Michigan State University |
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| This Week at the Land Policy Institute |
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| Happy
4th of July! 
Enjoy a Happy 4th of July! Look for the next installment of "This Week at LPI" on Friday, July 10, 2009. |
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Calendar of Events
LPI events are highlighted in blue.
Wind Energy Camp 2009
Monday, July 13-Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Advanced Technology Center, KVCC - Texas Township Campus, Kalamazoo, MI
LPI Exhibitor Event:
2009 MSU Ag Expo
Tuesday, July 21-Thursday, July 23, 2009
Field at corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane, Campus of MSU, East Lansing, MI
Wind Energy Camp 2009
Monday, August 3-Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Advanced Technology Center, KVCC - Texas Township Campus, Kalamazoo, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Green Development Workshop
Monday, August 10, 2009
MSUE Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Green Development Workshop
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Oakland County Conference Center, Waterford, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Green Development Workshop
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
MSUE Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Green Development Workshop
August 13, 2009
Okemos Conference Center, Okemos, MI
Michigan Association of Counties Summer Conference
Sunday, August 16-Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Adaptive Reuse Workshop
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
MSUE Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Adaptive Reuse Workshop
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Oakland County Conference Center, Waterford, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Adaptive Reuse Workshop
Thursday, August 19, 2009
MSUE Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo, MI
LPI Michigan Citizen Planner Event:
Growth through Adaptive Reuse Workshop
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Okemos Conference Center, Okemos, MI
For a complete list of events with details, go to LPI Events Calendar. |
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| LPI in Action
 Kent County Commissioner Honored
With Distinguished Citizen Planner Award
2009 Advanced Academy
Michigan Citizen Planner held its annual Advanced Academy this week at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center on the campus of MSU in East Lansing. The focus of the event was on "Placemaking for Prosperity: Practical Education for New Economy." More than 100 attendees from across Michigan learned strategies on how to improve their communities with strategic growth, adaptive reuse and historic preservation, renewable energy and other the New Economy practices. Presentations from the Academy are available for download. This year, Kent County Commissioner Bill Hirsch joined the ranks of those honored with the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award. The purpose of the Award is to recognize outstanding achievements of alumni of Michigan Citizen Planner. Bill Hirsch has been a steadfast advocate for smart growth and farmland preservation. He is a Master Citizen Planner who describes himself as a dairy farmer first and a County Commissioner second. Representing Gaines and Caledonia Townships, he ran for County Commissioner on the issue of better land use and farmland protection. Hirsch is very passionate about the issue of farmland preservation and has gotten other Commissioners on board with the idea of smarter land use. He speaks very eloquently and intelligently about the need for smart growth that supports healthy urban centers and vibrant agricultural/rural communities. Bill Hirsch has worked tirelessly on land use issues in Kent County. His efforts include spurring the creation of a sub-committee of Commissioners to study Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and open space, and the role that the county should play in these issues. During a tour of the East Coast, he learned about PDR, which in his own words, "brought to light the issue that if we're not going to protect this land, we're not going to have it." Hirsch returned to Michigan with a strong desire to make change happen, where he secured over $13,000 in private donations to take five Kent County Commissioners and two Township Officials to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Carroll County, Maryland, to meet with farmland preservation leaders to learn more about PDR and urban growth boundaries in April 2009. Future endeavors for Hirsch's role as County Commissioner include working with Dan Kildee of the Genesee County Land Bank Authority to create a Land Bank Authority for Kent County. The Distinguished Citizen Planner Award is awarded to Bill Hirsch for his exemplary volunteer effort, leadership and involvement within Kent County by advocating for smart growth and farmland preservation, and educating others on sustainable development practices. Due to his efforts Hirsch will receive a $1,000 scholarship funded by Michigan Citizen Planner and the Land Policy Institute to be used for training. Past award winners include:2008 - Dave Foerster, Paw Paw 2007 - Jim Rynberg, City of Fremont 2006 - Kathy Finch, Village of Suttons Bay 2005 - Dorothy Munn, Mike Anschuetz, Gayle Miller, Steve Steinhauser, West Branch Township 2004 - Kallie Roesner, Oxford Township 2003 - Mark Fleet, Vergennes Township Michigan Citizen Planner is an MSU Extension program within the Land Policy Institute.
