigan's urban centers. Iincreased cuts to revenue sharing will only make it more difficult for cities to recover. Read a Crain's Detroit Business article that talks about seeing Detroit's current reality as a framework for building a stronger, more vibrant city, based on 21c3 principles.

Communities Searching for Grants, Gifts to Fill Widening Budget Holes
From the Detroit Free Press: "Communities are scouring state, federal and corporate bulletins for opportunities to fill holes in their shrinking budgets to pay for everything from fruits and vegetables for kids, to cops and firefighters on the street.
State and federal grants, along with gifts from corporations and foundations, are helping many cities pay for everything from essentials, like municipal services and capital building projects, to frills like recycling bins and public art that often are the first things to go in tough budget times." Read the entire article.

Oakland Co. Prosecutor Claims Medical Marijuana is Out of Control
Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper has asked commissioners to educate the public and petition state lawmakers to change Michigan's medical marijuana law. The League continues its education effort with "MI Medical Marijuana Act & Your Community" at Capital Conference. You can still register onsite!

House Passes Urban Cooperation Act Reform on Thursday Afternoon
The House has passed HBs 4309-4312 to reform the Urban Cooperation Act. Read more on how the 1967 UCA has made it difficult for communities and school districts to share services. Click here for what's needed next.

New Report on Michigan Bridges Shows Need for More Resources
Click here for the Transportation for America press release on a new report titled, "The Fix We're in For: The State of Michigan's Bridges" showing that Michigan ranks as the 13th worst nationally in overall condition of the state's bridges.The report shows one out of every eight bridges that motorists in Michigan cross each day have some degree of deteroriation.Click here for a Muskegon Chronicle story. Click here for the Detroit Free story. Read the Inside 208 blog post.

New Resource Page Now Available on Governor's Reform Plan
Gov. Rick Snyder's message on local government reforms has generated a flurry of activity from members, and also has created a fair amount of confusion. We have created a resource page to provide the latest information available. A button has also been added to the right side of the homeage for easy access to the resources.

Communities Prepare for Possible Future Without Brownfield Credit
Many communities are worried how the elimination of brownfield and historic tax credits could impact redevelopment. Click here to read a Macomb Daily story. Click here to read a Flint Journal story. Click here to read about the League's meeting with the DEQ to discuss the issue.

Op Ed: Time for Michigan to Return to Revenue Sharing's Simple Roots
Click here to read Detroit Free Press columnist Ron Dzwonkowski's editorial that explains the backstory of Michigan's revenue sharing process, and how it has been eroded and distorted over the years, cutting funds returned to local governments. He says Snyder's plan would take even more control of the money and fundamentally change the system's original intent. Click here to read the League's most recent press release on the governor's proposed reforms. Click here to read a New York Times article on states passing their budget woes on to their cities.

Emergency Management Law a Hot Topic at Capital Conference
Learn about the key changes and triggers in the new emergency management process under PA 4 of 2011 at Capital Conference, April 5-6 in Lansing. Click here to register. Click here to read more about the emergency management session.

Detroit Outgrows Silicon Valley in Creating New Technology Jobs
Click here to read a Bloomberg story on how the auto industry is bringing a wave of technology jobs to the Detroit area. It's one of the ways communities can ensure a vibrant future, according to the League's 21c3 initiative.

A Plan for "Good Food" and Economic Growth in Michigan
The Michigan Good Food Charter is a widely supported initiative involved in improving Michigan's food system. Click here to read more about it.

League Meets with DEQ Director to Discuss & Plan for Changes Ahead
The League's Andy Schor met with DEQ Director Dan Wyant and other stakeholders to discuss potential changes ahead such as the possible elimination of Brownfield credits and how it will impact clean-ups. Click here to read more.

League Executive Search Results in New City Manager for Menominee
May 2 will mark a new beginning for the city of Menominee as Michael Cramer takes the reins as city manager. Read the EHExtra.com story. Cramer was hired through the League's executive search service.

League Liability/Property Pool Distributes $3M Dividend
The League's member-owned and controlled group self-insurance program voted to return $3 million in member equity to current members of the program who renewed coverage as of January 1 or upon renewal through the remainder of the year. Read more.

Millage Matters: Advice on Successful Campaigns
Are you considering a millage, or have you recently had a millage that was defeated? Roger Martin, of the Martin Waymire public relations firm, will tell you what works and what to avoid. Click here to register for the March 25 seminar in Lansing.

Proposed State Budget Reductions Focus of Prosperity Agenda
Westland Mayor William Wild was one of the guests on the Mar. 23 Prosperity Agenda discussing the potential impacts of the governor's proposed budget cuts on Michigan communities. Westland is the 10th largest municipality in the state of Michigan boasting more than 86,000 residents. Wildl discussed the impact of reductions in state funding on his community and steps they will make to deal with continued lower funding levels in the future. Other guests on the show were AARP Michigan President Eric Schneidewind and Michael Boulus, exec. director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan. Click here to listen to the show.

Submit Questions on Governor's Message on Revenue Sharing
With the Governor’s special message delivery on Monday on local government reforms, we have been receiving multiple questions on the revenue sharing portion of the plan.   We are compiling a list of all the questions we are getting from our members and are going to ship the document off to the Governor’s office at the end of the week to hopefully get a response to each one.  Please submit any questions, with as much detail as possible, to Summer Minnick (sminnick@mml.org) by Friday morning. Click here for the League's press release on the proposed reform plan.

Census Data Now Available
Michigan's 2010 census data is now available. Information is broken down in many different categories and will now be used in the all-important redistricting and apportionment process. While the overall metropolitan areas of Grand Rapids and Traverse City grew, Sterling Heights was the only city over 100,000 in population that also grew. The state's demographics also continue to change with substantial growth in some segments of the population. Read more.

MSU Projects Brighter Outlook for Michigan Tourism Ahead
A Detroit News article reports that Michigan tourism spending is poised to rise an estimated 4 percent this year, according to Michigan State University's annual forecast, presented at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism 2011 in Kalamazoo.

Urban Cooperation Act Reform Passes House Committee
The House Local, Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee has passed HBs 4309-4312. It could help give local units the tools needed to cooperate by removing barriers to service sharing. Read about Ferndale and Hazel Park studying a possible fire consolidation. The study is partly funded by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Shared Services Initiative created last year to assist communities in studying shared service options. Click here to read the League's shared services survey.

MDOT Offers Community Bike Trainings, Walkability Audits
There is still time to register your community to host an MDOT bicycle and pedestrian training program this year. Click here and here to learn how this useful tool can make walkability an asset in your community.

Local Leaders React to Governor's Message on Local Gov Reforms
Gov. Snyder's plan for local government reform has focused media attention on the ongoing discussion in many communities over the concept of consolidation to cut costs through shared services. Read the League's press release on the reform plan. Read the Detroit News coverage of the issue. Read Peter Luke's "State of Change" blog on mlive. Click here to watch video coverage of Snyder's presentation on Monday.

Cash-Strapped Cities Push for Tax Structure Reform for Future Stability
Eastpointe officials plan to urge the Michigan Legislature and governor to re-evaluate and modify the current tax structure to provide for long-term stability of local governments. Read the Detroit Free article.

Michigan Municipal League Leader Talks About Placemaking in Michigan
Watch a YouTube video of the League's Dan Gilmartin speak about placemaking at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Placemaking Summit in Traverse City. Read the Harbor Light newspaper story.

Medical Marijuana Issue Continues To Make Headlines Across State
The medical marijuana issue continues to make headlines across the state through a steady churn of moratoriums, lawsuits and talks about regional ordinances. The League will host another medical marijuana seminar on April 5 during Capital Conference on this complex and controversial topic to help members make informed choices for their communities. Click here to learn more.

Saline's 2011-2012 Strategic Plan Implements 21c3 Strategy
Saline's new strategic plan is centered around many key 21c3 goals and objectives including building a vibrant downtown and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The new plan is slated to go into effect July 2, 2011. Click here to read about the plan.

Survey Shows Downriver Municipalities Sharing Services
This News-Herald article cites the League's shared services survey in talking about collaborative efforts in Lincoln Park and other Downriver communities. The report is a valuable tool in dealing with the Governor's proposed changes to revenue sharing.

Improved Emergency Financial Manager Bill Passes House, Senate
In a MIRS story about the passage of the bill, League CEO Dan Gilmartin is quoted as saying it's "tragically ironic" the bill has passed at a time when the Legislature and Governor are considering revenue sharing cuts that will push more local governments toward fiscal insolvency. Read the League press release.

Local Officials and League Staff in Washington DC For NLC Con
Local officials from across Michigan and League staff are still in Washington, D.C. this week at the National League of Cities annual congressional conference. Board President Carol Shafto, Vice-President Karen Majewski and trustee Susan Rowe joined former board officials and League staffers to work on issues of importance to our members. Click here to watch webcasts of the NLC conference.

Green Communities Project Database Now Online
With the support of the Michigan Bureau of Energy Systems and the Michigan Recovery Office, the League has developed a searchable database of Green Communities Projects in Michigan. Click here to learn more.

Detroit City Council to Skype Public Meetings for Public Comments

Citizens Research Council Discusses Governor's Budget Proposal
Impacts on municipal government and K-12 schools were among the main topics covered in a Citizens Research Council of Michigan webinar that analyzed and discussed the key details of Governor Snyder's budget proposal. Click here to view it.

Detroit is making itself a place where messaging and technology play a key role in its future as a vibrant community. Detroit City Council will use Skype at public meetings. Citizens will be able use a web cam or smart phone during the public comment period of regular meetings. Click here to read more.

Former League Presidents Make History on State Legislature
The new issue of The Review features this cover story on former League presidents Woodrow Stanley, Charles Smiley and Vicki Barnett, who are now all serving in the Michigan Legislature. Read the issue online.

Be Part of the Budget Debate: Register for Capital Conference
Things are heating up in Lansing in a big way. It's never been more important than now to be a part of the conversation. Meet with legislative leaders and others playing a key role in your future at the League's Capital Conference April 5-6. Register now!

Haglund Takes Hard Look at Snyder's Revenue Sharing Plan
In a recent column in annarbor.com, columnist Rick Haglund discusses the importance of a healthy Detroit to Michigan's overall vitality and viability as a state. The editorial points out the contradiction in Gov. Rick Snyder's vocal support of that concept during his campaign, while proposing a budget which would eliminate the statutory revenue sharing which Detroit and other cities depend on. Click here to read the column. Click here to read a USA Today story on how entrepreneurs are fueling Detroit's extreme makeover, a revitalization movement which is capturing the public imagination nationwide right now, but would be hindered by the Governor's plan.

Federal Infrastructure Funding in Jeopardy-Contact Federal Reps Now
League staff and local officials from across the state will travel to Washington during the week of March 14 in an effort to save community-based programs which are at risk of losing federal funding. Cuts already adopted by the House in HR 1include a loss of $273.8 million for Michigan to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and funding for transportation projects.

2011 League Directory Now Available to Members and BAP
The 2011 Directory of Michigan Municipal Officials is now available to Michigan Municipal League members and business alliance partners. The 230-page "Official Directory of the Michigan Municipal League" returns with the redesigned look that debuted with last year's directory to rave reviews. Click here to read more.

House Tax Policy Committee Holds Hearing on Corporate Income Tax
The House Tax Policy committee had their first hearings this past week on the new Corporate Income Tax. League staff, members and partners testified mostly on the need for Brownfield and Historic credits. The hearing led off with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) doing an excellent job talking about the importance and need for historic tax credits in community building and place making. She was followed by the City of Detroit, who gave numbers about the positive impacts of the Brownfield and Historic credits in Detroit with projects like Book Cadillac and others. Click here to read more. Click here for the Action Alert. Click here to read about Jackson officials' concerns.

Scofflaws Would Lose Driver's License Faster Under New Proposal
Some lawmakers want the Secretary of State to block license renewals for drivers with three or more unpaid parking tickets – half the current six-ticket threshold. The change would encourage scofflaws to pay their tickets sooner and pump money faster into municipal coffers. Click here for more.

Local Officials Appointed to NLC Policy, Advocacy Committees
Local officials from across the state have been appointed to serve on National League of Cities Policy and Advocacy committees, which have the lead responsibility for considering key areas of NLC federal policy positions. Click here to find out who they are.

