News
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Parking meters and evening hours can increase downtown retail shopping
Published on November 21, 2013
Putting in parking meters and keeping stores open in the evening hours were two of many techniques for increasing commerce. -
Cultural Currents: Creatives and cultural entrepreneurs build community
Published on November 21, 2013
Investing time and resources to cultivate artists, creatives and cultural nonprofits will reap economic benefits and result in enlivened community spaces and destinations. -
Walkability, quality of life and healthy, vibrant Communities all come together in one package
Published on November 21, 2013
Jeff Speck advocated creating walkable communities with his book Walkable City. Speck was a featured speaker at the Michigan Association of Planning conference in Kalamazoo, Mich. -
The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities - Element 9: Transparent decisions
Published on November 20, 2013
Standardized permitting and a formal planning process can reduce uncertainties that protect the environment, support private business, and promote quality of life for residents when development decisions are made in coastal and shoreline communities. -
Automotive aftermarket industry strong in northern Michigan
Published on November 19, 2013
Charlevoix County’s ACAT Global to invest $7 million and hire 100 new employees. -
The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities - Element 8: Mixed transportation
Published on November 19, 2013
Environmentally sound transportation options that allow for movement of people and goods within, between and beyond coastal communities have the potential to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and sustain local and regional economies. -
Should your professional planning staff have AICP certification?
Published on November 17, 2013
In my discussions with other professional planners there seems to be mixed feelings about the planning certification as well as the professional education. -
Communities have many options in addressing zoning needs
Published on November 14, 2013
As a regulatory tool, zoning was designed to mitigate nuisances, preserve property values and provide some certainty of land use. However, since its inception, the tool now has many variations. -
Free marketing in the free market
Published on November 13, 2013
A list of available resources to design and construct your own website for free. -
The Great Lakes state has a wet and colorful opportunity
Published on November 13, 2013
Insight into Michigan’s ‘blue economy.’