Volume 2 Number 5: October 2006
 

Alliance staff grabs some java in the 'burbs

Director's Message

Civic Incandescence

Last Wednesday afternoon, under the watchful eye of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, the staff of the Michigan Business Review launched a celebration of the creative spirit and the kind of energy that is leading to a reinvigoration of Michigan’s economy.  At The Henry Ford, across from Edison’s lab where the light bulb was perfected, the Review recognized 30 companies that are shaping Michigan’s future with a willingness to “tiptoe on the cutting edge with their new products, processes or business strategies.”  The organizations they showcased included Ford Motor Company, Trinity Health, Menlo Innovations LLC and a little nonprofit coalition called the Michigan Suburbs Alliance.  Finish reading

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Project Updates

  
No Question About It

The Suburbs Alliance has taken positions on three of this November's ballot questions – proposals 2, 4 and 5.  Each of these proposals, if adopted, could have detrimental effects on the future of our cities, our region, and our state.  We strongly encourage you to read our positions and vote "No" on 2, 4 and 5 on November 7th!

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Volunteers Wanted

We could use a couple extra hands, especially for our upcoming Mayors & Managers Policy Breakfast.  Volunteers get a $50 discount on their tickets, so sign up t-t-today, junior!  We have various other tasks to dish out as well, so check out our website and email Sharon if you're ready to submit yourself to the mercy of the Suburbs Alliance.  (Don't worry – we promise to be nice!)

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Great Shot!

Like our staff photo above? Help us launch our online photo album of metro Detroit's most charming, unique and fun places in the inner-ring 'burbs! Send us your favorite photos, and we'll add them to the display. We're especially interested in photos of our member communities, so make sure to check the list to see which cities are part of the Alliance.  

 

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In the News

  

Want to know what Smart Growth looks like?  Get your hands on a copy of This is Smart Growth, a new publication from the International City/County Management Association and the Smart Growth Network.  It features 40 places from around the country – including Traverse City, Michigan – where well-planned development has improved quality of life.  Visit www.smartgrowth.org to read it.

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Starting an intergovernmental collaboration can be tricky business, but luckily, the Michigan Government Finance Officers' Association has published a new white paper on Justifying Interlocal Cooperation.  It addresses feasibility, financing and cost allocations associated with start-up partnerships and should definitely come in handy for all you city folks out there!  Check it out at www.migfoa.org.

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    Last month, Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc. became the first official Corporate Partner of the Suburbs Alliance!  Their support will help us continue to drive collaborative solutions to municipal challenges, and we deeply appreciate it. Find out how your company can become a Corporate Partner of the Suburbs Alliance.

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Did someone say "innovative"?  Indeed they did – the Michigan Business Review, that is.  Last Wednesday, the publication identified the Suburbs Alliance as one of the region's 30 most innovative organizations, and we are proud to be a member of this standout group.  Congrats to the 25 cities that make up our unique coalition!

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Upcoming Events

  

Wake Up to the Smell of Politics

The debut Mayors and Managers Policy Breakfast is approaching!  The topic is revenue sharing, and we invite our member cities' mayors and managers and all interested others to attend.  Amidst the delicious aroma of fresh-flipped hotcakes, Greg LeRoy of Good Jobs First will present his new research on the impact of Michigan's tax incentives on economic development and urban growth. Dan Gilmartin of the Michigan Municipal League will also join us to outline current trends in revenue sharing in the Legislature, kicking off our small group discussions.  Hungry yet?  Okay, we'll stop before you start salivating, as long as you register now! 

Mayors & Managers Policy Breakfast

Thursday, November 9.  7:45 - 10:00 a.m.

Wayne Community Center in the City of Wayne

Tickets: $75  Register here!

Sponsorships $400

Click here for more information.

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Brownfield Blowout

Developers and real estate professionals, listen up! Learn the ins and outs of brownfield development at Using EPA Funds to Finance Real Estate Development, a workshop sponsored by the Downriver Community Conference, Downriver Area Brownfield Consortium, and Wayne County Economic Development Revolving Loan grant recipients.  Sign up at www.dccwf.org/events. 

 

Friday, October 20, 2006.  7:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Dearborn Performing Arts Center on Michigan Ave.

Event ID: EPA2006

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6th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference

This year's Smart Growth Conference promises to be dynamic, and registration is now open!  Professionals from virtually all fields – local and state government, architecture, building, planning, public health, real estate, crime prevention, and more – will gain insight of Smart Growth principles as well as tools and strategies for building safe, healthy and livable communities.  Hands-on workshops, interactive breakouts, tours...the list goes on!  Register today!

 

February 8-10, 2007

Los Angeles, CA

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites       

more info

 

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