Kentwood Mayor Writes Editorial on History of Revenue Sharing Cuts
Click here to read Kentwood Mayor Richard Root's guest column in the Grand Rapids Press about the state's dismal record on revenue sharing.

Houghton Becomes First League Member to Join LotusLive Project
Houghton has joined the League’s LotusLive pilot project. Click here to read more on how members that participate in the pilot will get the use of the cloud-based software free for one year. Contact the League's Rob Ferrari for more information.

Media Uses League Survey to Report on Members Using Shared Services
The Daily Press in Escanaba used the League's shared services report to show how Delta County communities are working together to cut costs. The Press & Guide used it to report on collaboration in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. The League presented the data to the governor and will keep updating it to provide a useful resource for members, legislators and the media. Click here to read the March 2 press release.

Owosso Gears Up for Possible Cuts to Budget from Governor's Plan
Owosso City Councilman Tom Cook's blog offers an in-depth analysis on the challenges facing his city with looming budget cuts. Cook discusses everything from labor costs to brownfield tax credits. Click here to read.

Essential Skills Training for Elected Officials in March in Mt Pleasant
An all-day session on March 10 in Mt Pleasant will cover all the essentials an elected official needs to know about the responsibilities of office. Topics to be cov ered include key topics like meeting procedure, the Open Meetings Act, and the Freedom of Information Act. Click here to learn more and to register.

Alpena Officials Work on Best Practices Sought by Governor
Local officials across the state are taking steps to reduce the potential impacts of the governor's proposed revenue sharing cuts through "best practices" implementation. Alpena Mayor and League President Carol Shafto said her city is working on government transparency, shared services and reducing employee benefits costs and legacy costs. Click here to read the story. Read about revenue sharing.

League Survey Shows Michigan Communities Sharing Services
Across Michigan, municipalities are already doing exactly what Gov. Rick Snyder is asking local governments to do: adopting cost-cutting “best practices” that save taxpayer money while continuing to provide vital services to residents. Here are the results of a new survey conducted by the Michigan Municipal League. League staff presented the findings at noon Wednesday to the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, and will also deliver the information to Gov. Snyder's office as he requested. Read more.

Congress Avoids Shutdown...For Now
The US Congress has overwhelmingly passed a measure that cuts federal spending by $4 billion and would fund the federal government until March 18th.  The Senate is expected to pass the measure before the current funding authorization expires on March 4.   Read more.

Lansing, East Lansing: Two Medical Marijuana Ordinances Compared
Click here to read about the differences in how cities are handling medical marijuana dispensaries. Officials in the article were part of a Feb. 10 panel discussion hosted by the League. The League's next medical marijuana workshop is April 5 before Capital Conference on April 6.

ICMA Demo Highlights Police-Fire Consolidations in MI Communities
The ICMA's Center for Public Safety Management recently led a tour of Berkley, Grosse Point Park, Ionia, Grand Haven and Kalamazoo to demonstrate the benefits of police and fire consolidation. Read more.

SEC Proposes Registration Rule for Volunteer Board Members
The National League of Cities is urging local officials to oppose a registration rule proposed by the SEC that could have a chilling effect on the ability to recruit volunteers to serve on entities such as DDA boards. Read more.

Panel Discusses Role of Central Cities in Revitalizing Michigan
The League's Dan Gilmartin recently moderated a panel of experts on the role of downtowns in revitalizing the state, during the Michigan Society of Association Executives annual Legislative Conference in Lansing. The discussion centered on the importance of creating a sense of place, and how it can help keep Michigan's college graduates from leaving the state. Read more.

Joe Haveman: Binding Arbitration Means Budget Maladministration
Michigan State Rep. Joe Haveman (R-Holland) wrote this editorial in the Holland Sentinel to explain why repealing PA 312 is a common-sense solution to ensure that municipalities can provide proper wages and benefits for police and firefighters without bankrupting communities.

General Motors Foundation Resumes Arts Funding to Detroit Institutions
GM's return to profitability is now marked by the company's return to support for the arts in Detroit, including grants to the Michigan Opera Theatre, Mosaic Youth and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Read the Detroit Free Press story. Support for the arts is an important element in cultural economic development, one of the key assets in building vibrant 21st century communities that can help revitalize Michigan.

Detroit Free Press: Macomb's Cities Band Together to Save Cash
Read a Detroit Free Press article on how Sterling Heights, Warren, Utica, Clinton and Shelby townships and Macomb County have formed the Macomb Area Communities for Regional Opportunities to find more and bigger ways to share services and save money. The League's Arnold Weinfeld explains in the article how most metro communities are already sharing many services - one of the things the governor has asked of Michigan communities. Read about the Michigan Municipal League Foundation's Shared Services Initiative launched in July of 2010.

Lansing State Journal: Cities Right to Question End of Tax Credits
This editorial talks about the critical role played by tax incentives that spark urban redevelopment, and calls for Michigan lawmakers to change Gov. Snyder's plan to eliminate them. Read why Snyder's plan falls short in supporting the kind of economic development that is crucial to Michigan's financial recovery.

Barnett to Lead Caucus to Give Cities Stronger Voice in Lansing
State Representatives Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) and Deb Shaughnessy (R-Charlotte) announced the formation of the first House Mayors Caucus. The bipartisan group will lend their experience and expertise as former municipal leaders to the discussions this session regarding local government reform. Barnett is also a past League president. Read more.

NLC Leadership Academy in Seattle to Discuss Global Competitiveness
Leaders from around the country will be in Seattle this spring at the National League of Cities' Leadership Academy on Local Economic Competitiveness in a Global Era. Click here to read more.

Sean Mann of Lets Save Michigan: Promote Cities, and State can Surge
Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan recently spoke to the Detroit Free Press about how revitalizing Michigan's urban areas will help the state. Read more.

Public Policy Experts Discuss Proposed Budget's Impact
The latest Prosperity Agenda show aired at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 on News/Talk 760 WJR. We talked to public policy experts about Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed state budget and the potential impact it will have on Michigan cities. Co-host Nancy Kaffer is a Crain's Detroit Business reporter who covers entrepreneurship, second-stage businesses and government in Wayne County and Detroit. Guests include Lou Glazer of Michigan Future, Inc., Bill Rustem, the governor's chief strategist, and MLGMA President Steve Brock. Click here for more.

Thunder Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council Supports Friends Group
The advisory council of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which includes League President and Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto, has given its support to a new Friends group. Read more.

League Calls Members to Action in Response to Gov's Proposed Budget
Read a press release from League CEO Dan Gilmartin and League President Carol Shafto. Click here for the League's Anthony Minghine on mlive.com on the potentially disastrous impact on vital public services. Click here for the Call to Action. Click here for revenue sharing info. Click here for how much each community will lose if statutory revenue sharing is eliminated. Click here for news stories.

Walking Audits, Bike Facilities Training Offered by State
The MI Dept. of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian program is seeking applications of interest for host communities to partner with and make available Community Walkability and On-Road Bike Facilities during summer and fall 2011. Click here for more information on applying.

Albion, St Johns, Grand Marais Among Sweepstakes Winners
Several Michigan communities earned cash awards in a recent Reader's Digest online voting contest for funds to aid civic causes. Read more.

Op Ed: Michigan Cities' Future: Doing Less with Less
Read a Detroit Free Press editorial on the crisis facing Michigan cities due to declining property values and dwindling state revenue. League and SEMCOG leaders are quoted in thearticle.

More Local Flexibility for Sunday Alcohol Sales Regulation Proposed
The League's Andy Schor spoke to the West Oakland Newsweekly on the need for local flexibility in regulating Sunday liquor sales. Click here to read the column.

Affected Groups React to Snyder's Budget Proposal Impacts
The League's Summer Minnick gave multiple TV interviews, including this one to WILX TV 10 in Lansing, explaining how the budget proposal could impact local units of government and the essential services they provide to residents.

League Calls for Details on "Best Practices" Required in Proposal
The League's Summer Minnick told TV 25 how critical it is to get more details on Snyder's plan to require local governments to compete for a returned portion of lost revenue sharing dollars. Click here to read the print version of the interview and watch the video.

Op Ed: Misperceptions on Public Employee Compensation
Paw Paw Village Manager Larry Nielsen wrote this guest editorial for the Herald Palladium on the misperceptions surrounding public employee compensation.

Lakeview and Stanton to Cut Costs by Sharing City/Village Manager
The city of Stanton and village of Lakeview are planning to share the services of one man - Lakeview Village Manager James Freed.The agreement would be the first of its kind in the state. If the agreement is approved, Lakeview will save about $25,000 annually and Stanton will be able to retain professional services at a cost it can afford.

Sustainability Planning Workshop at Capital Conference April 5-6
Learn how the city of Grand Rapids' Sustainability Plan was developed and how to plan, create, revise and integrate a plan into your own community's master plan and CIP and budget processes. Click here to learn more about the pre-con workshop during the League's 2011 Capital Conference, April 5-6 in Lansing.

Grants and Technical Assistance Available for Green Communities
The new year brought with it a number of new funding and technical assistance opportunities for communities looking to strengthen their 21st century assets and/or take strides in the Green Communities Challenge. Click here to read about the city of Allegan accepting the Green Challenge. Contact Luke Forrest, League Project Coordinator, for more information or support at lforrest@mml.org or 734-669-6323. Read more.

EPA Grant to Help Right-Size Saginaw Through Smart Growth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently selected 25 communities from across the country to receive technical assistance under its Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program – and one of them was Saginaw, Michigan. Saginaw was selected to receive assistance developing a plan to right-size its urban land area and coordinate its infrastructure investments. Both objectives are directly connected to improving sustainability and livability. Read more.

Arts and Culture Put Northeast Michigan on the Map for Visitors
A new ARTrail Roadmap will welcome visitors to the arts and culture along the US-23 corridor from Standish to Mackinaw City. The city of Alpena was awarded a $20,000 grant last year from the League's 21c3 program which was directed to the Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast collaborative's ARTown Passport to the Arts project, with the full backing of Alpena Mayor and League President Carol Shafto. Read more.

WSJ: Budget Crisis Changing Roles of State, Local Governments
The League's CEO & Executive Director Dan Gilmartin recently talked to the Wall Street Journal about how regional taxes could help local governments regain some control over how they raise and spend money.

Facebook Making it Easier for State, Local Govs to Join, Communicate
Click here to read a recent 21c3 blog on how state and local governments are increasingly using Facebook as a communication tool.

Michael Moore To Champion Vogue Theatre Revitalization in Manistee
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore will champion a community-driven effort to restore and reopen Manistee's 72-year-old Vogue Theatre to help revitalize downtown Manistee. Read about the project. It follows on the heels of the successful State Theatre Project that has been instrumental in the economic revitalization of downtown Traverse City. Both are a good examples of how cultural economic development can be used as a tool to revitalize communities, as outlined in the League's 21c3 initiative.

Grand Blanc Uses League's Executive Search Service
Grand Blanc has joined the growing list of communities using the League's executive search service to find qualified candidates for city manager. Learn more about the League's executive search service.

Marquette Holds First-Ever City Open House
City administrators recently used a new approach to introduce new officials to residents. Watch the video of the open house.

League's Mission and Advocacy Explained In-Depth in Q&A Interview
Spinal Column, West Oakland's Newsweekly, had a great in-depth Q&A with League CEO & Executive Director Dan Gilmartin on the League's mission, how we are working with Gov. Snyder to address state and local budget issues, our proposals for needed reforms in taxation and PA 312, and our 21c3 program. Read the Q&A.

League Members Testify on SB 34 at Senate Finance Committee Hearing
Mayor Abdul Haidous of Wayne and Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte were in Lansing last week with League staffer Andy Schor to testify at the Senate Finance Committee on SB 34, which would eliminate personal property tax. Read the Feb. 3 Action Alert about the impact this would have on local public services should it be enacted without a replacement for lost revenues. Read MIRS: "PPT Elimination = $1B Revenue Loss."

Obama Visits Marquette to Highlight National Wireless Initiative
President Barack Obama's visit to Marquette on Feb. 10 highlighted the benefits of widespread access to broadband service and promoted his plan for a National Wireless Initiative to make high-speed wireless Internet services available to 98% of all Americans. Read the Detroit Free Press story. The visit showcased Marquette's collaborative sucess at establishing the infrastructure needed for web-based economic development. Messaging and Technology is one of the eight assets key to building 21st Century Communities.

