Public Policy Reform

The Vital Cities Initiative

Older, inner-ring suburbs are caught in a unique position--though they are suburban, they share more and more qualities with major cities. Many inner-suburb communities are facing challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, greater cultural diversity, increasing crime rates and growing concentrations of poverty.

Because of their "in between" status--not quite suburban, but not completely urban--the policy needs of these communities are often overlooked. New legislation largely benefits either growing edge communities or inner city initiatives. Being stuck in this policy blind spot is taking its toll on inner-ring suburbs. Unless legislative action is taken at the state level, the same systemic challenges will continue to threaten the viability and future welfare of not only our cities, but the entire southeast Michigan region. (Read "One Fifth of the Nation: America's First Suburbs" (PDF) for information on the unique position of inner-ring suburbs nationally.)

Currently, we are working to create a Metropolitan Agenda for policy reform that will serve as the guiding framework for vital cities. We host regular policy discussions with mayors, city managers, legislators and other experts through our Mayors & Managers Policy Forum series.

These discussions inform our quarterly policy publication, In the Ring, which includes specific policy recommendations for local, regional, state and federal officials. We work in southeast Michigan, Lansing and Washington to implement these recommendations as well as other key priorities in the following areas

The Metropolitan Agenda will identify policy goals in five areas:

Regional Collaboration. Many of the challenges facing southeast Michigan demand that different governmental units work together, but the fragmentation of our governmental system poses barriers to implementing multi-jurisdictional solutions. New governing tools and programs that support local projects that address regional challenges as a high priority.

Municipal Finance. State laws that limit property tax revenue growth and major cuts to revenue sharing are forcing local governments across the state to cut essential city services. Cities need a system that guarantees funding that grows with inflation and ensures that they will not be penalized for rising property values.

Social Equity. Despite the increasing diversity of our country, this region is the most segregated in the nation. State policies need to recognize the complicated dynamics of race and poverty. These factors need to be a consideration in all legislation that affects regional issues such as mass transit and affordable housing.

Sustainable Land Use. From the region's faltering air quality to the frequent beach closings due to water contamination, the consequences of poorly planned development throughout our region are increasingly clear. Southeast Michigan needs policies that encourage redevelopment of our urban areas and the sustainable development of new communities.

Infrastructure. High quality roads and sewers, access to clean water, and a consistent and dependable energy supply are vital to our regional economic competitiveness.

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