Inside 208

Senate Judiciary committee recently passed several pieces of legislation that will help protect the rights of a bicyclist and other non-motorized users of the roadway. This is an important step forward as more and more focus is place on creating communities that support all modes of transportation. Two bills passed...

A four-bill package, SB 995, 996, 997 and 998, designed to authorize the testing of autonomous vehicle research in Michigan passed House committee and is awaiting action on the House floor. One of the main focuses of the bill is to position Michigan as a world leader in the development...

As a reminder, if you have not already registered for the Rural Task Force training there is still time.  The Lansing session is close to capacity and there is still space available at the other three locations.  If you are interested in attending, please submit a registration-form to Betsy Simon...

Each year the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) presents awards for traffic safety in Michigan. Award nominations must be received by November 4, 2016. The GTSAC was formed by an Executive Order of the Governor in 2002 to identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to...

Last week, the Detroit News ran an op-ed article from a lobbyist with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, expressing their opposition to the dark stores fix being supported by the Municipal League and every other local government and education organization in the state.  The piece, titled “Local officials mislead property taxpayers“,...

Newly introduced House legislation would require TIF authorities to undertake additional transparency and reporting requirements as well as eliminate the capturing of special millages. HB 5851-5856 covers DDAs, Water Resource Improvement TIFAs, LDFAs, CIAs, TIFAs and BRAs. The six bill package is on the agenda of the House Local Government Committee for...

Treasury is requesting feedback from communities on the Department’s current F-65 revision project by September 23, 2016. The Michigan Department of Treasury has been responsible for producing a template and receiving a completed Annual Local Unit Fiscal Report (F-65) from all primary local units of government in the State of...

The Department of Treasury recently announced that the application period for the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships $5 million grant program is now open.  According to Treasury’s announcement: Municipalities experiencing financial struggles can apply for a grant from the Michigan Department of Treasury to help fund special projects and...

There is a fantastic new documentary film that does an outstanding job explaining the complex, yet devastating “Dark Stores” tax loophole issue facing Michigan communities. This is a hot topic the Michigan Municipal League has been fighting for more than a year and at a compact 24-minutes it is great...

On behalf of the Rural Task Force Oversight Board and the Education Subcommittee, MDOT is pleased to bring you a free, one-day Rural Task Force training event.  The training will be held in four locations throughout the state.  Also, if you have any specific questions you would like addressed or...