EPA Launches Program to Help Build Sustainable Communities
The US Environmental Protection Agency's Sustainable Communities Building Blocks program offers technical assistance to implement development. 20 communities will be selected to participate. Applications are due byFeb. 23. Click here to learn more.

UM Survey Released on Local Gov Employee Compensation
The University of Michigan Center for Local, Urban and State Policy has released its latest survey of local government officials about their jurisdiction's pay and benefit levels.  The information could provide quite timely given the current debate over public sector compensation. Read more.

Michigan's Future in Economic Diversity, Says Haglund
Rick Haglund's latest editorial says Michigan’s success will depend on how effective it is in attracting young talent that will help diversify the state’s economy into areas such as health care, information technology and a range of business services that aren’t dependent on the seesaw auto industry. Read more.

League Continues Medical Marijuana Act Workshops
Many local leaders turned out for the League's Feb. 10 Medical Marijuana Act & Your Community workshop in Wyoming. The next session will be held April 5 at the League's 2011 Capital Conference in Lansing. Click here for information on the April 5 workshop..

League Offers New, Free RFP Sharing Service to Members
Thanks to our new RFP Sharing Service, League members can now use the League’s Business Alliance Program (BAP) to help get their community’s RFPs to more prospective bidders.  Click here to learn more. We've also added new RFP and RFQ resources.

President to Propose Cuts to Community Based Programs
Next week, the President will release his budget proposal for 2012. As reported in an earlier post, it is expected to include cuts to many programs of importance to local communities.  A recent column in the New York Times by Obama's Budget Director, Jacob Lew gives three clear examples. Read more.

Lathrup Village Time Bank Spotlighted by Detroit News
The Detroit News has picked up on the buzz about Lathrup Village's Time Bank project, which the League recently featured in an article in The Review.

Farmington Hills City Manager Steve Brock Named 2011 MLGMA President
Farmington Hills City Manager Steve Brock is the new leader of a statewide organization of municipal managers. Brock was named the 2011 President of the Michigan Local Government Management Association during the non-profit organization’s annual winter institute Feb. 1-4 in Detroit. He succeeds 2010 MLGMA President Alan G. Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator. Read an Inside 208 blog post on Brock. Read the MLGMA press release.

Senate Finance Comm. To Consider Personal Property Tax Issue Feb. 9
The Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 9 will take testimony on SB 34, which would eliminate personal property tax. Pease contact your legislator and let them know the devastating impact eliminating the personal property tax would have on your community should it get enacted without a replacement for the revenues to your community. Click here for the Action Alert. To get sample letters that can be tailored to your community, click here and here.

More Communities Consider Shared Public Services to Cut Costs
A growing number of local governments are studying various ways that shared services might help them cut costs, including the township and village of Onekama, and the cities of Houghton and Hancock.

West Michigan Leaders Ask: Is Regional Tax the Way to Go?
A Grand Rapids Press article reports that West Michigan leaders are looking to a regional tax as one way out of the fiscal crisis caused by revenue sharing losses. Read more about the League's efforts on the revenue sharing issue.

Register Now for Workshop on Medical Marijuana Regulations
The League's efforts to help communities cope with the new law include a medical marijuana resource page and workshops. Register for "Medical Marihuana Act & Your Community Feb. 10 in Wyoming. Register for the Pre-Conference Workshop April 5 in Lansing.

Rochester Hills Offers Snow Plow Safety Video to Fellow Communities
Rochester Hills has produced a video on snow plow safety as a public outreach tool. Watch it online or e-mail Rochester Hills to request a DVD. The high-quality video covers everything from driver etiquette to child safety, as well as responses to common questions and complaints from residents regarding snow removal.

League CEO Speaks on Government Reform on WKAR's Off the Record
Click here to watch WKAR's Off the Record on Jan. 28, when League CEO & Executive Director Dan Gilmartin was a featured guest. The League has been leading the conversation on needed government reforms that could help Michigan communities move forward in shared services and other regional concerns. Read recent media coverage.

Michigan Municipal League Media Roundtable Televised Feb. 1
Look for Dan Gilmartin, Summer Minnick and Robin Beltramini of the Troy City Council on MGTV. MGTV taped the League's Jan. 26th media roundtable. The 45-minute session aired at noon Tuesday, Feb. 1. Click here for the League's proposed reforms. To read media coverage of the Jan. 26 event, click here.

Elk Rapids Village President on Loss of Revenue Sharing Dollars
Elk Rapids Village President Dan Reszka had a nice opinion piece published in the Traverse City Record-Eagle on Jan. 27 about revenue sharing and budgeting. We’ve reposted it here with Reszka’s permission.

Why Civic Engagement is Vital to State's Economic Future
The Prosperity Agenda’s Jan. 26 radio show on News/Talk 760 WJR featured co-hosts Dan Gilmartin and Sean Mann discussing civic engagement with Josh McManus, Rory Neuner and Kim Hodge. Read a 21c3 blog post on the show. You can listen to the show here.

Auburn Hills Lauds Community Efforts to Innovate and Grow
Auburn Hills Advantage, fiscal responsibility, volunteerism, public safety6, downtown development and "college town" efforts were all lauded in Auburn Hills' 2011 State of the City address. Read more.

Charlevoix Awarded $40,000 Energy Savings Grant to Fund Energy Efforts
Charlevoix has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to fund energy conservation efforts. Petoskeynews.com also mentions how the League’s Review magazine recently featured Charlevoix’s green efforts.

Online Registration Now Open for 2011 Capital Conference in Lansing
What does the new political landscape in Lansing and Washington DC mean for your community? What's new and what's at risk? We’ll break it all down for you at the League’s Capital Conference April 5-6, at the Lansing Center in Lansing. Click here to register.

League's National View: President Talks Jobs, Investment and Deficit
Stressing job creation and economic growth through investments as well as deficit reduction, President Obama's recent State of the Union address stressed the need for members of Congress to work together to solve our country's problems. Read more.

Mayors Release Metro Agenda for Path to Economic Recovery
The US Conference of Mayors (USCOM) has released their "Metro Agenda" and it sends a clear signal to policymakers in Washington that the way to economic recovery is by investing in our communities.  The message is similar to the League's Prosperity Agenda. Governor Snyder has also made clear that economic development cannot happen without great communities. Read more.

Complete Streets, "Live Midtown" Praised as Economic Drivers
Michigan Future Inc. explains why our economy benefits from progressive transportation initiatives like Complete Streets, and urban renewal measures like the "Live Midtown" incentive program to reside in Detroit.

Media Covers Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's Visit to League Board
Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to the League Board of Trustees Friday about his desire to partner with Michigan communities. Read the media coverage. Snyder said possible revenue sharing cuts would be offset by incentives for local governments that consolidate services. League President Carol Shafto, Alpena Mayor, told the Detroit News those incentives should include those who have already consolidated many services. Read the Inside 208 blog post. To see League pictures from the event, click here.

League CEO to Speak at Northern Michigan Placemaking Summit
The Northern Michigan Placemaking Summit on March 1 in Traverse City will feature League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin; William Rustem, Chief Strategist for Gov. Rick Snyder; and Fred Kent, a leading authority on revitalizing city spaces. The Summit will address the strategic role of cities, villages and commerce centers in the future prosperity of Michigan. Click here for more.

Possible Michigan Cuts to Revenue Sharing Raise Local Fears
A Lansing State Journal article talks about worries that legislators could again address budget shortfalls with revenue sharing cuts. Click here to learn more about funding issues facing Michigan communities. Read a League press release on revenue sharing.

Detroit-Based Entrepreneur Website Attracts Federal Attention
The U.S. Small Business Administration has signed on to Detroit-based Digerati Inc. and its MORE website for entrepreneurs. Digerati CEO Brian Balasia was a featured speaker at the League's 2010 Convention.

Study Shows Pedestrian and Biking Projects Add Economic Value
A recent study analyzing job creation data from Baltimore, MD says that building non-motorized infrastructure creates up to twice as many jobs as auto-based infrastructure projects. Such findings confirm the validity of the League's 21c3 initiative and its efforts to promote legislation such as the recently enacted "Complete Streets."

Gov. Rick Snyder to Meet Friday with Michigan Municipal League Board
Governor Rick Snyder is following up his first State of the State Address with a Friday visit with the League's Board of Trustees, to talk about the role of municipalities in reinventing Michigan government and to seek input on best practices, according to his press secretary. Snyder's SOS echoed many of the core concerns and principles of the League's Center for 21st Century Communities, including Entrepreneurism (business incubators), diversity (the economic value of immigrants), and cultural economic development (Pure Michigan) and made it clear that the fate of Detroit and other major urban areas is key to our state's recovery. However, the speech did not address the ongoing revenue sharing problem which threatens the fiscal health of all municipalities, as pointed out in an analysis by the League's Andy Schor for WKAR and the Lansing State Journal.

LSM's Sean Mann Guides Student Leaders Through Detroit
Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan guided the Sleight Leadership Fellows Program student group on a tour of Detroit recently, showing how urban pioneers are building community and inspiring hope. Read the blog.

Three Past League Presidents Serve in MI House of Representatives
The 96th Michigan Legislature was officially sworn into office Jan. 12 and the League was there to welcome the new members, including about 30 former city council people, mayors, village presidents and other locally elected officials and League members. Read media coverage of the 96th Legislature's first day.

Winter Cities Movement Continues to Thrive in Northern Michigan
The Winter Cities movement continues to grow in Traverse City, Marquette and other northern Michigan communities. Read the MyNorth.com article citing the League's magazine, The Review, and its 2010 issue on the Winter Cities movement.

City of Alpena Signs On to MORE Program to Aid Entrepreneurs
League President and Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto recently explained to her local news media why the Matching Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs Program will help her community's future at no cost. Read more.

Detroit News: Michigan Recovery Battles With $1.8 Billion Deficit
In reporting on last Friday's revenue estimating conference, the Detroit News included League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin's statement that improving tax revenue must be used to restore cuts to local public services essential to the safety and well-being of residents. Read more.

League's Arnold Weinfeld Explains Why Walk Scores are Important
Read a Flint Journal article on how Genesee County communities fared in walkability ratings on walkscore.com. The League's Arnold Weinfeld explained why walkability is important as outlined in the League's 21c3 initiative.

New Signs of Economic Life in Southeast Michigan
The Let's Save Michigan blog recently talked about new companies moving into Detroit. A CBS News article also talked about how Detroit's affordable rents are helping spark a new boom in small business.

Governor Snyder Sets State of State Address for Wednesday January 19
Newly elected Governor Rick Snyder will present his first State of the State speech on Wednesday, January 19. Read League CEO & Executive Director Dan Gilmartin's Detroit News article on the need for lawmakers to recognize the struggles facing Michigan's communities.

The 96th Legislature's First Day Re-Capped in Statewide Headlines
Michigan Public Radio has pulled together the state's top stories looking at the new Legislature's first day on Wednesday, including the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Lansing State Journal and the Associated Press. Read an Inside 208 post on what League staff has been doing over the past week to build relationships with new legislators and strengthen existing ties.

League Working to Restore Funding Guarantees for Federal Programs
Changes adopted by the U.S. House will make it easier for Congress to reduce funding authorized for certain programs such as transportation. The League will be working to restore the funding guarantee. Read more.

Urban Gardeners Go Solar in Beecher District of Flint
Flint-area urban gardening pioneers Jacky and Dora King continue to break new ground in the urban green movement. They now use solar to power their urban farm. The Kings were guest speakers at the 2010 Convention, sharing their experiences in revitalizing the Beecher district.

Detroit News Editorial Encourages Changes to Public Act 312
Read a Detroit News editorial on the need to change Public Act 312, which submits public safety labor contracts to binding arbitration. Read more on the League's PA 312 information page.

League Board President and Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto Praised by Media
The Alpena News praised League Board President and Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto for seeking her community's input before the Alpena City Council decided how it would deal with the state's new legislation allowing for the Sunday morning sale of liquor. It's an example of how effective leadership can build trust and respect among the governed. Read Inside 208 on the issue of municipalities' rights in allowing or prohibiting Sunday morning liquor sales. Read a WATZ-AM story.

Lansing Residents Make Community Better Place to Live and Work
Ignite Lansing is a movement among young professionals to improve their city's future through volunteer public service. Read the Lansing State Journal article.

