League Wins MarCom Awards for Review Magazine Cover and Monthly Radio Show
 The Michigan Municipal League has won two international “MarCom Awards” (Marketing & Communications) from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals. The competition is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world and this year there were more than 6,000 entries submitted in multiple categories. MORE>
State
Affairs Update
 Governor Snyder Signs Brownfield Credit Replacement Bills to Help Communities -Governor Rick Snyder signed into law Tuesday (Dec. 13, 2011) a five-bill package that creates a new economic development and community revitalization program for Michigan communities. League staff attended the bill-signing ceremony and received a signed copy of the bill from the governor. The League supported the bill package that replaces the Brownfield tax credits and was included in a press release from the governor’s office. MORE>
Governor Signs Urban Cooperation Act Package
Legislature Passes Bill to Expand Charter Schools
Income Tax Glitch in Renaissance Zones Fixed
Legislature Passes Deadline Tweak to EVIP/Revenue-Sharing Program
PA 152 Resolution Information From Dept. of Treasury
Workers Compensation Changes Head to Governor
Interacting with the State - Michigan Shared Services Community
2011/2012 Pay and Benefits Survey Now Available
Federal Update
 Congress Finishes 2012 Budget With Cuts to Local Programs - The House and Senate have passed a $915 billion "omnibus" appropriations bill, finalizing program funding levels for fiscal year 2012. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation. Spending reductions to programs of importance to local communities occur in both the omnibus and minibus bills. As examples, the "minibus" cut the CDBG program was by $420 million to $2.9 billion. The HOME program, which assists affordable housing is funded at 40% below last year's level. MORE>
Michigan Project Earns Tiger III Grant Award
Deficit Reduction - Members Urged to Pass Resolution
Public Safety Communications Legislation Advances But At What Expense?
Local Input Reduced in Senate Transportation Bill
Push to Increase Truck Weights - Call to Oppose!
21st Century Communities
 US EPA Urban Water Grants Available - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award between $1.8 and $3.8 million in funding for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. EPA will host a webinar about this opportunity January 5. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. MORE>
“That Michigan Radio Show” Discusses Economics of Place Book with League CEO Dan Gilmartin
“Our Town” Arts Grants Available
Sign Regulation Workshops
Economics
of Place
Book Released, Available from League at Amazon |
