Governing Magazine has announced its coming back to Michigan for another one day Leadership Forum.  The event will take place on May 1 at the East Lansing Marriott Hotel and is free for all public sector and government employees.

This year's forum will feature interactive discussions on topics such as energy, infrastructure, finance, government operations, workforce strategy, technology and economic development. Also, a panel of Michigan mayors will discuss the vital role cities have to play in Michigan's recovery.

For more information and to register, visit the forum website.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

Such has been the League's "tag line" for the past several years. It came about as part of our overall effort to change the conversation about how prosperity occurs in the 21st century. Namely, that the research and facts prove out that investing in "place" is an integral part of any economic development strategy.

The effort is non-stop and proven by the most recent series of articles by League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin as well as Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.

The effort is also non-stop in communities across our state. From Alpena to Allegan and Marquette to Monroe, local officials, non-profits, and the private sector are coming together to forge new policies and initiatives that are beginning to pay dividends.

And if you're looking for help in getting started, check out the League's "Center for 21st Century Communities" or the new "MIPlace Partnership Initiative."  Both are undertaking projects across the state and gathering research and strategies that will continue to assist local and state policy makers and "doers" in their efforts.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail

Here is a great article about residential development in Lansing that again reflects where the housing market is headed as we get deeper into the 21st century.

Now I'm going to say that I and my colleagues at the MML "told you so", but we have been telling whoever will listen that prosperous communities of this century look and feel far different than those of the last century.

In order to understand why, you have to understand demographics and the market shifts that are occuring. Such knowledge has been central to our message about the use of place-based strategies through mechanisms like the League's "Center for 21st Century Communities."

How many more of these kinds of articles are necessary before policy makers and the broader development/real estate community get it.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail

Registration is now open for a one-day conference which will explore issues surrounding older adults and what communities can do to prepare for this growing population.

The conference, a collaboration with AARP-Michigan, the Leagueand other organizations will be held on Feburary 28th from 9 am to 4 pm at Palmer Commons, located on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus.

Speakers already confirmed for the event include Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President who will discuss the partnership between AARP and the World Health Organization in promoting the Age Friendly Communities program in Michigan. Other speakers will include renowned walkability expert Dan Burden and Laurie Volk, who will discuss market research related to why it is in a community's best interest to retain and attract boomers and older adults.

Also, Rodney Harrell, AARP Senior Strategic Policy Advisor will address how housing and transportation can support active living at any age.  Other speakers are still being added.

The conference reflects the need, as noted through the League's Center for 21st Century Communities, to create communities for the next 50 years that are geared both toward young adults and and an ever growing population of empty nest boomers who both want the same things in the places they live. 

Registration is now available. For further information contact Karen Kafantaris at AARP, kkafantaris@aarp.org

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Muncipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.