Niles City and Township Join Forces on Highway Plan
A grant from the Partnerships for Change Sustainable Communities Program will help Niles city and township work together to improve the highway corridor that serves as the gateway to the Niles area. Read more on how the program helps inter-jurisdictional efforts.

Detroit News on Growing Number of Women in Local Government
A Detroit News article discusses the growing role of women in government. The story was sparked by the majority of women among the newly sworn Wayne County commissioners - now numbering eight out of 15 commissioners. The article quotes Susan Baldwin of the Michigan Women in Municipal Government group. The news is no surprise to the League, which is currently led by women in the top two Board posts, and includes many municipal members who are female.

Lansing Mayor in MIRS: Will Stand Against Revenue Sharing Cuts
The Jan. 4 MIRS edition quoted Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero as saying he would stand with the League to oppose revenue sharing cuts should that become an issue for Michigan's budget in the new year. Read more.

CBS: Businesses Move to Detroit, Fuel a Motor City Renaissance
Read a CBS article on how small and large business owners are seeing the Motor City as a business haven, and are taking advantage of its low rents and ample office space. It echoes the longtime message and efforts of urban pioneers including Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan.

Online Resources from Michigan Green Communities Conference
Recently, an enthusiastic gathering representing over 40 local governments and universities took part in a special full-day conference in Lansing to learn more about sustainability work throughout Michigan. Click here to view videos and PowerPoint slides from the event.

Snyder in Detroit Free Press: We've Got to Think and Act Positive
Michigan's new governor talked to the Detroit Free Press about his vision for reinventing the state. Read the article.

Snyder to Put State's Focus on Smaller Firms for Economic Future
The Detroit Free Press says small business entrepreneurship could be a key factor in Michigan's economic reinvention, especially with the new governor's focus on helping smaller firms to grow. Entrepreneurship is another of the key assets of the League's 21c3 initiative.

Freep Op-Ed: MDOT Director the Right Driver on Transportation Needs
A Detroit Free Press editorial praised new Governor Rick Snyder's decision to retain Kirk Steudle as director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. The state faces many challenges in developing a modern and adequate transportation system for the new century, said the article. How the new Complete Streets law could impact transportation planning. Read about transit as one of the key assets of the 21c3 initiative.

Prosperity Agenda: League CEO On Higher Education for State's Future
During the Dec. 23 Prosperity Agenda radio show on WJR, League CEO Dan Gilmartin talked to public policy experts across the state about higher education as a pillar of prosperity in our state and how Michigan's universities have had an economic development impact on the communities where they are located. Click here for audio clips.

Info on Important Billing Change forLeague's BCBSM Members
Members of the League's endorsed health care program recently received a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan about important changes BCBSM made in its billing and administrative services. Please click here for a detailed explanation of the billing change. We hope this helps clear up any confusion and ensures League members are able to send their current payments to the proper address to avoid unintentional cancellations. BCBSM toll-free number for further billing inquiries.

Census Confirms Michigan to Lose One Seat in Congress
The Census Bureau has released its 2010 data and it shows that Michigan was the only state in the nation to actually lose population over the last ten years, by falling to 9,883,640 from 9,938,444. Although we remain the eighth largest state, Michigan will now be faced with losing one congressional seat when redistricting occurs later this year. Read the Inside 208 blog post on what this will mean to Michigan and its municipalities.

Placemaking as an Antidote for Shrinking Municipal Budgets
A PlaceShakers article shows how great placemaking can save money and grow the economy using the 21c3 concepts. The Nat'l Assn of Realtors on placemaking. The National Endowment for the Arts "Our Town" grants for creative placemaking projects.

Snyder Seeks Shared Services for Cities and Schools
In a Detroit News article on statewide cost-cutting, Snyder said there are "huge opportunities for service consolidation, whether it be between municipalities, between school districts, or with the state partnering with those organizations to do things more collectively."

UM Student Named College Entrepreneur of the Year
University of Michigan senior Allen Kim was named College Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur magazine for co-founding a "Netflix for baby clothes." A great example of the 21c3 asset of entrepreneurship. Read more.

NEA Offers Creative Placemaking Grants for Livable Communities
The National Endowment for the Arts "Our Town” grants for “creative placemaking” fund projects that contribute to the livability of communities with the arts. The NEA says creative placemaking involves public, private, non-profit, and community sectors reshaping a community's physical and social character around arts and culture.

Boyne City and Old Town Lansing Great American Main Street Finalists
”The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Boyne City and Old Town Lansing as two of ten semifnalists for its "Great American Main Street Award" (GAMSA), for work that has been done to revitalize their main street commercial districts through the Main Street Four-point approach. The top five winners will be presented at the Main Street Awards Ceremony as part of the National Main Streets Conference in Des Moines, Iowa on May 23, 2011. Read more.

Ray LaHood: High Speed Rail Will Be Our Generation's Legacy
Read US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood's informative and inspiring guest column on high speed rail, published in the Orlando Sentinel.

Walkability Advocates Call For Lower Speed Limits in Ann Arbor
AnnArbor.com recently reported on efforts by local walkability advocates to get speed limits reduced to increase safety in Ann Arbor.The League's Chris Hackbarth said the League will push for reforms to the Michigan Vehicle Code's "one size fits all formula" in the next legislative session. Read the article.

Walkscore: How Does Your Community Rank for Walkability?
Check out the Walk Score website which ranks cities all over Michigan and the nation for walkability. Of Michigan's 74 largest cities ranked, Clawson, Hamtramck and Berkley received the highest ratings. The scoring method is not a perfect system, of course, but it does provide some interesting insights into a community's walkability strengths and weaknesses.

Communities Can Legally Prohibit Sunday Morning Liquor Sales
The state Liquor Control Commission (LCC) will let local communities opt-out of the new law allowing morning early Sunday alcoholic beverage sales, without insisting that they opt-out of all Sunday alcoholic beverage sales. Read the Inside 208 post.

Allegan First in West Michigan to Pass Complete Streets Resolution
The city of Allegan’s passage of a Complete Streets Resolution represents the 21st policy passed in the State of Michigan. Read more.

Hostel to Open in Detroit's Corktown Neighborhood in Early Spring 2011
The first hostel in Detroit in 15 years will open in early 2011. The venture has huge support from the city's new breed of urban pioneers, and is another exciting chapter in the city's narrative of grassroots revitalization. Read the Detroit Free Press article.

Alpena Stormwater Pollution Project Team Marks Storm Drains
A committee led by Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto, Councilman Sam Eiler and city staffer Mike Glowinski marked 250 of Alpena's 1,000 storm drains to educate the public to the fact that anything placed in a storm drain goes directly to either Lake Huron or the Thunder Bay River. Read more.

Governor Has Busy Day Signing Bills Championed by League
The Governor signed a whole host of bills Tuesday that the League helped shepherd through the legislative process. These include the brownfield/sewer bond package, changes to Public Act 51, the Private Investment Infrastructure Financing Act and the Transit-Oriented Development package. Read more.

Media Touts League's First Michigan Green Communities Conference
An Associated Press wire story was picked up by the Chicago Tribune and WNDU, touting the League's 2010 Michigan Green Communities Conference which took place Dec. 10 in Lansing. The conference drew a full house, and this kind of media attention shows that what we do here in Michigan does have an impact and raises awareness across the country for important 21c3 issues like sustainability.

Center for Michigan: Toward More Efficient Government
The Center's Susan J. Demas weighs in on Gov.-elect Rick Snyder's first salvo in next year's state budget negotiations. Read the article.

Snyder Gets Bullish on Michigan at Business Leaders Summit
Governor-elect Rick Snyder told attendees at a summit co-sponsored by the Business Leaders for Michigan and Center for Michigan that he plans an aggressive agenda to move Michigan's economy forward. Much of Snyder's message was about the need for a positive, inclusive culture change, much like what League CEO and Executive Dan Gilmartin has been speaking about for the past two years. Read what the League's Arnold Weinfeld had to say about the summit.

Large-Scale Wind Turbines To Be Made and Used in Michigan
According to a Business Lansing article, production is about to begin on the first large-scale wind turbines made entirely in Michigan that will be used by utility companies to provide electricity to customers.

Detroit to Offer Incentives to Move to Reconfigure City Centers
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said last week that he will begin using incentives next year to concentrate city residents in at least seven to nine core areas that will serve as population centers for a newly configured city.

Snyder Sorting Through Michigan's Public Investment Priorities
Rick Haglund of The Center for Michigan discusses Gov.-elect Rick Snyder's approach to investing in Michigan's economic future. Read the editorial.

League's Chris Hackbarth Talks Rail Issue on Lansing AM Radio Show
Listen to the League's Chris Hackbarth on the future of high speed rail plans on Walt Sorg's Dec. 3 Talk Lansing AM radio show. The interview is near the end of the first hour of the show. Click here to read about the state's recent missed opportunity to acquire even more transit funds. Read about the League's efforts to push through transit-oriented development bills. Read about Ann Arbor's great turnout last week at the final rail forum.

Ann Arbor Among Top 10 U.S. Digital Cities
For the third year in a row, Ann Arbor has ranked among the top U.S. Digital Cities, according to the e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government. Each city is ranked on how successfully it "incorporates information technology into operations to better serve constituents and businesses."

U.S. Senate Rejects Bill on Collective Bargaining Mandate
The U.S. Senate has defeated a motion to force a vote on legislation that would mandate collective bargaining of public safety employees. Read more from the League’s Arnold Weinfeld.

Calumet Needs Online Votes for Theatre Roof Project by Dec. 31
Calumet is asking fellow League members to help it win a new roof for its historic theatre from Pepsi Refresh. Click here to vote - three votes per person per day. Also vote on twitter & facebook or on text message code 104720 to Pepsi (73774). To get a daily reminder, email the word "yes" to newroof@calumettheatre.com.

League Earns Last-Minute Approvals From Lame-Duck Legislature
Although there were only six full session days in the 2010 Lame Duck session, the League was still able to get many of our priorities through. Read the press release to learn more.

League Calls on Governor to Sign Transit-Oriented Development Bills
The Legislature passed several bills allowing local economic development tools to be used for transit-oriented development (TOD). SB 1233 was among these bills, but did not pass without controversy. The Department of Treasury proposed an amendment to exclude state dollars, which was considered, but failed. Read the Inside 208 post.

Ann Arbor Area Residents to Help Map Future Rail System on Dec. 9
A "Michigan By Rail" public forum will be held 6-8 pm Dec. 9 at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, and other elected officials are expected to attend and discuss all things rail with members of the public. It's the last in a series of Michigan rail forums.

Detroit's Campus Martius Public Square a Central Attraction
A recent article by the Project for Public Spaces, “The Re-Emergence of the Public Square” explores how public squares and parks can be effective “lower-cost, high-impact strategies to foster prosperity." Campus Martius is also listed on the Cooltown Places crowd-sourcing site.

Linden Latest to Give Nod to Complete Streets Concept
The Linden City Council is the latest to unanimously approve a resolution which would incorporate “Complete Streets” into its policies and practices. The League was part of the coaltion that successfully pushed for the state's adoption of Complete Streets, a concept to incorporate planning, design, construction, reconstruction and maintenance of the transportation network to improve travel conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit and freight. By adopting the resolution, Linden City has joined a national movement to make streets safer for all of its users.Safe and Active Genesee for Everyone (SAGE), and its membership worked with the city of Linden to draft the resolution language and garner grassroots support for the adoption of the resolution. Complete Streets is a fundamental element of the physical design and walkability asset of the 21c3 initiative.

League CEO in Freep Calls for State to Act on Funding High Speed Rail
A Detroit Free Press guest editorial by League CEO Dan Gilmartin and Michigan Environmental Council President Chris Kolb clearly explains why legislators should support high speed commuter rail funding. Read a related story to learn more about why the League is helping push for support for HB 6484.

League Scores Valuable Lame Duck Victory for Communities!
In the waning hours of this year's lame duck session, two bills that will provide critical funding for local sewer infrastructure projects and to clean up abandoned brownfield sites received final approval in the House and Senate and were sent to the Governor.  Senate Bill 1443 and House Bill 6416. Read the Inside 208 blog.

