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May 2013

DIA Inside|Out Among League's How-To Placemaking Resources
Inside|Out brings 80 reproductions of masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) collection to the streets and parks of greater metro Detroit. Read more case studies showing how various communities have enhanced their sense of place in creative and surprising ways.

House Considers Income Tax Credit for Michigan College Graduates
House Bill 4182 would give income tax credits to MI college graduates if they live and work here after graduation. The League supports this legislation to attract and retain talented individuals in the state. State Rep. Andy Schor discussed the "brain drain" bill on public radio.

State Budget Agreement Could See Legislative Vote Before End of May
The state Legislature could vote soon on a budget target agreement which includes more funding for state roads and K-12 public schools but no Medicaid expansion or restored revenue sharing funds for local governments to provide police, fire and other services. Revenues coming into state government this fiscal year are nearly $483 million higher than anticipated in January. Read an Inside 208 post.

League Works to Improve Local Control in ORV Legislation
The League has worked with Representative Bumstead on House Bill 4299 to improve local control over ORVs being used within municipalities. Read more.

Spending Debate Begins for $483 Million in Unexpected Tax Revenues
Revenues coming into state government this fiscal year could be nearly $483 million higher than anticipated in January. Read the Inside 208 blog post. No decisions on how to spend the unanticipated surplus have been made – but according to this Mlive story Michigan’s deteriorating roads will get strong consideration. The Michigan Municipal League wants more spent to restore past cuts to revenue sharing programs – money that helps local governments pay for police, fire and other services. View the press release.

How Marquette's Placemaking has Developed a Thriving Community
Read about and listen to a Michigan Radio interview with Marquette City Manager Bill Vadja and Arnold Weinfeld, the League's Director of Strategic Initiatives, on Marquette's placemaking success story.

League Opposes Aviation Bills That Would Cut Revenue Sharing Funds
The League opposes a proposal on changing the aviation fuel tax because the bill's current form would result in a $12 million cut to revenue sharing.

League Asks State to Put Budget Surplus Toward Revenue Sharing
The Michigan Municipal League has issued a statewide press release calling for the state to use a portion of the recently announced budget surplus to restore massive cuts made to local revenue sharing. View the press release. Read more.

New One Pager Plus Fact Sheet on OMA Posting Requirements
Recent Open Meetings Act changes affect the posting of emergency meetings and public bodies with official websites. Get the League’s new One Pager Plus Fact Sheet.

West Michigan Communities Pass Transportation Funding Resolutions
The Michigan Municipal League encouraged member communities to draft transportation funding resolutions and several communities have done so. Check out some of the resolutions here. Here is a recent Grand Rapids Press article about the resolutions. The League is encouraging members to attend a town hall meeting on transportation funding in their area. Click here for dates, times, and locations across the state now through May 13.

Senate Passes 4.8% EVIP Increase in Proposed General Fund Budget
Final budget negotiations will continue in earnest throughout May now that the Senate passed the general government budget including the subcommittee's recommended 4.8% EVIP increase, thanks in large part to Senator Pappageorge's relentless advocacy. Read more here.

House Sends Transportation Budget to Senate Without $1.2 Billion
The legislature has yet to come to agreement on how to raise the $1.2 billion in new funding that the Governor requested for roads. Read more on the status of the transportation budget.

Senate Committee Passes 4.8% EVIP Increase in Proposed Budget
During the League's Capital Conference, the frustration over EVIP was evident. Governor Snyder said he wanted to hear from League members regarding problems with the program and the League responded with a letter to the Governor and a call to action from members. THE RESULT: On April 18, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the general government budget including the subcommittee's recommended 4.8% increase, thanks also to Senator Pappageorge's relentless advocacy. Read more here.

April 2013

Two Sides of the Equation for Reviving Michigan Communities
Many know only one side of Detroit and our other urban centers. Now read a Bridge article about those who are working to make them vibrant places for the future. And another side of the equation: involving state policy makers who used to believe and participate in a shared responsibility for our communities. Here is a reminder of what they might want to focus on over the coming weeks.

