MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

GROWING MICHIGAN

“ As local leaders, we have a unique first-hand perspective on the needs of our communities. It’s up to each of us to be vocal advocates and serve as resources for our state and federal officials to ensure that they incorporate our insights and keep this collective effort to revitalize Michigan on track and moving forward. ” –Michigan Municipal League Board President, Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark

Key Highlights for Local Government With research showing that a growing number of young people prefer public or nonmotorized transportation over the cost of car ownership, one of the key recommendations in the GMTC report is to develop robust public transit networks. The report encourages regional cooperation between transit authorities, local governments, local road agencies, and MDOT to ensure transit options are tailored to meet the unique needs of the community, employers, and residents in that region. Improved rail services are also identified, with the GMTC advocating for MDOT to work closely with passenger rail providers to better connect regional population centers and increase the frequency of service. The report also notes that while Michigan already has a competitive advantage relative to other states when it comes to our relatively low cost of living, we cannot effectively grow our population without addressing our housing crisis. We need to both revitalize the existing housing stock while also encouraging more new construction. Among the GMTC’s recommendations are providing support to local governments to modernize their zoning codes and master plans; • incentivizing new housing development for low- to middle-income households; and • expanding equitable down-payment assistance programs. Of course, attracting more people to and building more homes in our communities will also necessitate upgrading the physical infrastructure that supports them. The GMTC calls for alternative dedicated funding sources to support our roads as a way to address declining gas tax revenues caused by

“The Growing Michigan Together Council report makes clear that vibrant communities are the glue that holds our state together and that regions that provide quality amenities to suit a variety of lifestyles are the ones that succeed,” said Richards. “Every recommendation made in the report is based on the premise that if Michigan leaders can get the fundamentals right, like housing, transit, and resilient infrastructure, then we will have a foundation to build from that will help us attract businesses and talent that will drive further investment.” Recommendations The growth strategies recommended by the GMTC can be summarized in three main categories: • establish Michigan as the innovation hub of the Midwest and America’s scale-up state; • build a lifelong learning system focused on future-ready skills and competencies; and • create thriving, resilient communities that are magnets for young talent.

improved fuel efficiency and electric vehicles. Beyond roads, the report encourages leaders to identify opportunities for federal investments and state-federal partnerships to overhaul our aging stormwater infrastructure and address other issues driven by climate change.

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