GR Press: Michigan Lawmakers Must Act to Secure $161 Million for Rail
The Grand Rapids Press says the city is "on the verge of a passenger rail renaissance that promises to accelerate economic development, boost tourism, help the environment and better connect Grand Rapidians with the rest of the state and the nation.In order to make that happen, state senators must approve legislation securing $161 million in federal rail funds to start building the fast passenger rail service we’ve talked about for so long.

Michigan Now: Tea Party Makes for High Stakes Over High Speed Rail
Michigan Now says Michigan could gain hundreds of millions of federal dollars for passenger rail - if it does the opposite of neighboring states that are fighting the Obama Administration plan to use high speed rail to rebuild the economy.Read about the bill to provide matching funds.

Op-Ed: Municipalities Need State Law Reforms to Cope with Budget Crunch
Another Detroit News editorial calls on the new legislature to make it easier for municipalities to regionalize services and raise revenue for the shared entities. The editorial refers directly to League CEO Dan Gilmartin's comments in a recent Gongwer report.

Detroit News: Fill the Funding Pothole by Raising the Gas Tax
A Detroit News editorial says "It's an unpleasant prospect, but state has little choice but to raise the gasoline tax to provide road repair revenue."
The editorial goes on to state that falling state gas tax income could shrink Michigan's 2012 road repair budget. There is pending legislation to boost the 19-cents-cents-a-gallon tax that the Detroit News says would pay off in good roads, new business and new jobs for the state. Read the editorial.

LSM's Sean Mann Talks Transit on Detroit Radio - Podcast Available
Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan talked about the need to authorize spending for mass transit in Michigan on the Craig Fahle show on WDET-FM Radio. Click here to download the podcast of the Nov 23rd show.

Dexter Approves Complete Streets Ordinance to Promote Safe Travel
Dexter Village Council has unanimously adopted a “complete streets” ordinance to promote safer travel for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. Read more.

Legislature Back for Likely Last Session of Lame Duck Season
The legislature is back in Lansing for the likely last week of the lame duck season.  The League is pushing many bills including the transit oriented development package, Brownfield reform and a town gown DDA piece among many others. Read more in Inside 208.

Comment Period Opens on Federal Reflective Road Sign Mandate
Controversy over street sign reflectivity mandates has prompted the US Department of Transportation to open a new round of comments on key traffic regulations. Read more.

MML Foundation's Scholarship Winners at NLC Congress of Cities
Congratulations to Danielle Purkey of Lake Orion High School and Simone Alhagri of Hamtramck High School, who won the MML Foundation's Dennis Archer Scholarship Fund. They are in Denver Nov 30-Dec 4 for the NLC Congress of Cities Congress.

Michigan Wines Brighten Holidays, Help State and Federal Economy
This Daily Tribune story says the entrepreneurship of Michigan's wine growers is producing nearly $790 million in total economic value for the state, which means more than $42 million paid in state and local taxes, andl $42 million in federal taxes plus more than 5,000 jobs.

"Cooltown Places" Website Crowd-Sources Ratings for Cities, Places
Campus Martius in downtown Detroit is one of hundreds of places getting online applause from Cooltown Places, a site that invites users to submit their favorite places which are then rated by others. It's a great new way people are spreading the word about revitalized urban centers, green innovations and 21st century thinking in the places we work and play. Visit the site.

Lansing State Journal Covers Efforts to Build Strong Communities
The Lansing State Journal recently devoted a Sunday edition to the concept of building strong, vibrant communities for the 21st century, as outlined by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities.

League CEO Dan Gilmartin on Challenges for Communities
Gongwer's Nov. 22nd Michigan Report spoke to League CEO Dan Gilmartin on key issues affecting municipalities, such as revenue sharing and the new leadership in Lansing. Read an Inside 208 blog post.

MPSC Seeks Input from Communities on Cable Issues
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is looking for help from municipalities to fill out surveys by Nov 30 on the status of cable competition and service in our communities. Read more.

Immigrants Part of Entrepreneurial Puzzle for Greater Lansing Region
The entire immigration issue has been clouded in post-9/11 fear and emerging restrictive immigration policies.There's been discussion about establishing an Office of New Americans to assist immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs. Greater Lansing Next calls for developing the capacity of existing assets to tie international diversity and population growth with entrepreneurship, network capacity, expansion of markets and capital and high-talent recruitment.

Creating a Sense of Place Key Step in Lansing Region's Re-Invention
Lansing-area business leaders, community activists, educators and residents are working to improve the region's quality of life through arts and culture offerings and improvements to public places and transportation options.

Unified Vision, Local Entrepreneurs Impetus for Old Town Re-Birth
The Old Town Commercial Association functions as a grassroots community development organization aimed at empowerment and revitalization for the Old Town district. Each idea, project, dream, business, and festival is brought to life by stakeholders. This authentic blend of characters and creativity has allowed Old Town to become a truly unique destination that is constantly evolving.

LSJ Op Ed: Walkable, Bikeable, Desirable Lansing Area
A recent Lansing State Journal article explains how the Greater Lansing area is implementing good physical design and walkability through public policy, infrastructure and citizen engagement. Read more.

Saline Mayor Talks about City's Past Successes and Future Goals
Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell used a recent Ann Arbor.com profile on her mayorship as a great opportunity to talk about the challenges, successes and future goals of her unique city. Read more.

Washington Post Writers Group: A "Golden Moment" for Cities
Inspired by the recent CEOs for Cities summit in Detroit, Washington Post Writers Group columnist Neal Peirce speculates that the current troubled economic times could be a golden opportunity for American cities. Read a 21c3 post about the CEOs for Cities summit. Read League CEO Dan Gilmartin's interview with WWJ on this topic during the summit.

Detroit News: Downtown Business Booms With Retail in Rochester
The Detroit News says downtown Rochester claims a 97.1 percent occupancy rate for its retail district. The city's DDA director credits it to a loyal "shop local" clientele and a new breed of entrepreneur, plus a DDA that recruited aggressively during the recession.

Ann Arbor Named Sixth Best Digital City in the Country in Annual Survey
Ann Arbor's digital prowess was recognized for the third year in a row as the city was named the No. 6 "Best Digital City" in the country by e.Republic's Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities magazine. The city grabbed the No. 6 slot in its population category — 75,000 to 124,999 — in the 10th annual Digital Cities Survey rankings. Read the Ann Arbor.com story. It shows why Michigan cities should promote messaging and technology to attract and retain businesses and residents, as explained in the League's 21c3 initiative.

Farmington Hills Formally Opens City Hall With LEED Gold Standards
Farmington Hills revamped an extremely energy-inefficient city hall built in the 1950s, into a sustainable facility that meets LEED Gold standards, including pervious pavement, green roofs, rain gardens, native landscaping, low-flow plumbing fixtures, a ground source heat pump HVAC, solar hot water heater, energy efficient lighting. Read the brochure. Read the project summary. Read an Observer & Eccentric Hometown Life article on it.

Program is Getting Communities Ready for Electric Vehicles
ChargePointAmerica lets communities apply for free charging stations for electric vehicles. The program is open to communities in the Lansing, Detroit and Grand Rapids regions. Apply through the end of the year.

Urban and Community Forestry Grants Applications Due Dec 31
DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants can help with urban forestry projects for local units government, schools and nonprofits within the DTE Energy service territory. The 2011 grant applications are now available online and are due Dec 31.

Detroit Entrepreneurs Speak at Tech Center in Lenawee County
Detroit entrepreneurs Phil Cooley and Sean Mann (who heads up Lets Save Michigan) explained to a Lenawee County audience how the city is reinventing itself by attracting people with ideas. The pair talked about how that same philosophy could be applied anywhere to build a vibrant and sustainable future based on the 21c3 assets.

MDOT Puts HAWK Signal Video on YouTube to Inform Motorists
To help motorists understand a new kind of traffic signal, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has posted a YouTube video. Read a 21c3 post about the HAWK signal recently installed in Ann Arbor on Huron Drive at Third/Chapin Street.

Winter Institute 2011 for Local Managers Coming Feb 1 - 4
The MLGMA 2011 Winter Institute is Feb 1-4 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. The theme is “Positive Leadership in a Negative Environment.”  Register now!

Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Ann Arbor Last Stops for Rail Forums
The final three Michigan By Rail public forums are set to take place over the next few weeks. Kalamazoo was Nov 18, with Muskegon on Dec 1 and Ann Arbor on Dec 9. Read the Inside 208 blog post for more details.

Grand Rapids Named Most Sustainable City in the Nation
Grand Rapids has been named the most sustainable midsize city in the U.S. by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Civic Leadership Center and Siemens Corp. The city was chosen for initiatives including its high number of LEED-certified buildings per capita, efforts to protect and conserve water and a free curbside recycling program. Read more.

WLNS- Channel 6: Governor Warns Michigan Cities May Go Bankrupt
The League's Andy Schor was quoted in a WLNS-Channel 6 news story on Michigan cities that are under financial stress due to declining property tax revenues, reduced state aid and rising costs of services. Read more.

New HAWK Signal Improves Safety for Walkability in Ann Arbor
Walkability took another big step forward in Ann Arbor this week, with the formal dedication of the city’s first HAWK (Highintensity Activated crosswalk) signal. It’s the first of its kind to be installed on a state trunkline in Michigan. Improving pedestrian safety through good physical design is a key element in promoting walkability, one of the eight assets of a vibrant community, as identified by the League's 21c3 initiative.

Local Media Takes Note of IBM/League Cloud Partnership
Read an AnnArbor.com news item about the League's new partnership with IBM to bring cloud computing to municipalities, to help lower costs and improve efficiency. Howell and Saline are part of the pilot program. Read more about the IBM Municipal Shared Services Cloud.

Education in the Spotlight for League Board President
Read the Review's cover story about League Board President Carol Shafto, mayor of Alpena, and how she used education as her ticket out of poverty. Other articles include an overview on why education is part of our 21c3 initiative. Read a 21c3 blog post.

Small Town Revival Aided by League and University Partnerships
One of the eight assets identified by the League's Center for 21st Communities to help create a more vibrant commuity is "entrepreneurship". Local leaders should look for ways to garden their own small businesses rather than hunting down the next big box. Toward that effort the League has formed partnerships with folks such as the Sirolli Institute and MSU's Creating Entrepreneurial Communities to work with our members. Read more.

Inside 208: Brownfield 30-Year Shot Clock Bill Takes Next Steps
The House New Economy Committee passed SB 1487, which will allow communities to extend brownfield credits if the original project falls through. Read more.

Haglund: Snyder Right to Focus on Revitalizing Struggling Urban Areas
An Ann Arbor.com op-ed by Rick Haglund explains why the new governor's strategy to restore Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and other cities is essential to the state's economic recovery. It's a priority the League has worked hard to put on the new administration's agenda. Read the League's press release on working with Snyder for Michigan's future.

CEO's For Cities Gathers in Detroit; League CEO Speaks on WWJ Radio
The ‘Urban Leaders Summit’ held by the CEO’s for Cities Group speak to the issue of  reshaping cities for the 21st century. League CEO Dan Gilmartin spoke with WWJ on the importance of inner cities. Read the 21c3 post.

Federal Deficit Commission to Recommend Sweeping Changes
While the election of 2010 will bring changes to Congress, the issues before them will remain the same. One of the more pressing set of those is how to deal with the nation's burgeoning deficit. Read an Inside 208 blog post on it.

Op-Ed: Where Voters See Value, They OK Taxes For Services
A Lansing State Journal editorial says the recent election shows voters will OK taxes when they consider the services valuable, such as Lansing's Potter Park Zoo milla

MDOT and Ann Arbor Host HAWK Walk Nov 17 at Huron & Third
Community representatives and the general public are invited to join the ceremony celebrating the first HAWK signal on a state trunkline in Michigan. The innovative traffic signal allows pedestrians to push a button to stop oncoming traffic so they can safely cross. The HAWK Walk is 1:30 pm Nov 17 at Huron Drive and Third/Chapin Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Read more.

Sewer Project and Brownfield Clean-Up Funding Bills Flowing
A package of bills could provide millions of dollars to help communities with brownfield site clean-ups and waste water infrastructure financing. The bills passed the Senate and then moved out of the House with overwhelming support. . Read an earlier post.

