The Prosperity Agenda Upcoming Shows

Advocacy

Jump to...

Action Center

Contact your Legislator!

Papers, Briefs and more

Policy Committees

Issues

Michigan Prosperity Agenda: Transportation in the state and the role it plays in Michigan's future economic prosperity

Program Explores How to Make a Better Michigan

radioshow

The Michigan Prosperity Agenda is a monthly radio show that challenges listeners to help make Michigan a better place to live, work and play by creating vibrant and prosperous local communities. It has aired on News/Talk 760 WJR at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month throughout 2010 and will continue through 2011.

The hour-long radio program is hosted by Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The show is sponsored by the League and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

The MOST RECENT SHOW aired Nov. 27 on News/Talk 760 WJR. We looked at transportation in the state and the role this plays in Michigan’s future economic prosperity. The League’s next radio show will air 7 p.m. Dec. 28 and will include a conversation with Governor Rick Snyder looking back at 2011 and looking forward to 2012.

Listen to the full show: Audio (length: 37:50)

	Dan Gilmartin Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. Audio (length: 1 minute). Dan sets up the show.
	Co-host Jeff Gerritt Jeff Gerritt has been an award winning editorial writer for the Detroit Free Press since 2000 where he writes about urban and transportation issues. He was previously a reporter for USA Today and lives in downtown Detroit. Audio (length: 8:06). Gerritt covers transportation issues and recently wrote “you have to crawl before you walk.” He explains things like light-rail trains and rapid are important, but equally important is a basic bus service.
	Michael Ford Michael Ford has been the CEO of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority since July 2009. He has been instrumental in the development of a new countywide transit governance structure to develop services throughout Washtenaw County. He came to Ann Arbor with more than 25 years experience in public and private passenger transportation and has worked in Washington, Oregon and California. Audio (length: 10:25). Ford believes the top transportation issues facing the state include funding, politics and not really having an overall transportation vision.
	Sarah Szurpicki Sarah Szurpicki, a 2003 Harvard graduate, moved back to the city of Detroit in 2007 and started the organization GLUE (Great Lakes Urban Exchange) with her friend Abby Wilson. Both are young urbanists who returned to their hometowns. She now works for Let’s Save Michigan, a campaign to get Michigan residents more involved in creating vibrant and attractive cities. Audio (length: 10:05). Sarah discusses how transportation is an essential piece in revitalizing Michigan communities and revitalizing Michigan communities is a key component of turning around the state as a whole. Having a strong public transit system is a great way to retain and attract a young, college educated workforce. Prior to returning to her home state (Michigan), she lived in Boston, Washington D.C. and New York and never owned a car in that eight-year period.
	Governor Rick Snyder Governor Rick Snyder recently unveiled is plan for transportation in Michigan and said “the state that put the world on wheels needs to continue to be a transportation leader in order to stay competitive in today’s global economy.” He will talk about what this means. Audio (length: 8:15). Governor Snyder says infrastructure is important in creating jobs and the state needs to build a system sustainable for the long term. He said the current funding model isn’t enough to keep our roads acceptable. His transportation plan lays out a long-term sustainable path.