Workshop Series to Provide Training in
Green Development and Adaptive Reuse In these tough economic times many communities are seeking new ways to shape their future. As commercial and residential vacancies continue to mount, traditional strategies and regulations no longer work. Yet, citizens and community leaders are searching for ways to maintain or expand the tax base without compromising the quality of life residents have come to expect. To address these needs, Michigan Citizen Planner is offering workshops on " Growth through Green Development and Adaptive Reuse" across Southern Michigan in August. The workshops will familiarize local leaders, interested citizens and developers with the methods, tools and grant opportunities to promote sustainable green growth. Growth through Green Development This workshop will offer attendees an introduction to the many facets and perspectives of green development. The goal is to increase awareness of green development strategies, techniques and tools that can be used when planning sites, neighborhoods, communities and regions. This workshop will be offered:
- August 10, 2009: MSUE Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor
- August 12: Oakland County Conference Center, Waterford
- August 12: MSUE Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo
- August 13: Okemos Conference Center, Okemos
Growth through Adaptive Reuse
This workshop will explore three types of adaptive reuse: greyfield, brownfield and historical. This session explores how communities can improve their economic future and save their green infrastructure, which are crucial to sustainable communities, by employing adaptive reuse. This workshop will be offered:
- August 18, 2009: MSUE Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor
- August 19: Oakland County Conference Center, Waterford
- August 19: MSUE Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo
- August 26: Okemos Conference Center, Okemos
This workshop series was developed specifically for local elected and appointed officials, developers, planning, design and economic development professionals and chamber members interested in improving community character. The series is ideal for local leaders and citizens interested in implementing green development and redevelopment, while fostering desirable and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial corridors and regions. Registration for the workshops is available online. Cost to attend each workshop is $75 ($65 for Master Citizen Planners (MCPs)) or $115 for both for those who register by Monday, July 20, 2009. After July 20, cost is $85 ($75 for MCPs) per workshop. The fee includes refreshment and resource materials. Attendance at each of these workshops will count for 0.3 continuing education units for MCPs. Learn more at Growth through Green Development and Adaptive Reuse. If you are unable to attend one of the workshops in August but are interested in hosting a workshop in your community, contact Michigan Citizen Planner at cplanner@msu.edu or 517.432.7600. Strategic Business Counseling For EntrepreneursAddressed by
LPI's Barb Fails at National Conference Last week, the 2009 Economic Gardening Conference was held in South Dakota at Ft. Sisseton State Historic Park. The conference is based on the concept of "economic gardening" of entrepreneurs or according to Christian Gibbons, co-inventor of economic gardening, "building a nurturing environment for local growth companies" within a state. This concept focuses on in-state entrepreneurship versus out-of-state recruitment. On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Dr. Barb Fails, Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Communities at LPI, along with Christine Hamilton-Pennell of Growing Local Economies, co-presented a session on Librarians as Economic Gardeners: Promising Practices and Lessons Learned on " Economic Gardening is Sprouting in Michigan." The focus of their presentation was on one of the defining characteristics of economic gardening, its emphasis on providing growing companies with relevant business research that is tied to high-level strategic counseling. Dr. Fails and Hamilton-Pennell shared their knowledge and expertise on the role local public and university libraries can play in providing research services to an economic gardening project, as well as other ways that communities can integrate the research component. They also discussed the issues involved in delivering research to local entrepreneurs, including identifying a target audience, determining levels of service, leveraging available research tools, developing entrepreneurial support networks, setting up business resource centers within libraries, training librarians and business counselors, and tracking economic impact of an economic gardening project. Their presentation is available for download at Economic Gardening is Sprouting in Michigan. LPI Releases Michigan Schools &
Demographic Atlases Factsheets
In February 2009, the Land Policy Institute published two atlases as part of a comprehensive study of school facility siting of Michigan. The Michigan Demographic Atlas and the Michigan Public School Location Atlas uniquely display information never previously visually presented at the School District or Intermediate School District (ISD) levels. They provide a central location for information on changing school location and corresponding changes to key demographic information, such as school-age population. Together, the atlases present an in-depth look at how our communities, school locations and school sizes are changing. Sample chapters for the Demographic Atlas and the School Location Atlas are available for viewing online. This week, the Land Policy Institute released two factsheets, which provide an overview of the atlases and how-to information for using them. These documents are available for download online. The atlases are available for purchase online, either separately or jointly in hard-copy, or jointly on CD. Discounts for multiple copies and data sets are provided. Learn more at Michigan Atlases.
