News
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Good urban form promotes walkability and physical health – Part 1
Published on September 21, 2012
The physical layout and design of a city directly determines how accessible, welcoming, convenient, and safe the city is for walking, all of which are important for enabling and encouraging more physical activity among residents. -
Intergovernmental cooperation: Overcoming obstacles
Published on September 20, 2012
Working together requires commitment and strategies to overcome difficulty. The same is true for local governments. -
Local governments work collaboratively – and for good reason
Published on September 20, 2012
Many local governments in Michigan work together. There are solid reasons why this trend will continue. -
Attention absentee voters: Follow voting rules so your vote counts
Published on September 20, 2012
Kent County’s Director of Elections offers valuable tips for absentee voters. -
Indian Health Care Improvement Act improves quality of life
Published on September 5, 2012
Signed back into law in 2010, this law sets up many provisions that are beneficial to indigenous populations across the country. -
A glimpse of the quick pace of planning- and zoning-enabling legislation
Published on September 3, 2012
The state of Michigan moved to unify zoning and planning enabling laws in 2006 and 2008. Before then, the state had three different laws governing planning and three different laws for zoning. -
Citizen involvement in public policy decision-making is essential for success
Published on August 23, 2012
Time dedicated to full discussion, idea generation and problem solving efforts may be extended, however, the likelihood of final project support and completion is increased if key stakeholders are involved. -
Is a consent agenda right for your board?
Published on August 23, 2012
Boards can use a consent agenda to approve non-controversial items to expedite business and save time during meetings. -
Life after Public Act 4
Published on August 18, 2012
Regardless of whether Public Act 4 of 2011 or Public Act 72 of 1990 becomes the prevailing emergency intervention act, municipalities will still need to work on finding ways to balance their budgets and provide services to their residents. -
“Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities” released
Published on August 14, 2012
The partnership between four federal agencies seeks to align spending, policies and programs to support rural communities’ efforts to be vibrant, thriving places.