Skip to content

Blog

Category Archives: lean urbanism

February 13, 2019

Why is it So Damn Expensive to Build?

Okay, you're right. It costs the earth to build new in Michigan or do a significant rehab. But don't immediately rush to load up the U-Haul and venture off to cheaper climes. All is not lost. The summers are too…
October 13, 2016

Better places need better rules–how do we get there?

We know that traditional zoning and development codes, as applied by nearly every one of our hundreds of members across Michigan, can be harmful to building strong, prosperous communities. We have major statewide initiatives to support locals in wrestling their…
June 15, 2016

Detroit Shines at CNU 24

Gem Theater Detroit was at the heart of CNU 24 last week! For the past two years, the League partnered with Congress for the New Urbanism to bring their 24th international convention to our doorstep. League staffers held positions on…
June 7, 2016

Great People do Great Engagement

Last week something pretty cool happened: 200 people attended a community visioning workshop in Vassar, MI. The city has a population of about 2,600, so a 7% turnout is a success worth celebrating. This visioning event was pretty unlike most…
April 26, 2016

A Collective Vision for Hazel Park

For the past two years, several of us at the League have had the privilege of participating on the CNU24 Local Planning Committee with a passionate group of urbanists.  As the one clear voice for cities and villages of Michigan,…
April 21, 2016

Envisioning a Revitalized Vernor Crossing

Although there was lots of activity outside on a beautiful warm spring Sunday afternoon in Southwest Detroit, it was inside the Cristo Rey high school where some of the real excitement was taking place. Vernor Crossing is one of four…
April 18, 2016

Downtown Pontiac ‘remagined’ by planners, residents

Downtown Pontiac has tremendous potential - planners said following three-days of intensive study by the Congress of the New Urbanism. Three days of conceptualization and team effort culminated in Sunday's meeting to conclude the Congress of New Urbanism Legacy Project…
April 13, 2016

Hazel Park CNU24 Legacy Design Project is Inspiring

Team Leader Vinayak Bharne of Moule & Polyzoides Archtects & Urbanisms talks with Hazel Park residents about ways to improve their community as part of a CNU Legacy Project Tuesday. Hazel Park residents, city leaders and business owners got good…
June 13, 2014

Congress for New Urbanism

Last week I attended Congress for New Urbanism's conference in Buffalo, NY and had a wonderful time learning about ideas, projects, and research on new urbanism and placemaking. Here are a few highlights from my favorite presentations: Jeff Speck: New…
©2022 Michigan Municipal League LLC. All rights reserved