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February 7, 2012

New Michigan Sign Regulation Guidebook Available

The Planning & Zoning Center at Michigan State University (PZC), in partnership with Scenic Michigan, have developed the new Michigan Sign Guidebook: Local Planning & Regulation of Signs. The Guidebook is available for purchase for $35 on the Scenic Michigan website,…

February 7, 2012

Michigan House of Representatives considers bill to expand broadband

This morning the Michigan House Energy & Technology Committee heard testimony on HB 5342, a bill that would allow Michigan State Police (MSP) communications towers to be used for public and private broadband expansion. Currently the MSP towers are only…

February 7, 2012

“Super drunk driving” bills head to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for signature

This morning Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was presented with HBs 4920-4924, bills that would give municipal attorneys the authority to prosecute "super drunk" driving offenses. The bills passed the Michigan Senate unanimously last week. In October 2009 the new "super…

February 7, 2012

Truck weight increase battle won in U.S. House; Other transportation battles remain

The one victory for local Michigan governments coming out of the U.S. House transportation authorization legislation is that an effort to increase truck weights has been defeated, for now.As introduced, the U.S. House bill contained language that would have allowed for increased…

February 7, 2012

Transportation authorization legislation on the move in Congress

Both the U.S. House and Senate are moving forward with legislation that would put in place a new transportation funding authorization bill. However, given the sharp contrasts in the proposals, there is still a great deal of skepticism as to whether or…

February 6, 2012

Michigan Municipal League to Host Webinar on Governor Snyder’s 2012-13 Budget Plan

On Thursday (Feb. 9, 2012) Michigan Governor Snyder will unveil his 2012-13 budget proposal. Are more cuts coming? What will it mean for your Michigan community’s budget? Will it be good news or bad news for your city, village or…

February 6, 2012

Community Revitalization Money (Brownfield Replacement) Available…APPLY NOW!

The program that was passed by the Legislature late last year - the Michigan Community Revitalization Program - is now up and running. There is $100 million total for both this program and for the Michigan Business Development Program. These…

February 2, 2012

Bill to Require Local Road Agencies to Adopt Several Best Practices Scheduled for Committee Hearing Wednesday

LANSING, Michigan - A bill to require local road agencies to annually certify that they are in compliance with several "best practices" as a condition of receiving future funding is scheduled for a House Transportation Committee hearing on Wednesday February 8 at…

February 1, 2012

Corridor Improvement Authority Legislation Creating Regional Board Passes House

LANSING, Michigan - The Michigan House of Representatives today (feb. 2, 2012) passed HB 5142, sponsored by Rep. Marc Ouimet (R-Ann Arbor). This legislation will allow Corridor Improvement Authorities to have a board consisting of members of different communities. Under…

February 1, 2012

Michigan Public Service Commission publishes annual video competition report

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released its 2011 Annual Video Competition Report. It may be viewed online here: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/comm/video/ The Commission encourages customers to submit complaints to them if the customer is unable to resolve a dispute with…

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