On Thursday, July 11 the Great Lakes Commission with MML and several other groups as co-sponsors will be hosting a workshop in Muskegon to discuss place based strategies for waterfront areas.

This workshop will focus on placemaking opportunities in coastal communities and illustrate examples of how leaders are leveraging Michigan's bountiful water resources to advance economic growth and build a higher quality of life in their communities.

This is an introductory workshop to the principles of placemaking and is intended for those involved in economic development, tourism, waterfront development, watershed management and coastal restoration.

On-line registration is now open.

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

Bikes Belong, a national organization that promotes more bicycling, is accepting applications until May 24 for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between local governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to fund the construction or expansion of bicycle facilities such as bike lanes trails, and paths. The grants committee also will consider advocacy projects that promote bicycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation.

To be eligible for a grant, a partnership must include collaboration between at least one city/county government office or department; one nonprofit organization with a mission specific to bicycling, trails, or recreation; and one local business.

Luke Forrest is a Project Coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him via email or Twitter. 

Tuesday, March 26, the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development is hosting a one-day seminar at the MSU Union titled "Re-Imagining Our Economic System". Academic experts from around the country will convene four panel discussions with the following topics:

What is the Economy For?

How has the current economic system succeeded and in what ways has it failed us?

What could a New Economy look like?

Where do we go from here to achieve greater balance between our economic, social, and environmental systems?

To learn more about this event and related events MSU is supporting, see the MSU CCED website.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator supporting the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.

The Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program provides grant funds to our coastal communities and partners to assist in the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of our sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems.  This RFP seeks projects that further the MCZMP objectives of protecting and restoring healthy coastal ecosystems, including fish and wildlife habitat; creating and enhancing public access to the Great Lakes and coastal resources; preserving historic maritime structures; revitalizing urban waterfronts; minimizing the loss of life and property in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards including erosion, floods, and rip currents; conducting research related to the potential impacts of climate change on Great Lakes coastal wetlands; conducting wind energy planning to limit impacts to wildlife, fisheries, and coastal and offshore habitats; and increasing recreational opportunities along Michigan's Great Lakes coast.

Grants are available in amounts up to $100,000 and require a 1:1 local match. Applications are due March 29. Find the full RFP and other information here.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.