Special Promo Ends June 30:
Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning Online
The last day to sign up for the special discount for Michigan Citizen Planner's online training in the " Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning" is Tuesday, June 30, 2009. This certificate-based curriculum program is designed to equip volunteer community leaders with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to perform their duties more effectively. The promo allows new registrants to save $49.99 off the series price of $349.99. To take advantage of this promotion, download the form and mail it in to Michigan Citizen Planner. To register and learn more, visit Michigan Citizen Planner Online.  Hear the Latest Michigan Now Reports:
Carbon Sequestration Might Make Coal CleanToday, the U.S. Congress will debate carbon cap and trade legislation. Meanwhile, up in Traverse City, the Mid-America Regulatory Conference, or MARC, has just finished up. They're working on rules for regulating carbon dioxide-CO2 could soon be taxed and reduced. It's already being buried underground. Michigan Now's Chris McCarus went to Otsego County for a look. Listen in at Michigan Now (click on "Story Archives"). Michigan Now is supported by the Land Policy Institute, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Issue Media Group. |
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What about the New Economy?
Great Lakes IT Report
Michigan Universities Boost
Commercialization, Create EntrepreneursJune 24, 2009
A program to help Michigan's public universities create new entrepreneurs and speed commercialization of research is finding success just one year after making its first grants to universities around the state, officials from the Michigan Initiative for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIIE) consortium and researchers said Wednesday at a news conference at the State Capitol . . . MIIE was announced last summer to foster as many as 200 new Michigan start-ups over the next decade by partnering Michigan's philanthropic resources with university and private business resources to help commercialize university research, and strengthen ties between small business, industry and academia. The organization's goal is to raise $75 million from foundations to bridge the gap between university research and commercial development and foster as many as 200 new Michigan start-ups over the next decade. Read the complete story at Universities & Entrepreneurs. Potential of Small Towns
Explored in New Publication The Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech released the book " Small Town Sustainability," which examines how small towns can meet the challenge of a fast-paced, globalized world. The publication includes case studies on movements, programs and strategies that promote local cultures, traditions and sustainability. In an era in which the individuality and vitality of small towns are under threat from globalization, and city planning discussions tend to center on topics like metropolitan regions, megaregions and global cities, the authors of this volume, Heike Meyer and Paul Knox, see a need to reflect critically on the potential of small towns. Small towns often play critical roles in regional economic systems. When small towns focus on their specific characteristics and take advantage of their opportunities, they can become stable niches within regional, national and global economies and take on an important role in shaping a sustainable future. The book is available for purchase online. Concentrate Media
Blogger: Brian TolleJune 24, 2009
In Ann Arbor, it's all about entrepreneurship and innovation. But do you have what it takes to flourish in the New Economy? Consultant Brian Tolle [owner of the Tolle Group] has made a successful career out of coaching local start-ups and companies. He'll be blogging about the methods and mindset necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur. Check out his blog to see what he has to say. ----------------------------------------------------- |
The Green Scene
The New York Times: Green Inc. Blogs
First Offshore Wind Leases IssuedJune 23, 2009 Kicking off what it called "a new day for energy production in the United States," the Obama administration has issued five offshore exploration leases for wind energy production. This is the first time the federal government has issued offshore wind leases. . . The leases cover areas six to 18 miles off New Jersey and Delaware . . . Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who has made offshore wind energy a priority, acknowledged that the U.S. was playing catch-up to European countries, like Denmark or the Netherlands, which have long focused on alternative energy. Read the complete blog at Offshore Wind Leases. Enviro-Mich Blogspot
When the Wind Doesn't Blow, A SolutionJune 22, 2009