Senate Subcommittee Passes Budget Without New Road Funds
The Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee voted out the 2013-14 transportation budget without the $1.2 billion in new funding proposed by the Governor. Read more.

NLC Case Study on Chelsea's Path to Vibrant Downtown
Read this comprehensive placemaking study by the NLC on the city of Chelsea's path toward creating a vibrant downtown.

League Explains Placemaking "Market" to Business Community
The League's Arnold Weinfeld discusses placemaking and the importance of quality of life assets in today's market, in a two-part conversation on the Michigan Business Network. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2.

Sends Local EVIP Problems and Concerns to Governor's Office
Last week at Capital Conference the frustration over EVIP was evident. Governor Snyder indicated he wanted to hear from League members regarding problems with the program. Check out this blog post regarding a letter we sent to the Governor. It's important that the Governor hear not just from the League but from our members as well. We're requesting letters from your communities detailing your problems/concerns with the program. We will then remit those letters to the Governor's office. Here are some talking points you can use. We are working hard to get changes to this program, and your help is needed.

PlacePlan: Allegan Unveils Riverfront Redesign Project
Allegan's riverfront redesign project is one of five to gain help through PlacePlans, which brings together expertise from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction.

Senate Subcommittee Recommends 4.8% Increase in EVIP Funding
EVIP was a hot topic at the League's 2013 Capital Conference with local officials voicing "appropriate anger" about the issue. Plante Moran has released a chart that shows statutory revenue sharing cuts to communities in excess of $6 billion since 2001. What you can do to help. For the latest on EVIP posting requirements and penalties, click here. For more on the Senate Subcommittee's recommended 4.8% EVIP increase, click here.

Placemaking Conference Considers Detroit's History and Deep Potential
League CEO Dan Gilmartin was one of the speakers Thursday at the Placemaking Leadership Council inaugural meeting at the Westin Book Cadillac. More than 300 participants from 10 countries and 25 states came to learn about Detroit during the three-day conference featuring urban planners, architects, and redevelopment experts focused on placemaking efforts in Michigan's largest city. More.

Tax Shift off Businesses Will Add to Fiscal Woes at City Halls
The new tax shift off business will weigh heaviest on municipalities already struggling under legacy employee benefits, rising costs and lost revenue-sharing dollars. According to legislation passed in late 2012, the voters will be asked to approve a measure in 2014 to replace most of the personal property tax revenues that would be lost to cities, but officials say that may still not be enough to maintain communities at an acceptable level. Read more.

Report: Estimated Revenue Sharing Loss at Over $6 Billion Since 2001
Plante Moran has released information that shows statutory revenue sharing cuts to communities in excess of $6 billion since 2001. You can view the information here. What you can do to help. For the latest on EVIP posting requirements and penalties, click here. For more on the recommended 4.8% EVIP increase, click here.

Finance Experts to Lead Budget Discussion at Capital Conference
Mitch Bean, former director of the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, and Eric Lupher, Director of Local Affairs at the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, will be on a panel discussion on Michigan’s budget situation at 3:15-4:00 pm April 10 at the League's Capital Conference.

Spring Transportation Asset Management Conference May 8
MDOT's Kirk Steudle is the keynote speaker for the 2013 Spring Transportation Asset Management Conference in East Lansing on May 8. Learn more

Federal Tax Exemption in Danger: Contact Congressional Leaders Now
Congress could eliminate the federal tax exempt status of municipal bonds. If you have not done so already, please contact Congress and tell them how important the federal exemption is to your community. Learn more here.

Dan Gilbert Unveils Plan for Livelier Downtown Detroit; Papa Joe’s
Quicken Loans Chairman and Founder Dan Gilbert announced his continuing commitment to revitalizing Detroit at an “Opportunity Detroit” event Thursday, that included Fred Kent of Project for Public Spaces. The plans, which included an announcement of a Papa Joe’s grocery store opening in the heart of downtown, are very consistent with the League’s placemaking message. Read more.