League Transportation Initiatives Start Moving Forward in Lansing
A bill (HB 6484) that was initiated by the League to provide funds for passenger rail projects left the station this week in the Michigan House.  It authorizes up to $100 million of state construction bonds to be used for the necessary state match requirement to receive the $160 million federal high-speed rail grant awarded to Michigan's Detroit to Chicago passenger rail corridor. Two infrastructure-focused bills were also adopted. Read an Inside 208 post about how the new US Congress could affect transportation policy.

Tree Sculpture Planted in Downtown Howell - More Public Art to Come
A Livingston Daily article on a steel tree sculpture erected in downtown Howell. A local committee is working to get more public art pieces installed, an example of how the city is implementing one of the assets of a vibrant community as outlined in the League's 21c3 initiative.

League-Sponsored Town-Gown Bill Passes Senate Committee
The legislation crafted by the League and Rep. Ed Clemente would allow communities to create new DDA’s that are partnerships between local governments and institutions of higher education. Read more.

ShopMIDowntown Holiday Challenge Has Begun
Read a WWJ story on our statewide coalition's "ShopMIDowntown Holiday Challenge.” Holiday shop in local downtowns, then go online and share your favorite downtown shopping experience for a chance to win a weekend getaway. How to participate.

Christman Bldg Earns World's First Triple Platinum LEED Certification
The historic building which houses the League's Lansing office has earned the highest designation ever awarded for green, energy-efficient buildings. Read the press release. Read the Christman Building case study. Read the Christman Building LEED fact sheet.

Two-Inch Rule Bill Passes Senate With Bi-Partisan Support
The full Senate passed SB 1475 which would reinstate the long standing two-inch rule on sidewalk liability for municipalities.  The bill passed 33-5 demonstrating significant bi-partisan support. Read more.

Twenty-Eight Former League Members Elected to Legislature
There were 28 former Michigan Municipal League elected officials who were elected to the Legislature this month. See the list. Read an Inside 208 post on how the election will change Michigan's congressional delegation.

League Teams with IBM on Cloud Computing Service Pilot Program
IBM is partnering with the League to help municipalities use cloud computing to improve essential services while reducing costs. Saline and Howell will pilot the program. Read media reports. Watch the YouTube video.

League Supports Rick Snyder’s Vision for Cities of Prosperity
The League congratulates Rick Snyder on his election as our state’s 48th governor and pledges to work with him to fulfill his vision for revitalizing Michigan’s urban centers. Read a social media release. Listen to a pre-election radio interview with Snyder and League CEO Dan Gilmartin.

League Testifies on Municipal Bond Refinancing Bills Package
League staff testified in Lansing with Howell City Manager Shea Charles and Rogers City Mayor Beach Hall about a municipal bond refinancing package. Read more and view more photos from the hearing. Read a WHMI article

BetterBuildings for Michigan: Energy Efficiency Grant Opportunity
Communities with less than 35,000 residents can participate in the BetterBuildings for Michigan program. The initiative is targeted at upgrading the energy efficiency of private homes. Read more.

Save Money Through Green Purchasing: NACo Webinar
Go green and save money by working with free resources and innovative product suppliers through green purchasing strategies. The free webinar shows how.

Bay City-Midland-Saginaw Regional Convention and Tourism Bill Passes
The Senate Commerce Committee has passed SB 1419, which allows Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw to combine and create a joint regional convention and tourism promotion bureau. Read more.

Youtube Video Showcases New League- IBM Pilot Program
Watch this great video detailing the IBM Municipal Shared Services Cloud, an exciting new tool for virtual collaboration both internally and with other governhments and organizations.

OpEd: "Negotiated Consensus Can Fix Medical Marijuana Law"
An Oakland Press editorial recommends using Cooley law professor Gerald A. Fisher's white paper as a blueprint for fixing the MMMA. Read the white paper.

Community Leaders Comment on New High Speed Rail Corridor Plan
Some League members are quoted in this MichiganNow.org article on the proposed high-speed rail corridor linking Dearborn to Kalamazoo. Read more on the project.

Senate to Hold Hearing on Two-Inch Rule on Sidewalk Liability
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing Wednesday afternoon on SB 1475, a bill that would reinstate the long standing two-inch rule with regard to sidewalks and municipal liability. Read the Inside 208 blog post.

.Buses Move to Forefront on Transit Corridor in Greater Lansing Area
A Lansing State Journal article reports on public input on options to increase mass transit service along Grand River and Michigan avenues.

Complete Streets Becomes Part of Enhancement Grant Process
With the adoption of this year's state Transportation budget, new language was included that directs the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to include a community's Complete Streets policy in the department's evaluation of any Transportation Enhancement grant applications. Read an Inside 208 blog post on it.

Marquette and Midland in Forbes' 'Best Small Cities to Raise a Family'
Marquette was designated No. 3 in the nation and Midland was No. 4 in the nation on Forbes “Ten Best Small Cities to Raise a Family.” Forbes.com reviewed multiple quality-of-life measures that make living easier for families in 126 cities with a population under 100,000. Read more.

Slate Jobs Map Shows Job Losses/Gains in US CountiesThe Slate Jobs Map visualizes job losses and gains in U.S. counties from Jan 2007 to the most recent statistics. Read more.

More Details on $150M+ Funding for Dearborn-Kalamazoo Rail Corridor
Latest news on the high-speed rail corridor linking Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, Albion, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.: FRA press release. FRA program summary. AnnArbor.com. Detroit News. Crain's Detroit Business. Inside 208 blog post.

Village Manager Praises Sirolli Method of Economic Development
Read Lake Isabella Village Manager Tim Wolff's blog post on his experience at one of the Sirolli Workshops sponsored by the League Foundation. Read a 21c3 blog post on the Sirolli workshops.

Detroit Among Cities to Receive Living Cities Investment
Living Cities, a collaborative of 22 of the world’s largest foundations and financial institutions, will invest $80 million in five U.S. metropolitan areas - Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Newark and the Twin Cities region of Minneapolis and St. Paul - to create game-changing innovations that address intractable problems affecting low-income people. Read a 21c3 blog post on it.

Arts Alliance's Convergence 2010 Sees Art as Catalyst for Change
The 21c3 asset of arts and culture was center stage at the Arts Alliance 2010 Convergence on Oct. 26. The Alliance sees creative entrepreneurship as a driving force for economic development. Read more.

Michigan Port Collaborative: Collaborating for Success
The Michigan Port Collaborative met in Alpena recently. The group of nearly 100 port cities works with state and federal leaders to ensure the health and quality of Michigan's coast. Read a Mining Journal story on the group's Oct. 18th meeting in Marquette.

Greater Lansing Region Wins IBM Smarter Cities Challenge
Last month, Next American City partnered with IBM's SmarterCities initiative to encourage citizens across the nation to share how their cities are addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Lansing blew the competition away. Read more.

Bernero, Snyder Talk Cities on Prosperity Agenda Radio Show
Here's a valuable voter resource: Listen to an on-air conversation with Michigan's gubernatorial candidates on the "Prosperity Agenda" radio show Oct. 20 on News/Talk 760 WJR, hosted by the Michigan Municipal League Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin.. Read a MIRS story on it.

Elk Rapids News: Start With Art, Community Will Follow
A group of like-minded Elk Rapids business owners cooperate, plan and execute community events such as the Art Beat , which in years past has brought in over 500 visitors. Read more.

USA Today: Feds Say All CAPS Not OK on Road Signs After 2015
USA Today reports that the federal government will require communities by 2015 to change street name signs from all capital letters to a combination of upper and lowercase, and to make them more reflective. Read more.

Bill Could Put Statewide Moratorium on Digital Billboard Construction
The League's Andy Schor is quoted in a Central Michigan Life article on a bill being considered by the state House to put a statewide moratorium on digital billboards, until a study determines their safety. Read more.

New York Times Writes About "Detroit's Renewal, Slow-Cooked"
A New York Times article brings a national spotlight to the inspiring story of how economic development is being sparked in downtown Detroit's blighted Corktown by the owners of Slows Bar B Q and other pioneers of the new urban frontier. Read more.

Citizens Research Council Hosts Free Ballot Proposal Webinar on Oct. 26
Interested in learning about the two statewide proposals that will be on the November 2nd ballot?  The Citizens Research Council is holding a webinar on Tuesday, October 26th at 2 pm. Read more.

Onekema and Auburn Hills Recognized for Planning Excellence
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 earned the Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan for its joint master plan with Onekema Township. Auburn Hills' Riverwalk Master Plan won Outstanding Planning Project for Best Practice. Read more.

Entrepreneurship Efforts Recognized in 55 Michigan Communities
East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jonesville, Livonia, Meridian Township, Tecumseh and Wixom have been identified as the top-performing communities at fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development in a study by researchers at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Read the UM-Dearborn story. Read the 21c3 post.

Brownfield Conference Coming up at Ren Cen in Detroit on Dec. 9
The Michigan Chapter of the National Brownfield Assn. will sponsor a program on managing brownfield programs and changes to Michigan's cleanup program. Read more.

Livable Communities Event on Smart Growth To Be Held in Holland Nov. 9
Economic development as related to smart growth is the topic for a Livable Communities Event on Nov. 9 in Holland. Read more.

Inside208 | Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
MBC-LEO held its 6th Annual Fundraiser at the Bernhardt Center-Western Michigan University Oct. 9, hosted by Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell. Over 100 municipal officials, local business leaders, & WMU students attended. See Photos on MBC-LEO site.

Seven Communities Honored for Business Successes by eCities
Seven Michigan communities received top ratings for fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development, in the eCities 2010 research results. Forty-eight others were recognized with four and five-star ratings. Read a news story on the ratings.

Urban Pioneers See Opportunity in Michigan's Frontier Cities
Let's Save Michigan's Sean Mann blogs about the need to changes attitudes to rebuild great cities, by seeing them as urban frontiers - a key theme of League Convention speaker Peter Kageyama, founder of the Creative Cities Summits. Read more.

Amtrak Sets New Ridership Records; Mass Transit Popularity Growing
MDOT reports that Amtrak trains in Michigan have set new ridership records for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and collected $24.5 million in ticket revenue. The strong performance on the Michigan routes is evidence that passengers are choosing Amtrak more often, and consider train travel in the Great Lakes State a convenient travel option.
Read more.

HUD Announces Sustainable Communities Grant Awards
HUD has announced the first Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants.  The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) was awarded $2.85 million. The goal is to connect housing with good jobs, quality schools and transportation. Read more.

New Working Group To Develop Sustainable Neighborhoods
Investors for Sustainable Communities is working to revitalize cities under the same tenets as the new HUD grant program. It's part of the same philosophy inherent in the League's Center for 21st Century Communities. Read more.

Public Radio Reacts to New Report on Medical Marijuana Law
Read MPR's Rick Pluta's story about Prof. Gerry Fisher's white paper, an important resource to help local governments and municipal attorneys cope with the MMMA. Read the white paper.

Citizens Research Council Analyzes Constitutional Convention Proposal
Read an independent, nonpartisan analysis of the Nov ballot proposal to hold a Constitutional Convention. It's a helpful resource for a complex issue that voters need to weigh carefully. Read the report.

Four Communities Selected for Partnerships for Change Program
Multi-jurisdictional partnerships centered around Quincy, Cadillac/Wexford, Niles and Van Buren have been awarded service grants to expand cooperation between local units of government. Read more.

State Sees Additional Revenues - What to Do With $100 Million?
The League believes some of the state's extra income tax revenues should be used to help restore lost revenue sharing $$ to provide local services. Read more.

MML's Kelly Stanford Warren Fights Sudden Cardiac Death Among Youth
The Detroit Free Press recently did a front page series on the Michigan Municipal League’s Kelly Stanford Warren and her fight against sudden cardiac death among Michigan's young people. Kelly’s daughter, Kayla, died suddenly from a heart problem in 2006 at the age of 12. "Kayla's Team" is a healthy heart promotion effort that has been started in Kayla's honor. Read more.

New Recreation Passport Launched This Month to Fund State Parks
A new $10 voluntary license plate fee has replaced the old $24 annual/ $6 daily pass for Michigan's state parks. The Recreation Passport's could increase revenues to recreation resources. Read more.

Minnick: Next Governor, Legislature Face Major Budget Crisis
In a guest op-ed for the Lansing State Journal, the League's Summer Minnick offers insights on what it will take to fix Michigan's economy. Read more.

