Placemaking MML

November 11, 2013

Cities learning to support after-school systems

One of the League's eight critical assets to building vibrant communities is education. In Michigan, the link between communities and school districts can be clouded as they are considered separate entities, where school districts are run by their own boards.…

November 8, 2013

Better Communities. Better Michigan. The Podcast!

Welcome to Better Communities Better Michigan â€“ the Podcast! The Michigan Municipal League is the one clear voice for Michigan communities, working in Lansing and throughout the state for the unique and vibrant places where people want to live. From…

November 7, 2013

A Few of My Favorite (Placemaking) Things

As I travel around to different cities and places, my camera is always ready to capture that "aha" moment. You probably have things in your own back yard, but don't see them because you walk by them every day. But…

November 1, 2013

Creating not so mean streets

It's been a while since I last wrote and to be quite honest there has been a lot I've seen and done since then. For instance, I was flattered to be a part of an international group of thought leaders…

October 30, 2013

Better Communities. Better Michigan. The Podcast!

Welcome to Better Communities Better Michigan - the Podcast! The Michigan Municipal League is the one clear voice for Michigan communities, working in Lansing and throughout the state for the unique and vibrant places where people want to live. From…

October 24, 2013

National Think Tank Highlights Michigan Cities

This week, the Center for American Progress, in anticipation of the coming anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, released a report highlighting the work of 50 "Storm-Ready Cities" across the country. Storm-Ready Cities are those that have taken steps to plan for…

October 15, 2013

Urban Thoughts

Why is Detroit the absolutely coolest city on earth? The world is vibrating with excitement for Detroit! The word is out to young people. Government has stepped back and allowed young people to act. Nothing is going to stop Detroit…

October 3, 2013

Let’s Save Michigan Hosts Highways for Habitats Design Competition

Break Out Your Colored Pencils: It's Time to Play Transportation Planner! Let's Save Michigan is giving away a brand new, Michigan-made bicycle for the best design idea for a slice of Michigan roadway. LSM's Highways for Habitats design competition…

October 2, 2013

Community Excellence Awards Highlight Outstanding Place-Based Projects Throughout Michigan

Every year, the Michigan Municipal League's peer-nominated Community Excellence Award competition recognize transformational ideas and innovative solutions to the many challenges facing communities. Increasingly, these local success stories are place-based projects and initiatives that are having a profound socioeconomic impact…

September 5, 2013

Transit Envy

When I think of great transit, I think of European cities. That doesn't mean we don't have a few good examples in our own country, but the best examples seem to be overseas, countries that have been investing less in…