Inside 208

`The National League of Cities has launched Cities Lead 2016, which is a new platform for local officials to engage with Presidential candidates on important city issues. By signing up here, you can receive updated information on the campaign and send a message that you want to hear candidates address [...]

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted this week to support a six year federal transportation bill, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform – STTR – Act of 2015 (H.R. 3763), which has provisions that are seen as being very favorable to local governments – similar to that of the [...]

Late last night the Michigan House of Representative passed a plan that would raise $1.2 billion to fix Michigan’s infrastructure but relies heavily on state general fund revenue to do so. The plan could have a significant negative impact on the essential services that communities provide and Michigan Municipal League [...]

Today, the Senate Local Government Committee passed out SB 394 (adopted S-2 version: SB 394 s-2) , a bill to fold townships into the mix of those local communities who qualify for the act, clarifies that inspection programs are optional at the local level, and states a rental inspection fee cannot [...]

This week, US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told Congress that the deadline for the United States running out of cash to pay its bill is now November 3rd. There are only 10 legislative days left before the deadline, and the House still has not determined who they will be electing [...]

Today, the Senate Economic Development Committee heard testimony on SB 556, a bill to eliminate the sunset on the Commercial Rehabilitation Act.  This act has been used in communities across the state to assist in eradicating blight and putting properties back to productive use. I would like to extend a [...]

Last week Congress passed another short term budget measure, a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund federal programs at current levels through Dec. 11, 2015. This happened a few hours before a federal shutdown would have begun. It was a narrow escape, but more difficult deadlines are approaching as the House [...]

This week, the Senate Local Government Committee took testimony on SB 394 S-1 (SB 394 S-1).  This legislation folds townships into the mix of those local communities who qualify for the act, clarifies that inspection programs are optional at the local level, and states a rental inspection fee cannot be [...]

The House Local Government Committee continued with presentations on Tax Increment Financing this week.  The League testified in regards to the importance of these types of economic development tools and their role in revitalizing not only local economies but economics surrounding it.  The lack of reporting compliance is continual discussed [...]

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the three bill package regulating Medical Marihuana.  A few changes were made on the House floor to gain the necessary votes to pass the package. One of those changes is the annual registration fee cap a local can charge to assist in covering [...]