Michigan Prosperity Agenda: Placemaking and Michigan's Aging Population

Michigan Prosperity Agenda: Placemaking and Michigan’s Aging Population

Program Explores How to Make a Better Michigan

This month we talk with experts across the state about Michigan’s nearly 2 million residents over the age of 60 and the unprecedented opportunity to cities and downtowns prepared to accommodate them as they retire.

The Michigan Prosperity Agenda is a monthly radio show that challenges listeners to help make Michigan a better place to live, work and play by creating vibrant and prosperous local communities. It has aired on News/Talk 760 WJR since 2010.

The hour-long radio program is hosted by Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The show is sponsored by the League and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

THIS MONTH’S SHOW airs at 7 p.m., June 25 on News/Talk 760 WJR, and you can listen by clicking the links below. Listen as we talk about what we can do to make Michigan communities age-friendly.

	Dan Gilmartin Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. – Dan Gilmartin explains this month’s show. (1:06)
	Natalie Burg Natalie Burg is a former downtown development professional. She is also a writer and freelance journalist based in Ann Arbor. In addition to being a writer and special projects editor for Issue Media Group publications such as Concentrate and Metromode, her work appears on Forbes.com, The Content Strategist and BusinessInsider.com. She recently published her first book, “Swedish Lessons: A memoir of sects, love and indentured servitude. Sort of.” – Natalie discusses a couple of the Michigan cities that are preparing themselves for this aging population? Can you guess what communities she names? Listen to find out. (7:03)
	Laurie Volk Laurie Volk is principal in charge of Zimmerman/Volk Associates’ market studies and is the firm’s primary analyst of demographic, market, and lifestyle trends. This organization studied the changing demographics in Michigan neighborhoods and found that retiring Baby Boomers are looking for something their parents were not. – Laurie reviews what her research has found, particularly in Michigan. She explains the type of communities Baby Boomers are seeking. (7:36)
	David Allen David Allen is the Chief Market Analyst for the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) and has worked in the housing industry since 1999. MSHDA is working to make downtown areas more age-friendly and has received much praise for these efforts. – David details some of the projects MSHDA is working on and explains how others can get involved. (10:54)
	Roger Myers Roger L. Myers is President/CEO of Presbyterian Village of Michigan, a leading organization in the senior living and services industry. PVM has 26 senior living communities throughout the state and provides housing for 4,300 seniors by providing a variety of residential living options. – Roger’s organization has evolved dramatically through the years and is now focused on the individual needs of its program recipients. What they’re doing will amaze you, listen. (11:11)

Michigan Prosperity Agenda: Placemaking and Michigan’s Aging Population

Michigan Prosperity Agenda: Placemaking and Michigan’s Aging Population

Program Explores How to Make a Better Michigan

Dan Gilmartin

Natalie Burg

Laurie Volk

David Allen

Roger Myers