Ehlers to Host Grand Rapids Rail Forum on Thursday Evening
The statewide passenger rail forums continue this week with a stop in Grand Rapids, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Rapid Central Station. The next stop is Monroe on Oct. 21. Read more from the League's Chris Hackbarth on how to have your community's voice heard on this issue.

FTA List: Michigan Projects Receive "State of Good Repair" Funds
Click here to see the list of projects funded under the new federal "State of Good Repair" program to maintain buses and bus facilities, as reported in an earlier Inside 208 blog post to improve public transit.

Community Foundation for SE MI Awards $7.6 Million in Grants
Dearborn's Arab American National Museum and Detroit's Fair Food Network are among more than 330 nonprofit organizations to receive a total of over $7.6 million in grants from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Read more.

East Lansing City Manager Writes About Shared Services Seminar
East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton talks in his blog about the recent Shared Services Initiative seminar sponosred by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commision, the State of Michigan and the Michigan Municipal League. Read more.

Michigan Mayors Showcase Successful Afterschool Efforts
National League of Cities on successful afterschool programs showcased at the 2010 Mayoral Summit. The article reinforces the need for afterschool programs to ensure success for today's youth. Read more.

Economy, Jobs, Foreclosures Hot Topics at Gubernatorial Debate
Read a Detroit News report on the televised debate between Republican candidate Rick Snyder and Democratic candidate Virg Bernero. Also read a Lansing State Journal article on the debate, which is expected to be the only head-on discourse between the two before the Nov. 2 election. Watch a video of the entire debate.

League Offers Entrepreneurship Workshops to Grow Business.
Sign up now for an October workshop to help communities develop an individualized entrepreneur-based economic development plan. Click here to register.

Media Notes More Cities Using Facebook To Reach Residents
The hot topic of social media at the League Convention helped spark a Flint Journal report on Genesee County cities using social media to communicate with residents. Read more.

Call to Action: Help Save the Energy Block Grant Program for Michigan
When Recovery Act funding ends, so will the EECBG program's funding of energy-related projects throughout Michigan. Urge Congressional candidates to maintain a program that sends money directly to local communities. Join the online campaign.

New Venture Accelerator Coming Soon to Michigan at UM-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan is starting a new, super-charged business incubator. The concept is part of the push for homegrown entrepreneurs talked about by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities. It was also a hot topic at this year's Convention. Read another story on the project.

The Review: Grand Rapids Shows How to Be a Sustainable City
A feature story in the Review on how sustainable development has evolved in Grand Rapids to include community partnerships and city initiatives. Read the story.

Michigan Artist Wins Grand Rapids ArtPrize - City Wins Too
Grand Rapids artist Chris LaPorte's 28-ft pencil drawing won the 2nd annual ArtPrize. But the city is the big winner, including restaurants and other businesses. It's how arts and culture can have a direct impact on a community's economy, as explained in the League's 21c3 initiative.

Detroit Free Press: Those Who Sprawled May Be in Trouble
Freep report: the suburban lifestyle may no longer be sustainable for our aging population -- a main theme of Convention speaker James Howard Kunstler.

Michigan Public Transit Receives Federal Funding For Repairs
Federal Transit Administration's "State of Good Repair" grant program will distribute over $750 million to 152 projects in 45 states, including six in Michigan, to maintain and repair buses & facilities. Read more.

Jackson Learns About Complete Streets at Training Session
The Jackson Citizen Patriot on the city's focus on walkability and physical design, a key asset identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities. Read more.

Redefining Economic Strategies Summit Oct. 7 at Lansing Center
Over 150 groups will gather at the Lansing Center on Oct. 7 to help move Michigan into a more competitive economic position. Read more.

Social Media Training For Michigan Communities in Alpena on Thursday
Social media was a hot topic at the 2010 Convention. Here's a low-cost League training session Oct. 7 in Alpena. Education credits approved! Read more.

FY 2011 Budgets Signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm This Week
The legislature finished passing all budget bills last week and sent them to the governor for signing. All but one has been signed. Read more about revenue sharing, fire protection grants and the transportation budget.

Broadband Funds to Build Fiber Optic Network Throughout Michigan
Access to technology - a key tool for success identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities - will get a boost from broadband funding from the Recovery Act. The funds will allow the building of a 2,287-mile fiber optic network extension throughout the state. Read more.

Two Major Newspapers Put City Focus on Governor's Race
Detroit Free Press and Lansing State Journal editorials report that Michigan's two gubernatorial candidates see cities playing a central role in the state's economic resurgence. The coverage comes directly out of the two candidates' speeches at the League Convention in September. Read more media coverage of the Convention.

CEOs For Cities Report Challenges Causes of Commutes, Congestion
A new report says commute times and congestion are worsening due to how we build our cities, not our roads. Read more.

Michigan By Rail Forum Series Stops in Flint, Among 16 Being Held
The League co-sponsored a public forum in Flint on Sept. 30, on the future of rail in Michigan. It was one of 16 forums being held throughout the state. Read more.

Paw Paw Wins National Environmental Protection Award
Congratulations to Paw Paw. The village has won a National Rural Water Association award for "Exemplary Efforts in Environmental Protection." Read more.

From Lansing: No Cuts to Revenue Sharing for FY 2011 State Budget
Local communities are celebrating the passage of HB 5880, that contains revenue sharing funded at a level equal to what communities received in FY 2010. A Grand Rapids Press article quotes MML staff calling the legislation "a big success for local units of government." Read more.

Video on League's Medical Marihuana Act Education Session
View a video on the Pre-Con education session hosted by the League on the Medical Marihuana Act issue. The session was standing-room-only, and covered by documentary film crews and statewide news media.

Statewide Media Attention on League Convention Events
News is still popping up all over the Internet about the League Convention in Dearborn. Click here to see an updated list of news items. Click here for photos.

Governor, House, Senate Candidate Questionaire Results Are In
The League sent out Candidate Questionnaires to each person running in every House and Senate district as well as in the Governor’s race.  Responses continue to roll in and are available to review. Read more.

PIRGIM: High Speed Rail "Part of Solution" for Michigan's Future
A new report puts clear numbers on how high-speed rail can help boost the Midwest economy, reduce highway and airport congestion, reduce oil dependence and protect the environment. It's part of the transit asset identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities.

TIME Magazine Online Posts "Why Detroit" Feel-Good Videos
See the latest video in a series posted by TIME Magazine Online, asking Detroiters to explain why they love their city. The videos are passionate, positive and full of pride. Read more.

Lansing Residents On Top in Smarter Cities Challenge
Lansing residents responded en masse to a call from IBM and Next American City magazine to show why their city is smarter. Read the posts and see the videos that earned them the honors.

Restaurant Romp Features 30+ Eateries in Dearborn Area
Convention attendees will savor everything from sushi to whitefish among the great eatery choices featured on this year's Restaurant Romp during Convention. Don't miss out! You can still register onsite during Convention.

Watch Greenville City Manager George Bosanic on YouTube Video
Greenville City Manager George Bosanic explains in a YouTube video why he attends the League Convention each year and what other municipal managers could gain from it. Read details on the Convention agenda.

Study: Detroit Metro Airport Ranked Highest In Passenger SatisfactionA JD Power and Associates survey gave high marks to Detroit Metro for overall passenger satisfaction. That's good news for the future of transit in the League's 21st Century Communities initiative. Read more.

Manistique Joins Complete Streets Push For More Non-Motorized Paths
The Daily Press reported on a recent Manistique City Council meeting where members unanimously supported a Complete Streets Resolution. Read more.

Downtown Lansing Joins in PARK(ing) Day CelebrationLet's Save Michigan and Accelerate Lansing transformed a major downtown Lansing intersection into a temporary public park on Friday to celebrate international PARK(ing) Day. It was one of several MI cities to join the awareness effort. Read more.

Brownfield 30-Year Clock Fix Considered in Senate Committee
The Senate Commerce Committee this week considered SB 1487 that would assist those with Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities. There are problems with the current 30-year timeline for tax increment financing. Read more.

Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Awards
Projects in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Clare and Plainwell were honored at the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference. Read more. All the projects are perfect examples of the assets outlined in the League's 21st Century Communities initiative.

Budget Deal Patches Over Transportation Match Shortfall
It appears the Governor and legislators have arrived at a deal that would cover the expected transportation funding shortfall for the coming fiscal year. The deal would shift dollars within the MDOT budget and use one-time fixes to temporarily patch the $84 million hole. Read more.

Let's Save Michigan's Sean Mann to Speak at San Francisco Conference
Let's Save Michigan's Sean Mann will be among the urban leaders to speak at Urban 20x20 in San Francisco Sept. 20-21. Sean will talk about LSM's efforts and his personal experiences in helping re-imagine the future for the city of Detroit. Read more.

League Staff Gets Preview of Convention's Detroit Tour
League staff were treated to a sneak peek of the Detroit tour to be hosted by Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan during the Convention. Read a Convention blog post about the tour.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence to Speak at MBC-LEO Fundraiser
Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, will speak at the annual fundraiser for the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, Oct. 9 in Kalamazoo. Read more.

MDOT Announces Public Meetings For Input on Statewide Rail Plan
The Michigan Department of Transportation will seek public input at a series of open house meetings over the next two weeks, for its proposed statewide rail plan. Click here for a schedule and more information.

Sidewalk Two-Inch Rule Fix Introduced By Senator Kuipers
Local governments could regain help with sidewalk liability, thanks to a bill introduced by Senator Kuipers. SB 1475 would reinstate the two-inch rule for sidewalk defects. Read more.

Watch League Convention's Karate Gardener on YouTube Video
Jacky and Dora King's karate students have transformed abandoned city lots into vibrant urban gardens. See a YouTube video of Jacky, who'll speak at the League Convention Sept. 21-24. Last day to pre-register is Sept. 15. Register here!

Freep Editorial on Governor's Race: Make Cities a Campaign Priority
A Detroit Free Press editorial by Jeff Gerritt calls on gubernatorial candidates to put city issues front and center on their agenda. Read Gerritt's earlier editorial on the same topic.

Lansing and East Lansing Rated Among Nation's Top Ten Cities
Lansing was rated one of the top 10 Great Cities for Young Adults and East Lansing was listed as one of the Top 10 College Towns to Start a Business by two separate news organizations. Both cities have worked to promote the 8 assets identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities. Read more.

Michigan Awarded Broadband Funding For Several Projects
Several Michigan projects are among 94 projects to receive federal funding to offer broadband service. Included are areas in southwest, south-central and northern Lower Peninsula, and the Upper Peninsula. Read more.

Medical Marihuana Act Ordinances Among Hottest Convention Topics
A Flint Journal story reports Holly has joined the communities working on zoning guidelines for businesses operating under the Medical Marihuana Act. Go here for details on a Sept. 21 Pre-Convention workshop to help officials deal with an issue affecting Michigan communities.

Multi-Million Dollar Renovations to Begin on Battle Creek Rail Station
A Get Michigan Moving news item reports that work should begin soon on one of the local projects funded in the first round of high-speed rail money granted earlier this year. Read the MDOT press release.

League Participates in Complete Streets Bill Signing in Lansing
Michigan Municipal League Board President Jeff Jenks and MML's Chris Hackbarth were invited by Governor Jennifer Granholm to participate in the ceremonial signing of the Complete Streets Legislation. Read more and view photos from this event on flickr.

Pontiac, Detroit and Others Make Mini-Parks in Parking Spots
Several communities will participate in the annual Parking Day celebration on Sept. 17, to bring awareness to the need for public spaces, says Sean Mann of Let's Save Michigan. Read more.

Police Visit Flint Twp. Grandfather's Home on Marijuana Complaint
A Flint Journal story is the latest in an ongoing line of incidents highlighting the confusion created by Michigan's Medical Marihuana Act. Go here for details on a Sept. 21 Pre-Convention workshop to help officials deal with an issue that's become an increasing problem for Michigan communities.

Muskegon Project Showcased at Emerging Cities Summit
The state applauded Cities of Promise and Cool Cities projects at the MSHDA-hosted Emerging Cities Summit. Muskegon's redevelopment of Mona Lake Park was among them. Read an Inside 208 post on it.

