On this month's Corkboard...

• E.D. Message: Let's talk about race and regionalism
• Project Updates: The countdown is on for an RRC decision
• In the News: Warren leads in innovative government communications
• Upcoming Events: Register now for our annual meeting

Message from the Executive Director

 REMINDER: Our annual meeting, "Building the Metropolitan Agenda," is less than 2 weeks away.  Register now!

Speak Up About Race

Late last month I was honored to present at the Michigan Association of Realtors annual Land Use Academy.  The event was held at Camp Michigania near Boyne City among rolling hills and the spring scents of pine and blooming flowers.  My discussion of urban redevelopment couldn't have been further disconnected from the locale, but inside the lodge were 50 business leaders from across the state who understood the importance and relevance of the topic with surprising clarity.  One of the key points in any discussion about the southeast Michigan region is the rate and extent of racial and economic segregation.  It was this issue that dominated the discussion afterward – with encouragingly positive overtones.   Finish Reading

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Project Updates

Michigan's Golden Spike

Golden Spike kicked off in February and is in the thick of its research phase.  We are working with the Michigan Environmental Council to catalog best practices for transit-oriented development (TOD) and will eventually distribute them to cities located along the future Ann Arbor-Detroit rapid transit route. Give Cooper a shout with any questions about this brand new program, and check out "Fix a Road, Finance a Rapid Transit System" to get up to speed on the funding situation for the AA-Detroit line.

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Redevelopment Ready Communities

The RRC Committee spent an intense two hours Friday morning deliberating over applications for the 2006 program. We'll notify all applicants of their decision later this week.  Make sure to check www.redevelopmentready.com for the new line-up of RRC cities.

 

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In the News

Warren is garnering national attention for its use of podcasting to make city government more accessible to the community.  An article in StateTech Magazine highlights the city's cutting-edge approach to community relations.  There is a new podcast available every Friday, so visit www.cityofwarren.org to see what's new.

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The Mirror ran a great article on a very interesting topic – the Suburbs Alliance!  Call us egocentric, but we really think you'll enjoy this one.  Read it!

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Last month, the City of Rockwood joined the Suburbs Alliance. Mayor Philip Smalley and City Administrator Gary Carey head up the southern Wayne County community and are excited to team with other mature suburbs, like the City of Mount Clemens, which just became our newest member city last week!  Mount Clemens is the county seat of Macomb and led by Mayor Barb Dempsey and City Manager William Cooper.  Welcome, Rockwood and Mount Clemens!    

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Kudos to the 8 Mile Boulevard Association for pulling off another successful leadership luncheon!  Friday's event pulled in 850+ people and made clear the need and desire for regional cooperation in southeast Michigan.  So what are we waiting for?  Let's move!

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Upcoming Events

"Communities Count" Revenue Sharing Forum

Next week, the Michigan Municipal League will hold the first of a series of public policy forums focusing on the importance of revenue sharing and the impacts cuts have on our communities.  Click here for more info.

 

Wednesday, May 10.  11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Mackinaw Room of the House Office Building

Downtown Lansing

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Intergovernmental Cooperation and Consolidation in Michigan:

Lessons from Home and Abroad

Don't miss this event in the first annual Lynn R. Harvey Seminar Series.  It features Dr. Harry Kitchen of Trent University and is free to the public.  Click here for more information.

 

Wednesday, May 17.  1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Wells Hall, Michigan State University

East Lansing

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Annual Meeting 2006 - Building the Metropolitan Agenda

Space at our annual meeting is disappearing quickly, so register today!  Doug Rothwell of Detroit Renaissance, Dr. Robin Boyle of Wayne State University, and State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith will be joining us as panelists for a discussion about building a policy agenda for southeast Michigan's mature suburbs. Members, partners, supporters, and friends- let your voice be heard! 

 

We are still accepting BOD nominations from member city managers and elected officials.  Fax them to Cooper Holoweski at (248) 546-2369.

Friday, May 19.  9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Southfield Public Library

Breakfast and registration begin at 9:00 a.m.

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Police Services Workshop
City officials, financial staff, police officers and others involved in public safety are all invited to attend this free-of-charge event. The workshop will address the nuts and bolts of police service collaborations, and participants will be able to hear from local experts, share their own experiences, and learn about successful local partnerships. Space is limited, so register today! Note that the date has changed.

Monday, June 15  8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Erin Auditorium at Roseville City Hall

29777 Gratiot Ave.

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