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The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities – Element 5: Sense of place
Published on November 8, 2013
A sense of place is when the cultural heritage, available resources or some other unique element found within a community connects people with the identity of where they live, work or play. -
The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities – Element 4: Walkability
Published on November 8, 2013
Walkable communities can improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and can also increase economic vitality by supporting local businesses. -
The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities – Element 6: Preserving open space
Published on November 8, 2013
Open spaces and other natural coastal areas function as habitat for native wildlife and provide valuable ecosystem services that improve quality of life for humans and support local and regional businesses along the Michigan shoreline. -
New master plans will need to be very different from traditional ones
Published on October 24, 2013
Many traditional master plans were based on a continuing growth assumption. Populations were increasing and the goal was to accommodate coordinate that new growth. -
Brainstorming is divergent thinking!
Published on October 24, 2013
Brainstorming is about broadening the base not tightening the screws. The goal is to generate many different ideas over a short period of time without evaluation, criticism or commentary. -
Add a frontage quality analysis to your next walking audit
Published on October 17, 2013
Conventional walking audits only assess municipal infrastructure like sidewalks and crosswalks. Since walkability is also dependent on how interesting the walk is, conduct a frontage quality analysis for a more robust assessment of walkability. -
Complete streets in Michigan: Progress, pitfalls and promise
Published on October 17, 2013
Three years after Michigan’s complete streets legislation became law, design guidance is improving and research into the benefits of complete streets is continuing to emerge, yet funding for projects is lean and implementation seems limited. -
Michigan’s Right to Forest Act protects forestland owners from nuisance complaints
Published on October 16, 2013
The Right to Forest Act helps private forestland owners manage their property without fear of nuisance complaints if they follow generally accepted practices. -
Local officials work together to protect Lake Charlevoix
Published on October 16, 2013
Watershed protection is indeed a team sport – as local officials, agency representatives and organizations demonstrated at a recent meeting in Charlevoix County. -
Planning your lakefront dream home?
Published on October 7, 2013
Minimizing vegetation disturbance on your shoreline property saves time and money both now and in the future. It’s also a smart way to protect your lake’s water quality.