Resources & Research

Recently, the League unveiled our Partnership for Place policy agenda, proposing a partnership of action between the State and its municipalities to facilitate economic growth and develop places with a high quality of life, while using a regional approach to services, resources, and systems.

This proactive agenda addresses four key areas:

Funding for the Future – Making sure that appropriate funds and tools are available to operate efficiently and work regionally in order to succeed globally.

Michigan in Motion – Shifting from near-exclusive vehicular-based investment to alternative modes of transportation that will accommodate all users, i.e. pedestrians, bikers, public transit riders, and drivers.

Place for Talent – Partnering with the State to attract and retain talented workers in our communities through placemaking policies.

Strength in Structure – Seeking out solutions to invest in infrastructure and development where it will produce the best results and target resources with maximum outcomes.

The Partnership for Place Agenda will take center stage at the League’s upcoming Capital Conference in Lansing, March 18th and 19th. Breakout sessions will include how the League plans to work with the newly created Talent and Place Caucus, made up of a bi-partisan group of legislators seeking to increase awareness about the importance of attracting and retaining talent as a fundamental aspect of placemaking. How do we fix a broken financial model for a 21^st century economy? You can join State Department of Treasury officials and members of the local government funding task force in discussing sustainable solutions. People of all ages are looking for places that offer multiple modes of transportation systems that connect and support all users. A panel of experts will share their thoughts on the importance and economic benefits of creating urban environments which support multiple modes of transportation.

The University of Michigan Center for Local, State and Urban Policy (CLOSEUP) will share recent trends in local fiscal health and the impact on local services, revealed by their recent survey. What policy changes will we need for local government fiscal stability in Michigan? Learn about the new Crowdfunding law that can reap enormous economic and social benefits for individuals and communities and is sure to be a game changer for entrepreneurs and communities.

In addition, keynote speaker Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Baker will talk about his ongoing commitment to champion the goals of efficient and accessible transit, sustainability, and furthering Salt Lake City as a transcendent, sophisticated and burgeoning urban powerhouse.

If you want to see real change in Michigan that will allow us to build the kind of communities that people of all ages want to live in, then it is important that you are a part of the conversation and the solution. See you in March in Lansing!