House Committee Proposes Major Changes to EVIP; No Increase
The League is asking members to contact their lawmakers to voice concerns about a proposed EVIP budget that has no increase in revenue for local communities. This plan also includes major changes and penalties to the current Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). The League has significant concerns with this plan. Here are the details. Get the latest updates on this and other key legislative issues at the League's Capital Conference in Lansing, April 9-10.

Town Gown Partners Focus of Prosperity Agenda Radio Show
The relationship between communities and their adjacent colleges and universities is the theme of the March Prosperity Agenda radio show on News Talk 760 WJR. Read more here and here. View photos.

New Election Law Fact Sheets for Cities and Villages Now Available
New election law was passed in December 2012 that 1) eliminated September village elections and 2) gave cities the option to change their election dates by Resolution to even year November elections. The League has developed two new Fact Sheets with sample Resolutions—one for villages and one for cities

More than a Balanced Budget to Make Detroit a World Class City
As Detroit moves into emergency management, this Detroit News op-ed urges that we look beyond a balanced budget to invest in ensuring that our biggest city has adequate tax base, quality services, and important amenities, and is development-friendly and welcoming to all. Read more.

Study Shows Transit Proximity Keeps Home Values More Stable
A recent study shows homes near transit stations weathered the recession better than others. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari is a keynote speaker at the Capital Conference, April 9-10.Register here.

Why Wall Street Profits Don't Trickle Down to Local Government
On Metromedia: Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate explains why Wall Street profits don't trickle down to local services.

State of the Cities 2013: Building for the Future in an Uncertain Present
Read the NLC State of the Cities Address for 2013, which focuses on economic development, public safety, education, infrastructure, and municipal finance.

League City Charter Database: New Online Resource is Now Available!
The new charter database includes information from 273 home rule city charters on key concepts such as mayoral selection, filling council vacancies, and the fiscal year.

Haglund: Lansing's Problems Show What State Government Needs to Fix
From Rick Haglund's column: Lansing has a smaller budget and 30 percent fewer employees than in 2003. Yet the city is facing a projected $9 million budget deficit in its fiscal year starting July 1. Older Michigan cities are dealing with population loss, declining property tax revenues and state revenue sharing, and rising costs for city employees and retirees.But the state has cut $4.2 billion in statutory revenue sharing to local government over the past dozen years.There is no increase in Snyder’s proposed 2014 budget. Many communities also could lose as much as 20 percent of their personal property tax revenue if voters ultimately approve a phase-out of the tax. Fixing the cities will require a renewed partnership between the cities and state government, said Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. More.

March 2013

Why Detroit Matters is Focus of League’s Review Magazine
Detroit is the focus of the latest Review Magazine. The League’s 2013 Convention takes place in Detroit in September. More.

Let's Save Michigan Hosts Twitter Town Hall on Pop Up Placemaking
Let's Save Michigan reached a potential audience of more than 44,000 with its “Twitter Town Hall on Popup Placemaking” on March 19. The social media event helped spread the word on pop ups—temporary events and projects that experiment with novel ways to energize and activate public spaces.

Local Leaders to State: Fix PPT Problems and Revenue Sharing Cuts
The Michigan Municipal League and local leaders held a press conference calling for action from the state on issues crucial to the future prosperity of Michigan's cities and villages. Topping the list: critical problems with the personal property tax legisation, and revenue sharing cuts that make it increasingly difficult to provide the local services that Michigan citizens expect in their communities. Read the press release. Use the PPT Plan Local Unit Worksheet.

Members Urged to Attend Town Hall Meetings on Transportation Funding
State legislators are reaching out to hear local concerns on transportation. The League urges members to attend town hall meetings on transportation funding coming to your area March 14-23. Dates and times for specific locations can be found here.

League Members Honor Senator Carl Levin for Years of Service
Several Michigan Municipal League members were in Washington D.C. this week for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. They honored U.S. Senator Carl Levin for his years of service in the Senate. Levin announced last week that he will not seek a seventh term in Congress. Read more.