Lapeer Co. Sheriff's Deputies Raid Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Police seized nearly 50 plants and $3,500 in a raid Aug. 31 on the Compassionate Care Center in Dryden. The county and dispensary owners have disagreed over interpretations of the law since the center opened in April. Go here for details on a Sept. 21 Pre-Convention workshop on an issue that's become an increasing problem for Michigan communities.

Study: Every 10 Public Transit Jobs Creates Six More in MI Economy
Grand Rapids Press says a study shows its rapid bus system created 523 direct and 206 spin-off jobs plus $43 million in "social benefits." Proof the League's 21c3 assets do fuel local economy. Get Michigan Moving.

MDOT Seeks Public Input on Statewide Rail Plan
The public is being asked to weigh in on MDOT's plan for the future of rail transit in Michigan. It's crucial to be heard now as the State decides how it will manage and invest in a rail infrastructure vision. Read more.

Govtech.com Website Worth Viewing for Michigan Articles
Some articles about Michigan are included in Government Technology's website on how state, local and federal officials use e-technologies. Read a 21c3 blog post on using the site as a resource.

League's First Webinar Delivers! Participants Call It Huge Success
More than 75 people from around the state gathered at their computers this week to learn about the Michigan Shared Public Services Initiative. It was the League's first webinar, delivered free as a way to offer valuable information to members efficiently and effectively. Read more.

League’s Arnold Weinfeld is Guest Blogger, Michigan Main Street
The League’s Arnold Weinfeld was a guest blogger recently on the Michigan Main Street Center’s blog, on the vibrant downtowns in our state. Read the post.

Be Aware of Risks in Using Social Media for Business and Government
Annarbor.com's story on a local Twitter mess illustrates the double-edged sword of social media. Learn to avoid the pitfalls in a special session at the League's 112th Annual Convention Sept. 21-24. Register now!

Detroit Free Press Editorial: Statewide, Transit Needs a Big Push
A Freep editorial says transit should be part of the debate for Michigan's gubernatorial race, and the League agrees. It's a key asset of the League's 21st Century Communities initiative. A good sign we're on the right track: record ridership levels prompted Amtrak to boost Labor Day Weekend service between Chicago and Kalamazoo.

Impending Blockbuster Bankruptcy Could Mean Issues for Communities
Municipal attorneys are keeping a watchful eye for potential issues such as unpaid taxes, signage and unused development grants after the LA Times reported the home video rental giant plans to file bankruptcy in mid-September. Read more.

Future of Rail Service in Michigan Discussed at Jackson Forum
Rail transit is a big topic in a growing number of Michigan communities, with about 70 residents and public officials at a Jackson forum last week. Read more at Get Michigan Moving.

Genesee County Communities Study Ordinances for Medical Marijuana
Another story on local governments scrambling to study the law and how to address it. This is a big issue for Michigan communities. Go here for details on a League workshop on the topic Sept. 21.

Sirolli On Entrepreneurship at League Convention Next Month
Learn how to draw new business to your community at the SIrolli breakout session at the League's 112th Annual Convention Sept. 21-24. It's reversing the downward trend of Main Streets across the nation. Register now!

City budget cuts also affect businesses, says League's Minnick
The League's Summer Minnick was quoted in a Royal Oak Daily Tribune story on the impact of city budget cuts. Read more.

League Staffer's Tale of Mountain Climbing Adventure in Ecuador
The League's Liz Shaw recently spent two weeks in Ecuador as an Earthwatch volunteer. Here's a Flint Journal story on what she did after the project. It's just one of the interesting things our staffers are doing. Read more.

Ferndale, Alpena Address Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Issue
Alpena and Ferndale are the latest to address medical marijuana dispensaries. This is a big issue for Michigan communities. Go here for details on a League workshop on the topic Sept. 21.

Revenue Sharing Cuts Likely Averted With House Legislation
The state House of Representatives passed legislation on Aug. 25 that will likely prevent drastic revenue sharing cuts. The comprehensive budget solution proposed by the Granholm Administration will close the current budget hole and eliminate the expected deficit for FY 2010-11. Read more.

Time Is Running Out to Register For Free League Webinar on Aug. 31
A free webinar 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 31 helps communities learn how to save money without sacrificing valuable school and municipal services. Register here. Read Inside 208 post.

Bills Eliminating Fire Protection Grants Pulled From House Agenda
The League successfully convinced legislators to pull two bills added Aug. 25 that would have repealed driver responsibility fees. The fees contribute more than $100 million to the general fund and their elimination would end fire protection grants used by many communities to run fire departments. Read more.

Bay City Billboards Bring National Focus to Police/Fire Funding Issues
National Review Online is the latest to report on controversial billboards about a rift between the city and police union. It's a situation growing more common as communities struggle with budget deficits. Read why the League wants to ease contract negotiations by amending PA 312.

Stimulus Money at Work in Flint - New Multi-Use Pathway Underway
Construction is about 60 percent complete on a new multi-use pathway along the Flint River in Flint. The Flint River Kettering Trail extension is part of the Genesee County Regional Trail Council's plan to eventually connect communities all across the county and to outlying regions. It's another example of the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition's vision for Michigan's transportation future. Read more.

Flint, Detroit on Dead Cities List - But Don't Despair, Say League Experts
A 24/7 Wall St. list of "America's Ten Dead Cities" (most former manufacturing hubs) shows how cities losing their tax base can get caught in a downward spiral. League advocacy is working to turn those forces around. Read more.

Kentwood Debuts New Library; Expecting 30 Percent Visitor Jump
Read A Grand Rapids Press article on Kentwood's new library facility and how it could help the city. Read more about America's changing public libraries.

Michigan Awaits Results of High-Speed Rail Grant Request

Michigan is among states waiting to hear word on nearly $2.5 billion in Federal Railroad Administration grants, to be announced by Sept. 30. Read Inside 208.

UM Report: Local Governments in Declining Fiscal Health Across MI
A new University of MIchigan report states declining state and federal aid is among problems plaguing Michigan municipalities. The League's Summer Minnick explains why it's tough for local governments to function like a business. Read more.

Saline, Chelsea, Dexter "Hold Firm" Despite Still-Shaky Economy
The Ann Arbor Observer/Community Observer looks at how 21c3 assets can strengthen downtowns in a tough economy. It's a great example of the Center for 21st Century Communities concept at work. Read more.

Governor's Budget Solution Spares Revenue Sharing; Work Continues
Revenue sharing was not included in the Governor's proposal to solve the current and FY 2011 budgets. More work is yet ahead as the budget process continues. Read more from the Inside 208 blog on what the proposal does and doesn't include

MI Festivals & Events Assn. Seeks Votes in Pepsi Refresh Contest
The MFEA needs online votes before the end of August to win the Pepsi Refresh Project $250,000 grant. The grant will support statewide tourism-related events and businesses. Read more.

Here's Why You Should Care About Michigan's Complete Streets Law
Michigan is the 14th state to adopt Complete Streets legislation. Read more from State Rep. Jon Switalski.Check out related resources and read an Inside 208 post on the topic.

MDOT Hosts Walking Audits With Dan Burden in 17 Communities
The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting free "walkability" audits around the state this month, to promote the benefits of safe, walkable communities. Read more.

Novi Promotes Pathway Priority With Three Construction Projects
The City of Novi recently issued this press release to spread the word about three major pathway projects under construction this summer. Walkability is one of the eight assets of the League's 21c3 Initiative. Read more.

Community Excellence Award Finalists Set for League Convention
The statewide Community Excellence Award will go to one of seven Michigan communities during the League’s 112th Annual Convention, Sept. 21-24. Register now before the Aug. 24th Early Bird Deadline!

Susan Zielinski to Speak on Sustainable Transportation at League Convention
Susan Zielinski, Managing Director of the University of Michigan SMART Program, will discuss the "mobility challenge" and the five themes for building sustainable transportation systems now and into the future, at the League Convention, Sept. 21-24 in Dearborn. Register now. Also read more about this transportation expert

Transit Included in Planning/Zoning Bills Passed by Senate Committee
After urging from League staff, the Senate Local, State and Urban Affairs passed on Tuesday two bills that specify transit be included in the review process for master plans and zoning plans. Read the Inside 208 blog.

Michigan Elections Analysis Shows Major Support for Local Services
A Center for Michigan report on the Aug. 3 elections shows voters across the state approved road repairs, fire and police, senior citizens and libraries. Read more from the League’s Arnold Weinfeld.

Mass Transit Gets Boost in Southeast Michigan
A Detroit Free Press editorial explains how mass transit in southeast Michigan – and regionalism in general – got a resounding boost when multiple communities renewed a property tax for SMART bus service. Read more.

Complete Streets to Help Make Michigan More Cyclist-Friendly
Read what the Let’s Save Michigan initiative writes about what the recently passed Complete Streets legislation will mean to Michigan. Read an Inside 208 post on the topic too.

Robert Bobb to Speak at Michigan Municipal League Convention
The Emergency Financial Manager for Detroit schools will speak at the League’s Annual Convention Sept. 21-24 in Dearborn. Bobb’s presentation highlights the education asset of the League’s Center for 21st Century Communities initiative. Register here.

Health Care Reform Webcast Now Available Online
A recent webinar on implementation of the federal health care reform act has now been archived for viewing anytime.

Summer Minnick in Gongwer Article About Local Government Funding
The Michigan Municipal League's Summer Minnick is in a recent Gongwer article about how local governments rely just as much on the Michigan Legislature being timely with their budget as schools do. Read more.

Businessman Explains How Vibrant Communities are Key to Success
A Detroit business owner writes this letter about the importance of place. The League’s Arnold Weinfeld explains how this letter is a must-read.

Michigan Municipal League Leads Way in New-Economy Creation
The Michigan Municipal League’s Andy Schor is quoted in this Crain’s Detroit Business article about “new economy” legislation being done in Lansing. Read more about the League’s 21c3 initiative.

Free Records Management Training Workshop is Sept. 14
The State of Michigan Records Management Services is presenting a free 2-hour workshop on September 14, 2010,  from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in Lansing.  Read more.

Allegan Uses ‘Only One Allegan” Campaign to Market Community
The Michigan Municipal League profiles Allegan Michigan and its unique marketing campaign. in the recent issue of The Review magazine. Read the article. View all articles from the July/August issue of The Review.

Here Are Some Ways Michigan Cities Can Save Money
In the most recent issue of The Review magazine, the League’s Anthony Minghine gives some valuable cost-savings tips for Michigan communities in these challenging economic times. Read the article. View all articles from the July/August issue of The Review.

Governor Signs 'Complete Streets' Bills; New Plan Is Good for Michigan Communities, League says
The Michigan Municipal League had a huge victory in Lansing Wednesday when lawmakers passed the Complete Streets legislation. It was signed by Governor Granholm over the weekend. Read more.

New Funding Available to Help Michigan Farmers Markets
The League’s Arnold Weinfeld writes about the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) launching two programs to assist communities with the development of farmers markets. Read more.

Ludington, Michigan, Celebrates History and Culture Through Art
Ludington recently unveiled the final piece in their waterfront sculpture park which includes eight other sculptures, each representing a part of Ludington's history and culture. The League’s Arnold Weinfeld explains how this is the type of program recommended by the League’s Center for 21st Century Communities.

Lansing Region Named as a Great City for Young Adults
The Lansing and East Lansing region was named as one of the “10 Great Cities for Young Adults” by the financial news organization Kiplinger Washington Editors Inc. The League’s Sean Mann is quoted in the Lansing State Journal article about this recognition. Read more.

Michigan Municipal League Convention Clock Helps Save Money
The Michigan Municipal League has a new temporary feature on the main page of our website - it's a countdown clock to get the early bird rate on our 2010 Convention. As of today, there are just 24 days left until the early bird rate expires. Look for the clock on the right side of this page. Read more about the clock here and the Convention here.

Former Michigan Municipal League President G. Stewart Francke Dies
Former Saginaw Mayor and League president, G. Stewart Francke, died at his home in Point Lookout, near Au Gres. Francke was Saginaw Mayor from 1961 to 1965 and served as president of the League from 1965 to 1966. Francke was instrumental in building the Holland Street Bridge, which was recently named in his honor. More

MSU Film Students Release New YouTube Video on Urban Gardeners
There’s a new video recently released on some speakers presenting during the League’s 112th Annual Convention in Dearborn, Sept. 21-24. Jacky and Dora King are the focus of an inspiring new YouTube video. Read about our other Convention speakers.