If there is one thing the Midwest has in abundance, it is wind. A study published in April 2009 by the American Wind Energy Association showed that Minnesota and Iowa were among the top four producers of wind energy in the U.S. in 2008, along with Texas and California. So it stands to reason that Xcel Energy, already the country's biggest wind-power provider, is testing the storage of wind energy in batteries at Luverne, MN. The Luverne project is the first of its kind in the country. One of the biggest drawbacks of wind energy is its unpredictability. According to Frank Novachek, Director of corporate planning for Xcel Energy, not knowing whether the wind will blow or how strong it will be makes providing a consistent supply of power to the energy grid difficult without using an alternative energy source. "It's hard to get much penetration of wind power onto the grid without using compensating technologies," he says, adding that to compensate for natural drops in the wind, the company uses natural-gas power units to pick up the load when the wind dies down. The Luverne test project will not require any other form of power generation. When the wind blows, the sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries that Xcel is using for this project will be charged. When there is little or no wind, the batteries will supply the grid with electricity. "The batteries will act as a sort of shock absorber between the wind and the grid," says Novachek. Fully charged, the batteries could supply one megawatt of energy, enough to supply 500 homes for seven hours. See Wind Energy Storage Solution for the rest of the story. Alternative Energy Manufacturing Plant
Coming Soon to St. Clair County
Energy Components Group LLC, in cooperation with the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, City of St. Clair and the County of St. Clair, last week announced its intention to locate an alternative energy manufacturing plant in the city of St. Clair, MI. Energy Components Group LLC serves as a tier one supplier to customers in the solar and wind power industries, and expects to create approximately 250 new jobs and invest $20 million over the next several years with increased demand for production. Read the full news release at Alternative Energy Manufacturing Plant. ----------------------------------------------------- |
Urban Revitalization
For Land Bank, DevelopmentJune 18, 2009 Wayne County is raking in the awards for its economic development agencies and programs. Eight of those programs received achievement awards from the National Association of Counties. Innovative county government programs that promote quality, efficient and responsive management and administration from across the country were recognized. Wayne County was recognized for a number of its economic development programs, such as the Land Bank and Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program. "Revitalizing our neighborhoods requires that we work with organizations that are the most connected to their community and neighborhood," said Turkia Awada Mullin, Director of Wayne County's Economic Growth & Development Engine." (Our) staff and the Wayne County Land Bank, along with the county's Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention program, are working together to develop a holistic approach to protecting and strengthening our neighborhoods." ----------------------------------------------------- |
Farm & Ag News
The Detroit News
Small Farms Thrive on DiversityJune 23, 2009 Forty years ago, Mike Beck's family's farm in St. Johns was strictly a wholesale fruit operation. Today, Uncle John's Farm is a retail business that boasts a gift shop and kids play area, and hosts community events. It is a case study in how diversifying can help farmers thrive during tough times. An evolving agriculture market, increased global competition and changing consumer habits are driving Michigan farmers to innovate, integrate and diversify their farms, just as the Beck family did, agriculture experts say. Unable to compete with 6,000- or 7,000-acre megafarms in big agriculture states, such as Iowa, local farmers are branching out into a variety of new business ventures, such as establishing retail stores on their property, leasing land for wind turbines, growing different crops and promoting agritourism. Read more at Small Farms & Diversity. ----------------------------------------------------- |
Help Wanted
Program DirectorThe Land Information Access Association (LIAA), located in Traverse City, is seeking an experienced Program Director with strong leadership and strategic thinking skills to help move LIAA to the next level. The ideal candidate will lead LIAAs development and communications programs and participate in the design, development and management of new programs to help people build more sustainable communities. Learn more at Michigan Job Opportunities.