League Shines Light on Cities' Struggles from Falling Revenues
Read Cities, Counties Need New Revenue and Michigan Revenue Sharing Levels Add to Cities' Struggles in the Lansing State Journal. The League's Samantha Harkins and Nicole Brown both called for public attention to the financial plight facing local municipalities due to revenue sharing cuts, declining property values, and the elimination of the personal property tax on business.

Why it Makes Economic Sense to become Age-Friendly Communities
The AARP offers these eye-opening facts on our aging population, which shows why it makes good economic sense for Michigan municipalities to become age-friendly communities. Read an Ann Arbor Journal article on the AARP Age-Friendly Communities Conference.

Members Urged to Attend Town Hall Meetings on Transportation Funding
The League urges members to attend town hall meetings on transportation funding coming to your area. Transportation will be a central topic at Capital Conference, April 9-10 in Lansing. Early Bird Deadline is March 14. Liability Pool & Workers Compensation Fund members save more than half off the regular rate! Learn more and register here. Read about this and other eventsin the LOOP.

Local Leaders Learn Innovative Placemaking Ideas at Workshop
Mark's Carts and Detroit Soup are the kind of organic placemaking that occurs when city officials open their doors to innovative thinking. The case studies were part of a Governing Innovation Workshop at the Innovatrium.

State Must Partner with Communities to Build a Collective Future
Like many cities, West Branch is trying to reinvigorate its downtown with little help from the state. Dan Gilmartin writes about the obstacles they face in Placemaking and Politics-Like Peanut Butter and Hand Grenades.

February 2013

White House Releases Michigan Impact of Sequestration Cuts
About $85 Billion in Federal Spending Reductions have gone into effect for the remainder of fiscal year 2013. Learn how this will impact your community.

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary to Speak at Capital Conference
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John D. Porcari will be the keynote speaker at the Awards Luncheon on April 10 at the League's Capital Conference at the Lansing Center in Lansing. Register now: Early Bird Deadline is March 14!

House Bill Would Give Tax Credits to College Grads Staying in Michigan
State Rep. Andy Schor has introduced a bill that would help address the ongoing "brain drain" that hinders Michigan's future economic strength. It would authorize tax credits for up to half of a college graduate’s tuition if he or she stays and works in Michigan.

Editorial: Expect Pinch on Local Budgets and Services to Worsen
This Detroit Free Press editorial warns of the impact of the new personal property tax reform on our communities. Calculate your local impact with the Department of Treasury's PPT Plan Local Unit Worksheet. Read a new report showing that Michigan residents feel essential services are in “worse” or “far worse” shape than they were 10-15 years ago.

League Calls for Increased EVIP Funding for Michigan Communities
The Michigan Municipal League’s Samantha Harkins testified in Lansing Tuesday about the need for increased funding for communities through the state’s Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). Harkins expressed concern over the Governor’s failure to recommend an increase in EVIP funding as well as concerns about the administration of the program itself. A new report shows that Michigan residents feel the services they rely on–roads, parks, education, local police and fire protection–are in “worse” or “far worse” shape than they were 10-15 years ago.

League Releases Video, Letters on Just Fix the Road Effort
A new video was released today featuring Michigan Municipal League President David Lossing and CEO Dan Gilmartin about the Just Fix the Roads effort. Also in recent days several letters to the editor by League members about the need for increased transportation funding were published and posted online. Learn more.

PPT Calculation Spreadsheet Available for Local Government
The Department of Treasury has put together a spreadsheet to help calculate a the impact of the new personal property tax reform on our communities. You can find the sheet here: PPT Plan Local Unit Worksheet.

Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is April 9
A Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service will take place on Tuesday, April 9 across the country. Community leaders can participate in a variety of ways. Read more about the event and what you can do to participate.

