News
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Prioritizing capital investments; capital improvement program: Part 2
Published on March 21, 2014
Selecting which capital investments are made is an important part of a government’s capital improvement program. Rarely can one afford to do everything so setting priorities is critical. -
Spending bill for road fixes doesn’t address long-term funding problems
Published on March 20, 2014
Legislature passes spending bill to fix roads, but long-term solution to transportation funding is still elusive. -
Food trucks: Serving street food with a side of placemaking
Published on March 18, 2014
While placemaking is principally focused on creating public spaces with good form, where good form is lacking, attractions such as food trucks can contribute to place by attracting people, enlivening an area and stimulating other business activity. -
If you want to hear or be heard, check the acoustics
Published on March 5, 2014
“I love hearing my audience breathe.” - Adele -
Counties in Northern Michigan continue the tradition of sharing and learning
Published on March 4, 2014
Northern Michigan county commissioners meet regularly to learn about and discuss issues that impact county government. -
Build better places today
Published on February 28, 2014
Tactical placemaking is a set of tools municipalities and community groups can use today to start building better places. -
Should planners get into social media?
Published on February 26, 2014
Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways for small local governments to increase engagement in planning decisions. -
Restoring trust in the workplace
Published on February 26, 2014
“Trust is like the air we breathe. When it’s present, nobody really notices. But when it’s absent, everybody notices.” -Warren Buffet -
Reading your Property Assessment notice
Published on February 25, 2014
2014 Assessment Notices have arrived! Be sure to look them over to make sure your local unit has the correct information and that you understand the taxable value of your property. -
Balancing one year’s government budget is just the start to long-term fiscal sustainability
Published on February 20, 2014
Often when red ink appears in government budgets the reaction is to make cuts and balance that year’s budget. But there are also strategies to incorporate for long-term fiscal sustainability – so future year budgets are also balanced.