MSA:Corkboard

Michigan Department of Transportation Public Meetings

Don't miss your chance to put in your two cents about the future of Michigan transportation at one of MDOT's open-house public meetings this month. Attendees will be invited to comment on the draft public vision statement of MDOT's Long Range Transportation Plan. Meetings will take place at 14 locations throughout the state during August and will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Check here to learn more about the plan and to find a meeting near you.

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Housing That's Green and Affordable

The Michigan Association of Planning will be holding two free workshops that show how affordable, green housing can be good for business. These workshops will provide an overview of the "Green Communities" program—a five year, $555 million initiative to create more than 8,500 affordable homes that embody both green building and Smart Growth principles. More info is available here.

August 21. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Eberhard Center, Grand Valley State University

Grand Rapids

August 22. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Lansing Community College

Lansing

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Build Greenly

Learn about sustainable development and how it can help your city save money and conserve energy at Oakland County's Green Building Workshop. The event features speakers from the DEQ and other organizations as well as city folks who will discuss local initiatives. RSVP to SEMCOG's Chuck Hersey at (313) 961-4266 or click here to request more information.

September 7, 2006. 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Commissioners' Auditorium

1200 Telegraph Rd. Pontiac, Michigan


Volume 2 Number 3: August 2006

On this month's Corkboard... E.D. Message: How do we define fair regional governance? Project Updates: Bring school to the streets of your community—host a classroom project! In the News: Is your city an Active Community? Upcoming Events: Transportation and green building and voting, oh my!
Berkley, our newest member, is gearing up for another Dream Cruise
Message from the Executive Director
One Person, One Vote? One of the core values deeply instilled in each of us since childhood is a keen sense of fairness. It’s a gut-level feeling that drives us to share with each other, to accept differences, and ultimately, to demand restitution when the balance between work and reward is broken. We typically define what is fair by how it impacts us personally, being less concerned with an imbalance in our favor or with a situation that touches only a minor part of our lives. Sometimes, it’s easy to let an unfair condition persist simply because we lack to power to change it. Sometimes, the persistence of an injustice boils over into revolution. Finish reading back to top

Project Updates
Redevelopment Ready Communities All 6 cities in the RRC program—Hamtramck, Lincoln Park, Mount Clemens, Grosse Pointe Woods, Rockwood and Roseville—have nearly completed passing their threshold requirements, and we all know what that means...technical assistance is right around the corner! Get ready for some exciting changes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calling All Cities! If your city is in need of some extra help and inspiration, here's an opportunity: Wayne State Associate Professor Gary Sands will be leading a classroom project for his course on financing and implementing local economic development. The project will require students to create strategic economic development plans for cities or specific areas. Contact Brittany Galisdorfer or Gary Sands if you're interested in hosting a project—and act quickly because there are a limited number of students! Keep your ears tuned for students who may be calling with more info. Have an idea for a different classroom project? Pitch it to Brittany. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internship Openings Looking for a flexible, fast-paced and exciting work experience? The Suburbs Alliance has 2 intern positions open for the fall and winter semesters. Apply today! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's Coming... In just two weeks, we will be launching our revamped website! Now it will be easier to get involved, find information, and stay up-to-date with our work. back to top

In the News
The City of Berkley has become our 25th member! The southeastern Oakland County, Woodward Corridor community is looking forward to working with other Suburbs Alliance communities. Check out the Free Press snippet and try to catch the print-only article, "Suburbs Alliance grows, talks of recruiting more," published August 2nd. Welcome, Berkley! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whip your community into shape! The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness recently published Design Guidelines for Active Michigan Communities and has initiated an award program for cities that makes physical activity a priority in design. Your community could be recognized as an Active Community—in other words, a great place to live, work and play! Click here to learn more about the Promoting Active Communities Award. back to top

Upcoming Events
Michigan Department of Transportation Public Meetings Don't miss your chance to put in your two cents about the future of Michigan transportation at one of MDOT's open-house public meetings this month. Attendees will be invited to comment on the draft public vision statement of MDOT's Long Range Transportation Plan. Meetings will take place at 14 locations throughout the state during August and will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Check here to learn more about the plan and to find a meeting near you. ------------------------------------------------------------------- *Housing That's Green and* Affordable The Michigan Association of Planning will be holding two free workshops that show how affordable, green housing can be good for business. These workshops will provide an overview of the "Green Communities" program—a five year, $555 million initiative to create more than 8,500 affordable homes that embody both green building and Smart Growth principles. More info is available here. August 21. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Eberhard Center, Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids August 22. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Lansing Community College Lansing ------------------------------------------------------------------- Build Greenly Learn about sustainable development and how it can help your city save money and conserve energy at Oakland County's Green Building Workshop. The event features speakers from the DEQ and other organizations as well as city folks who will discuss local initiatives. RSVP to SEMCOG's Chuck Hersey at (313) 961-4266 or click here to request more information. September 7, 2006. 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Commissioners' Auditorium 1200 Telegraph Rd. Pontiac, Michigan ------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark your ballot Don't forget to get out and vote in the August 8 primary*. Let your voice be heard for your candidates of choice as well as for important millage renewals such as for the SMART bus system in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. back to top Sign Up for the Corkboard ? 2006 Michigan Suburbs Alliance, All Rights Reserved*

Calling All Cities!