Aging in Place: Michigan Cities Prepare for Baby Boomers
We will see a rapid acceleration in growth in our elderly populations as baby boomers turn 65. January's The Prosperity Agenda talked about the opportunity they bring to cities. Register for the Age-Friendly Communities Conference Feb 28 in Ann Arbor.

League Launches New LOOP E-Newsletter for Training and Events
Check out the LOOP’s new look! It’s fresh, clean and compelling—and hopefully will entice many more “eyes on the page” for League trainings and events.

Sign Up Deadline is Feb 22 for
Natural Gas Puchasing Program Today is the deadline for the next round of the League's Natural Gas Purchasing Program. Learn more about potential savings for your municipality.

Aging in Place: M ichigan Cities Prepare for Baby Boomers
We will see a rapid acceleration in growth in our elderly populations as baby boomers turn 65. The Prosperity Agenda talks about the opportunity they bring to cities. Register for the Age-Friendly Communities Conference Feb 28 in Ann Arbor.

Sample Resolution for Cities on Fixing the Transportation Budget
The League is asking cities and villages to please consider using this sample resolution as a model to adopt and show your support for enhancing transportation funding.

Governor Speaks on Transportation Plan and Funding for State Budget
Michigan Municipal League members from Flint, Durand and Grand Blanc were among more than 50 people to hear Governor Rick Snyder discuss his transportation improvement plan and its place in his budget proposal, during an event in Flint on Feb. 8. More. For a sample resolution for cities on transportation funding, click here.

Michigan Cities "Firing Flares" Over State's Broken Funding System
Read a Bridge guest column warning that the state's system of funding local government is broken, and that we can expect fewer public services in the future if the system is not fixed.

Town Gown: Big Rapids, Ferris State University Joined at the Hip
Read a Town Gown blog post on the partnership between Ferris State University and Big Rapids.

Ann Arbor Placemaking Success Story: Food Cart to Brick and Mortar
Read the latest placemaking success story about how Ann Arbor's "food cart pod" has created a diverse and vibrant gathering place for residents. while serving as an incubator for new food businesses to become permanent establishments.

National Brownfield Assn Program Feb. 21 in Lansing - Register Now
The Michigan Chapter of the National Brownfield Association will discuss the newest developments in brownfield issues Feb. 21 at the Michigan Manufacturers Association in Lansing. More.

Last Chance for Critical Trainings in Frankenmuth on February 14 and 15
Friday is the last day for elected officials and municipal staffers to register for these critical trainings in Frankenmuth. Thursday, February 14: Finance for the Non-Finance Municipal Official and Parliamentary Procedure. Friday, February 15: Service Consolidation & Shared Services and Back to Basics: OMA & FOIA. This is the last chance to get these critical trainings at this convenient location in mid-Michigan!

Kalkaska Village Manager Penny Hill Named MLGMA President for 2013
Kalkaska Village Manager Penny Hill was named the 2013 president of the Michigan Local Government Management Association (MLGMA) during the organization’s annual Winter Institute Jan. 29-Feb. 1 in Rochester. She succeeds 2012 MLGMA President Curtis Holt, Wyoming city manager

Communication the Theme at MLGMA 2013 Winter Institute
Municipal managers from throughout Michigan were in Rochester the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 1 for the 2013 Michigan Local Government Management Association (MLGMA) Winter Institute. More..

January 2013

FREE League/Microsoft Webinar: CRM in Local Government
Learn how to use "customer relationship management" to make communication more effective with your constituents. Sign up for the FREE webinar from the League and Microsoft on Feb. 6.

Help Increase Transportation Funding - Contact Legislators Now!
Read about the upcoming Transportation Asset Management Conferences. Read about newly introduced road funding bills.The League is part of the Michigan Transportation Team to support increased funding for transportation. How to help. For a sample resolution, click here.

Bernero and Gilmartin: Why Cities Matter to Regions and Entire State
Read Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero's LSJ op-ed "If Lansing Thrives, So Does Region" and two guest columns from the League's Dan Gilmartin: "Prosperous Urban Areas Draw Workers" and "Here's Why Detroit Matters, Even in Outstate Michigan," an excerpt from an upcoming Review column.

