The Snyder Administration recently initiated a public input process to gather feedback about the State's energy policy. Specific areas of focus include the renewable energy standard, energy efficiency incentives and electric choice. We encourage League members to submit their comments before April 25 at http://www.michigan.gov/energy. In addition to the website, there will seven in-person listening sessions in various locations starting February 14 and ending April 22. See http://www.michigan.gov/energy/0,4580,7-230-54408---,00.html for the complete schedule of events. 

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

Consumers Energy has launched a safety campaign to make the public aware of the many natural gas pipelines that exist in Michigan communities. Recognizing the importance of this effort, the Michigan Municipal League is helping Consumers Energy spread the word about this campaign.

Because League members and other public officials have authority over land, streets or roads along a Consumers Energy natural gas pipeline, it is very important that they are aware of Consumers Energy’s continuing efforts to keep Michigan communities safe and secure. Your awareness of these pipelines and any unusual activity around them can help Consumers Energy maintain the safety and security in your community. The tips at the Consumers Energy post here provide guidance on how to manage activity around our pipelines, the properties of natural gas and how to determine if there is a leak. These tips are also available as a downloadable brochure.

Go here for more information about the Consumers Energy Natural Gas Pipeline Safety program.

Charlevoix County has been certified as America's first certified "Connected Community" under Connected Nation’s Connected community engagement program.

The Connected program, led by the organization's state affiliates, supports the building of a comprehensive action plan for a connected community by reviewing the technology landscape, developing regional partnerships, establishing local teams, and conducting a thorough community assessment of broadband access, adoption, and use.

Being connected by broadband is to the 21st century what being connected by telephone was to the 20th century, a necessary utility to ensure individual and business success. It is a one of eight key assets of vibrant communities as identified by the League's "Center for 21st Century Communities."

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 is the title of the most recent Outlook series from the Lansing State Journal.  

Articles from League partners, Lou Glazer at Michigan Future, Dave Waymire of Martin-Waymire Communications detail the importance of smart, young workers and present a different kind of scorecard matching up Michigan with Massachuetts.

Pat Gillespie, a Lansing-based developer discusses the kinds of development needed to make a vibrant 21st Century commuity and Holly Hetzner of the Prima Civitas Foundation talks about the importance of nurturing entrepreneurs.  Other articles describe the importance of public art and social networking.

Sound familiar.. it should.  Each and every topic is among the eight assets of vibrant communities we've outlined in our "Center for 21st Century Communities."  Through the work of the center, our blogs, books and radio show the conversation is changing to a understanding that Michigan's future economic prosperity rests on investing in Michigan's communities.

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