Capital Conference

Session Resources

Evaluation

2008 Capital Conference Session Summary

State & Federal Affairs Update

Revenue Sharing:  The Governor recommended a 4 percent “increase” (over last year’s funding).  This is the first in several years we have seen anything more than a cut or flat funding.  The House passed the bill, with Republicans voting opposed explained as “4 percent is not enough.”  The issue now goes to the Senate.  Point person: Summer Minnick

Transportation:  Restored transportation economic development funds for local units.  MML is working for full funding of transit systems and to create Mass Transit Redevelopment Zones.  Point person: David Worthams

Public Act 312, Mandatory Arbitration:  Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop held talks with all stakeholders.  Position to end 312 is not being considered.  MML is advocating for guidelines such as ability to pay (without raiding other funds or increasing millage rates) and internal comparables.  MML is now using public relations firm to promote grassroots strategy.  MML is also building coalitions with State Chamber and Michigan Manufacturers Association.  Point person: Andy Schor

Economic Development:  Senator Jason Allen has a Downtown Legislation package to enhance economic development tools for downtowns, such as adjusting and improving DDA tools, Neighborhood Enterprise Zones (NEZ), urban trails and more.  The House also has a package that includes commercial neighborhood zones and other interesting and helpful tools.  Point person: Andy Schor

Alternative Energy:  The Governor would like to see the state become 15 percent RPS by 2015.  The House currently has bills with a target of 10 percent RPS by 2015.  Point person: Samantha Jones

House Energy Package:   Introduced to “reform” Michigan’s hybrid electrical system, which includes both regulated providers and “choice” providers.  Point person: Samantha Jones

PEG Channels:  Comcast is currently under legal order; prevented from moving PEG channels at this time.  Also many municipalities are not receiving their 2-percent fee.  MML is working to resolve this.  Point person: Samantha Jones

Water Systems:  Senate Bill 212 and House Bill 4343 deal with the Great Lakes Water Compact.  They provide who can withdraw water, what they can do with the water, and set a maximum daily withdrawal from the Great Lakes Basin.  Point person: David Worthams

Don’t Break the Promise Again Campaign:  Non-traditional campaign approach to promote funding of revenue sharing.  Includes weekly postcards to legislators reminding them what breaking the promise will cost in municipal services; local officials can simply enter their name and zip code into our computer system and send their legislator a form letter.  MML will bring the message to your local media at MML’s regional meetings to help educate citizens and other stakeholders.  Point person: Andrea Messinger

Federal Level Issues: 
MML has recently returned from DC.
Budget Issues for which we advocate:

• Community Development Block Grants

• Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants

• Crime Prevention Programs

• Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Transportation:

• Increase our minimum rate of return

• SAFETEA-LU is expiring and new legislation is being introduced

Mandatory collective bargaining:  should be kept at local level, please contact Levin & Stabenow to keep this under local control.  Point person: Arnold Weinfeld

Public Policy Issues: 
Community Design & Education Program Center will be a service to teach local officials how to enhance your community for the twenty-first century with best practices.  There is a speaker series, MSU benchmarking program, topics on green infrastructure, anchor institutions, restoring communities building by building, focusing on entrepreneurs, and the Brownfield Conference May 5-7, Cobo Center, Detroit.  Point person: Arnold Weinfeld