Community Excellence Award Entries Coming in: Join the Race for the Cup!
Lexington, Albion, St. Joseph and South Haven are the first communities to enter the League’s 2013 Community Excellence Award (CEA) competition. Sign up now! First round takes place at the 2013 Capital Conference, April 9-10 in Lansing.

Citizens Institute on Rural Design Seeks Proposals from Communities
The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is requesting proposals from rural communities facing design challenges to host local workshops in 2013. Successful applicants will receive a $7,000 grant and in-kind design expertise and technical assistance valued at $35,000. More.

League, MLGMA Call for State to Fix Crumbling Transportation System
In response to Governor Rick Snyder’s State of the State address, Michigan Municipal League Board President David Lossing and MLGMA President Curtis Holt issued statements calling for a major investment to the state’s crumbling transportation system. Read the League statement and MLGMA's statement. Learn more about the “Just Fix the Roads” campaign.

Editorial: Surplus is Nice But Growth Must be Next for Michigan's Future
Read a Livingston Daily editorial challenging the current state leadership's notion that cutting education, social services, public safety and infrastructure while giving breaks to business will actually result in economic growth and help make Michigan a quality state.

A New Year Full of Hope and Challenges for Local Communities
Read why a series of Lansing State Journal articles written by individuals high on Lansing show the concepts of placemaking are at work here in Michigan - collaboration, creativity, and a diverse economy being built around entrepreneurs and young talent - despite ongoing challenges. Read more on why communities and people matter. Read the 2013 State of Your League Report.

December 2012

More than 100 Call In to League's Live Chat on Lame Duck Decisions
Click here for a spreadsheet to calculate the impact of the PPT plan. Listen to a recording of the League Live Chat on the bills passed during the Lame Duck session. One Pager Plus Fact Sheet on Right to Work.

27 Former League Members Among New 2013 Legislative Session
A new House is being sworn in, and there are 28 new members, including six additional former League members (and one former League lobbyist) are taking seats as legislators. That will bring us to a total of 27 legislators who are former city or village officials, and we look forward to working with them and other legislators in this new session. See the list. Want to be part of what's going on in Lansing? We need you on the League's Legislative Committees! Learn more.

Lansing Wins $1.5M Grant from NYC Mayor's Foundation for Families
The City of Lansing and Capital Area Community Services, a regional organization combating poverty, have been awarded a $1.5 million grant to help low-income residents become financially stable. More.

Former MAMA President and LDF Board Chair Jack Beras Dies
Long-time Southfield City Attorney John E. (Jack) Beras died recently following a long illness. Beras was an active supporter of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and a former board chairman of the League’s Legal Defense Fund. Read more about Beras here and here

Port Huron, St Clair Co. Community College Partner for Growth
Read the TownGown blog on how the city and college are involved in initiatives to emphasize the value of higher education.

New: League Publishes One Pager Plus Fact Sheet on Right to Work
Click here for an overview of the new Right to Work legislation for public and private employees. The League is still evaluating its impact on our members, and will include this important topic in future training programs.

Placemaking and Advocacy Featured in 2013 State of Your League Report
As our member communities continue to struggle with a turbulent economy and tough legislative issues, the League continues to work toward easing those burdens through every avenue available. The League Liability & Property Pool will return more than $10 million in dividends to member communities in 2013. The League continues to lead the way on placemaking as a core economic development strategy. New training opportunities will better equip elected officials for the challenges of office. The Lansing staff is forging ahead with a proactive legislative agenda. Learn about it all in the 2013 State of Your League Report.

Homegrown Talent: Resources for Improving College Attainment
Don't just try to attract or retain talent: help grow your own! The League is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to promote tools to improve college attainment in local communities. The National League of Cities has also released an Action Guide on the topic.

Training Weeks Coming to a Location Near You in January
The League's new Training Week program offers topics to help educate elected officials and municipal staff. Online resources include a local government primer and specialty one-page fact sheets.