Those interested in posting a job opportunity in this weekly e-newsletter should contact Heidi Charron at charron@landpolicy.msu.edu or call 517.432.8800 ext.109. ----------------------------------------------------- |
Funding Opportunities
Here are select grant funding opportunities for this week. LPI urges faculty interested in applying for grants to contact LPI's John Warbach at warbach@landpolicy.msu.edu for support and assistance in teambuilding, grant proposal development, and grants and contracts processing, if needed. ARRA Transportation Enhancement &
Deadline: June 30, 2009 Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (block grant program) Transportation Enhancement (TE) Description: The ARRA of 2009 includes TEs. The federal share of a project may be up to 100% of the cost of the project. However, states have discretion to pose additional requirements. States have until June 30, 2009, to obligate at least 50% of their statewide highway funds and TE funds combined. Research Focus Area: Projects that can be completed within three years and are located in economically distressed areas have priority. Block Grant Program Description: The TE set-aside is not the only source for alternative transportation project funding in the ARRA. The DOE has initiated a block grant program that states, cities, counties and Tribes can apply for. Research Focus Areas:Eligible projects for this program include development of infrastructure, such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways; synchronization of traffic signals; state/local/regional integrated planning activities (i.e., transportation, housing, environmental, energy, land use), with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled; incentive programs to reduce commutes by single occupancy vehicles; and more (search for ref # DE-FOA-0000013). For more information, contact the State of Michigan DOT TE Coordinator Amber Thelen at thelena@michigan.gov or 517.241.1456 For information on how Michigan has allocated its first block of funding under ARRA, including where enhancement projects are being funded, and the amounts, go to National TE Clearinghouse. America's Historical and Cultural Organizations (AHCO): Planning & Implementation GrantsDeadline: August 26, 2009
Sponsor: National Endowment for the Humanities, America's Historical and Cultural Organizations (AHCO), Division of Public Programs
Description: AHCO grants support projects in the humanities that explore stories, ideas and beliefs that deepen our understanding of our lives and our world. The Division of Public Programs supports the development of humanities content and interactivity that excite, inform and stir thoughtful reflection upon culture, identity and history in creative and new ways. Grants for AHCO should encourage dialogue, discussion and civic engagement and foster learning among people of all ages.
Research Focus Areas:
- Planning grants are available for projects that may need further development before applying for implementation.
- Implementation grants support the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public.
Interpreting America's Historic Places:
Planning & Implementation Grants Deadline: August 26, 2009 Sponsorship: National Endowment for the Humanities, Interpreting America's Historic Places, Division of Public Programs Description: Interpreting America's Historic Places grants support public humanities projects that exploit the evocative power of historic places to explore stories, ideas and beliefs that deepen our understanding of our lives and our world. The Division of Public Programs supports the development of humanities content and interactivity that excite, inform and stir thoughtful reflection upon culture, identity and history in creative and new ways. Interpreting America's Historic Places projects may interpret a single historic site or house, a series of sites, an entire neighborhood, a town or community or a larger geographical region. Grants for Interpreting America's Historic Places should encourage dialogue, discussion and civic engagement, and they should foster learning among people of all ages. Research Focus Areas:
- Planning grants are available for those projects that may need further development before applying for implementation.
- Implementation grants support the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public.
Deadline: July 29, 2009 Sponsor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), National Community Economic Development Exemplary Practices Initiative Description: The OCS within the ACF announces that competing applications will be accepted for a new cooperative agreement to create an enhanced nationwide training and technical assistance strategy for community economic development carried out by the Community Action Network. The new initiative will be a three year effort, and will focus on strategies to improve the long-term economic well-being of residents of low- and moderate-income communities. The initiative will seek to promote innovation, accountability and responsiveness to specific community economic development needs that will promote a long-term reduction in poverty through the revitalization of low-income communities and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient. Research Focus Areas: The initiative will focus on the identification, documentation and dissemination of strategies that will enable the Community Action Network to revitalize communities, develop and rehabilitate affordable housing, promote sustainability and energy efficiency, attract investments, build wealth and encourage entrepreneurship. ARRA Facility Investment Program
Deadline: August 6, 2009 Sponsor: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration, Bureau of Primary Health Care, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Description: Funds made available by the ARRA will support health center efforts to expand their capacity to provide primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations nationwide, as well as create employment opportunities in underserved communities over the next two years. Research Focus Areas: The ARRA provides $1.5 billion in grants to address significant and pressing capital improvement needs in health centers, including major construction and renovation. See all other posted grant opportunities at 2009 Grants. | |
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| "This Week at the Land Policy Institute" is sent to internal and external land use stakeholders, faculty members and others every Friday through our lpi-news listserv. If you would like to provide feedback on any of its content, or send content for inclusion, please email Heidi Charron at charron@landpolicy.msu.edu. This e-newsletter is intended to be an informational tool. Submissions of presentations, publications, awards and news regarding activities related to land use for publication can be sent at any time. Information must be forwarded by Wednesday of each week for inclusion in that week's e-newsletter. |
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