Inside 208

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced a request for proposals (RFP) for a new “Neighborhood Enhancement Program” which provides communities an opportunity to fund placemaking projects in priority neighborhoods. MSHDA worked with the League and other statewide partners to develop the program, and they are eager to receive...

  A plan to eliminate the state’s income tax was voted out of a House committee Wednesday morning. The first full fiscal year impact of this plan would reduce the state’s General Fund by over $1.1 billion, or roughly 10%.  The Michigan Municipal League is actively opposed to this proposal as...

Governor Snyder’s office issued a release yesterday announcing his appointments to a municipal retirement benefits reform task force he alluded to during his recent State of the State address.  The 23-member task force includes representation from MML, MTA and MAC, along with representatives from a number of labor groups, legislators from...

With the kick off of the 99th Legislative Session this month, House Speaker Tom Leonard recently unveiled committee assignments for that chamber.  Of the 110 House members, 22 have backgrounds in municipal government. A number of these former municipal officials have been appointed as chairs for the Communications & Technology, Local...

Local governments and nonprofit entities now have the opportunity to apply for $200,000 in support for inland beach water quality monitoring projects. Applications are due by Feb. 28, 2017. The funds, to be used in fiscal year 2017-2018, are available from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) under the...

After strong opposition from the League and working with partner organizations MTA, Scenic Michigan and Michigan Association of Planning, as well as direct member outreach, the Governor vetoed SB 953 today! This legislation would have amended the Highway Advertising Act to exempt private commercial uses from zoning when located on...

Join city leaders from across the country at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference as we advocate together for the priorities of cities. With new players on the Hill and in the White House, this year it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard on behalf...

After a full court press by the League, working with the Michigan Downtown Association and Michigan Townships Association, all day and in to the night, Senate Bills 619-624 were taken up for a vote by the House and passed in the wee hours of this morning. The Senate then concurred the...

HB 5120 would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the owner or operator of a public water supply to issue a public advisory within three business days after being notified that the lead action level had been exceeded, in situations in which administrative rules require public education regarding...

Following the recent distribution of Personal Property Tax reimbursement payments to municipalities, the Local Community Stabilization Authority sent the letter linked below to the League explaining the basis of these payments and providing a link to the Michigan Department of Treasury’s web page where Treasury has now provided access to reimbursement...