NLC Congressional City Conference March 9-13, 2013 in Washington DC
Click here to learn more and to register.

Legislature Passes Massive Changes to Michigan Recall Process
Read about HBs 6060 and 6063, sent to the governor at the end of the lame duck session, that change the recall process in Michigan.

Legislature Passes Medical Marihuana Law Changes
The Legislature passed bills to amend the voter-initiated Medical Marihuana law. Read more.

College Town: Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Superior State University
Read the latest Towngown blog on this growing collaboration. Read UP Second Wave's article on the city's transformation into a true university town.

Township BID Tool Bill Passes, Limited to Kent County
SB 334 will allow four Kent County townships to create Business Improvement Zones, which are currently limited to only cities and villages. More.

2012 Statewide Pay and Benefits Survey: Time is Running Out!
Does a searchable database of 143 job titles with pay & benefits information interest you? If so, please check to see if your municipality has participated in this year’s survey—not many have. What are comparables without comparables?

New Emergency Manager Law Passes House, Now at Senate
New Emergency Manager legislation passed the House Wednesday night, allowing four options for struggling local governments: emergency management, consent agreement, mediation, or Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

Cable Survey Input Needed by Friday, December 14, 2012
Michigan cities, villages and township are urged to respond to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s online annual survey of competition in the cable television industry by December 14.

League Victory! PA 54 Exemption Will Die in Lame Duck Session
HB 5780 (a bill to create an exemption to PA 54, the law barring retroactivity when contracts have expired) was not taken up by the House and will die on the House floor. It would need to be reintroduced next year and start the entire process over again. This is a huge victory for our communities who are working hard to be efficient and cut costs! Read more.

Main Regional Transit Authority Bill Passes House, Goes to Governor
The House of Representatives has passed SB 909, the main bill in the Regional Transit Authority package. More.

MDOT Offers New Transportation Alternatives Grant Program
The program uses federal transportation funds for activities that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. See eligible activities relevant to our communities.

Senate Hearing on PPT Package is Wednesday; Contact Lawmakers!
Last week the House passed part of the personal property tax package and on Wednesday morning (Dec. 12) the Senate Finance Committee is to have a hearing on the issue. PLEASE KEEP UP THE PRESSURE ON YOUR LEGISLATORS! Without full, guaranteed replacement state Legislature should not pass what's being considered!!

Training Weeks Coming to a Location Near You in January
The League's new Training Week program will offer a series of topics to help educate elected officials and municipal staff. Online resources for elected officials include a local government primer and specialty one-page fact sheets.

Applicant's Guide to Competitive Grant Assistance Program (EVIP)
Click here for the Applicant's Guide and other resources on EVIP and PA 152. Click here for the Michigan Dept of Treasury page on the program. Read more.

PPT Update
Ignoring pleas from the Michigan Municipal League and other organizations to slow down, the House Tax Policy Committee today pressed forward during this lame duck session to repeal the personal property tax. And now the League needs your help as the bills move to the full House. Click here to read more and get contact info for your representatives. Read media coverage of the issue here.

Saline Alley Project New "It's About Place" Contest Award Winner
Let’s Save Michigan is happy to announce the Saline Alley Project is the new winner of a $500 award in the It’s About Place Placemaking contest. More.

League CEO, Mayors on "Fix the Debt" Coalition's Michigan Chapter
League CEO Dan Gilmartin is among local leaders in the new Michigan chapter of a national coalition to "Fix the Debt" to avoid the US going over the "fiscal cliff." More.

Senate Passes Village Election Changes to November Schedule
The Senate has passed SB 810 and SB 811, to require village elections to be in November instead of September. More.

Michigan Vacant Property Campaign Roundtable December 4 in Flint
The Michigan Vacant Property Campaign, in partnership with the League, will host its final regional roundtable on Tuesday December 4 in Flint. More.

Governor Releases Energy and Environment Special Message
Governor Snyder released a Special Message to the Michigan Legislature on Ensuring our Future: Energy and the Environment. More.

