News
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What is a winter city’s placemaking strategy?
Published on December 10, 2013
The ‘coolest’ winter cities equate snow, ice and cold to outdoor recreation, festivals and tourism dollars, turning what some might consider a ‘bad hand’ into a ‘full-house’ on which to double-down. -
Form-based codes and winter cities make for a hot combination
Published on December 10, 2013
A good form-based code can help a winter city ‘crank up the heat’ of public street life by creating compact, mixed-use neighborhoods and more. -
Michigan State Legislature to take up statutory initiative
Published on December 10, 2013
Another example of how the Michigan Constitution allows citizens to be directly involved in the legislative process. -
Use active listening skills to effectively deal with conflict
Published on December 2, 2013
Active listening is a way to hear and respond to another person that will increase shared understanding. -
Seconding a motion
Published on November 30, 2013
Seconding a motion is an important step but often one that is given more weight than it deserves. -
Approving the treasurer’s report is not advised
Published on November 30, 2013
Only audited financial reports should be adopted by an organization. -
Suggestions for organizing an effective committee of the whole
Published on November 27, 2013
A new resource on how local government boards can use a committee of the whole for informal deliberations. -
The “Triple Bottom Line” in Michigan’s coastal communities, Element 10: Stakeholder participation
Published on November 25, 2013
Throughout the development process, stakeholder participation can foster the creation of a community vision and ensure that people, planet, and profit are all taken into consideration when decisions are made. -
Porous pavement: A not-so-new low-impact design technique
Published on November 17, 2013
That childhood saying “when it rains, it pours” may be getting an update to “when it rains, it’s porous.” Using low-impact design techniques can reduce stormwater runoff and protect local water resources. -
What is at stake for pensioners in municipal bankruptcy?
Published on November 17, 2013
As the Detroit bankruptcy proceeds, a critical question is how much is at stake and what do Detroit pensioners stand to lose in the process?