Technology is driving change at a fast and furious pace, altering our lives in ways that we could never have imagined only a short time ago. Now, in an economy of shrinking budgets and staff, emerging technologies are allowing the public sector to completely rethink how they function, deliver services, and engage their citizens.

Enter Civic Commons Marketplace, a recently launched app "store" that was highlighted in a Fast Company article. Developed by Civic Commons, a nonprofit organization that is helping the public sector navigate the tech world, this site is a place where governments can search for software, compare alternatives, and share the technologies that they are already using. Some of the exciting software includes DistrictBuilder program which allows for creating and editing redistricting plans (Detroit is one of seven cities using it in the country) and check out SeeClickFix, which encourages a more engaged citizenry to report non-emergency problems in their neighborhoods with one quick click.

This new app store is a resource that can spur the public sector to think outside the traditional parameters of operation and create more transparent and efficient governments.

Colleen Layton is Director of Policy Development for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 734-669-6320 or by clayton@mml.org.

The City of East Lansing celebrated its accomplishments this past year by releasing its 2011 Annual Report, integrated with an attractive 2012 community events calendar.  Throughout the report, the city highlights success stories that have helped create a “sense of place,” making this community a destination that people are proud to call home.  According to 2010 census figures (and in contrast to the overall state population trend), East Lansing experienced an increase of 4.4% in population, which it attributes to their quality of living and close-knit neighborhoods. 

Through the Center for 21^st Century Communities, the League identified eight key assets which are critical to creating the kinds of vibrant communities that will attract not only the knowledge-based workers, but people of all ages.  Creating place is an economic development strategy which will build sustainable and unique places, and help us compete on a global scale in the 21^st century. 

Clearly, East Lansing is progressive in its vision and strategies, investing in resources that contribute to that "sense of place."  As a diverse walkable university city, it values its parks, ensures that its residents have access to a wide variety of cultural events, leverages its institutions to create educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, promotes sustainability through an enhanced recycling program and continues to maintain a high level of services for its residents.

Congratulations to the East Lansing community for their great work!

Colleen Layton is Director of Policy Development for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 734-669-6320 or by clayton@mml.org

It was a perfect day to head downtown Ann Arbor for lunch with my colleague, Liz, and sample some of the food at Mark’s Carts – a new business venture by the owner of the Downtown Home and Garden store, just a block off Main Street.  If you have ever been to Portland, OR, Austin, or San Francisco, you have some idea of what I’m talking about.  Portland boasts over 500 food carts scattered throughout the city, but Ann Arbor is just getting into the business with 5 initial carts (and plans to expand), but hey, you have to start somewhere!

To begin our little adventure, we checked out all the menus at each cart, and finally decided on a Thai cole slaw, Vegetarian Tagine and Paella Croquettes.  Other choices ranged from Pork Paella, Tofu Noodle Salad w/peanut sauce to Asian Mushroom bun (don’t ask me what those are, you’ll have to try them!)  If you prefer some of the old standbys, burritos and macaroni cheese are offered as well! With affordable prices of $2-$7, the food can’t be beat.  Also, several carts highlighted the fact that their food is locally grown. 

Once you get your food, tables, benches and scattered chairs invite you to stick around and enjoy the food right there.  The lunch hour was just starting to kick off when we arrived around 11:30.  By the time that we left at 12:15, it was packed. 

It was clear by our first visit, that Mark’s Carts will quickly become a popular social gathering place as well as an opportunity to sample some great food.    But this isn’t just all about the food.   This is about offering opportunities to young entrepreneurs and bringing a community together to create a vibrant public space!  

Colleen Layton is Director of Policy Development for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 734-669-6320 or by clayton@mml.org.

Ann Arbor was recently named one of the nation's 11 most walk-friendly cities by the Pedestrian Bicycle Information Center.  According to the city's transportation program manager, 15.6% of Ann Arbor residents now walk to work.  The results from a 2005 survey show that this rate is over 6 times of just under the national average of 2.5%.  You can read the full article here. 

We can be proud that so many Michigan communities are recognized on a national level for promoting and implementing many of the assets that we talk about as part of our 21c3 program.  Their importance cannot be over emphasized in their role to attract talent and businesses to our communities! 

Colleen Layton is Director of Policy Development for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 734-669-6320 or by clayton@mml.org.