League Members Needed to Serve on a Legislative Committee
Effective advocacy depends on active involvement of League members in issues that impact local governments. Learn how you can serve on the Legislative Governance or individual Legislative Issue committees.

League Launches New Town Gown Blog on City/University Partnerships
Read about the benefits of city and university partnerships on the new League blog TownGown spearheaded by League President David Lossing.

League Launches New Town Gown Blog on City/University Partnerships
Read about the benefits of city and university partnerships on the new League blog TownGown. Spearheaded by League President David Lossing,the blog will be written by various city leaders and university presidents around the state. A direct link to the blog has also been added to the International Town & Gown Association website. Lossing is featured on the cover of this month's Review magazine and in this Mlive story. Read another Mlive story about the blog's first entry, co-authored by Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and UM-Flint Chancellor Ruth Person.

Act Now to Stop PA 54 Exception for Police and Firefighters
HB 5780 would undo one of last year's important reforms by amending PA 54 of 2012 to exempt police officers and firefighters from the law prohibiting retroactive wage increases. More.

November 2012

NLC to Showcase Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework
Ann Arbor’s sustainability framework is one of 27 programs recognized in the National League of Cities 2012 City Showcase as a model program demonstrating innovative and collaborative approaches within government. More.

League Members: Participate in the MPSC Annual Franchise Survey
We are encouraging our members to participate in the Michigan Public Service Commission's annual franchise survey. More.

League Wins MarCom Awards for Marketing, Communications
The League won seven international MarCom Awards for its marketing and communications efforts, including the highest “Platinum” honor for the book, The Economics of Place: The Value of Building Communities Around People.

Community Foreclosure Toolkit Now Available Online for Michigan
This online toolkit is filled with Michigan-specific foreclosure-related information, resource and strategies for mortgage and tax foreclosure prevention and response, as well as best-practice models from around the state.

League Wins Big with Proposals 5 and 6 Rejected by Michigan Voters
Majority rule democracy was protected by Michigan voters on Nov. 6 with the defeat of Proposal 5, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Defend Michigan Democracy coalition. See all the election results on the Michigan Department of State website.

Former League CEO Robert E. Fryer of Ann Arbor Passed Away Nov. 8
Ann Arbor attorney Robert E. Fryer passed away November 8, 2012. Fryer served as the Michigan Municipal League's Executive Director from 1963-1976. He was named an Honorary Life Member in 1976 and also formerly served as the League's general counsel. Memorial services information.

Green Communities Challenge Awards 25 Communities
Read the press release. Visit the Green Communities Challenge website.

Competitive Grant Assistance Applications Now Available
Applications for the competitive grant assistance program (formerly EVIP grants) are now available at the Treasury Dept's website for the application period lasting through December 3. Read about 32 Michigan communities awarded Competitive Grant Assistance Program grants totaling $10.5 million.

Green Technology in Neighborhood Revitalization
Experts discuss how green building can play a role in placemaking on the most recent Prosperity Agenda show.

Vote NO on Proposal 5
Newspapers across the state have come out overwhelmingly against Proposal 5, which would require a 2/3 supermajority to increase taxes that would effectively end legislative collaboration-- hurting public safety, hospitals and other essential services. Read the Detroit Free Press debate. The League's Arnold Weinfeld joined Gov. Snyder and others on a statewide bus tour opposing Proposal 5. Listen to WJR's Frank Beckmann Show with Dan Gilmartin as the final guest. Watch a bipartisan video of Gov. Snyder and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero speaking against Prop 5. Watch a Detroit News and Free Press video calling for a NO vote on Prop 5. The Defend Michigan Democracy coalition website has resources for communities including a sample resolution opposing Prop 5. Join the Vote NO effort. Read who is paying for ballot proposal ads.

Apply for Michigan Main Street Associate Main Street Program
The Michigan Main Street Center is taking applications for the Associate Main Street program now through November 2. Read more.