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Placemaking
LPI Outreach
 LPI's Mary Beth Graebert to Share Placemaking Expertise at MSHDA's Building Michigan Communities Conference
Registration for the 15th annual Building Michigan Communities Conference (formerly known as the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing) is now open. Participants of this Conference all seek to make Michigan's communities better places to live, work, invest and play through the creation or preservation of housing, the provision of services to the homeless, and the revitalization of neighborhoods, including downtowns. This important event, hosted by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), will be held April 29-May 1, 2013, at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. This is going to be another exciting conference, with more than 100 sessions to choose from in this action packed three-day event. This year, the focus of the event is on "Housing, Assets, People, Partners." Keynote presentations include: - Scott Woosley, Executive Director of MSHDA;
- Barney Frank, U.S. Congressman (1981-2012), and Chairman, House Financial Services Committee (2007-2011); and
- Carter Oosterhouse, Host of HGTV's Carter Can, Red, Hot & Green, Million Dollar Rooms, and Celebrity Motor Homes.
On Wednesday, May 1, Mary Beth Graebert, LPI's Associate Director for Programs and Operations, will speak about a new LPI study during the session on "Placemaking in Michigan: What Residents Want!" Other panelists include: - Jamie Schriner-Hooper from the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan;
- Sean Mann from the Michigan Municipal
League (MML);
- Julie Hales-Smith from the MIplace
Partnership; and
- Gilbert White from the Michigan
Association of Realtors.
The session, beginning at 8:30am, will focus on the impact of placemaking on economic development and quality of life in Michigan communities, and provide some examples of how placemaking can be done in effective and efficient ways. It will include presentations on an MSU Land Policy Institute study about the value and perceptions of placemaking, the Michigan Association of Realtors' "Creating Great Places" initiative, the State of Michigan's MIplace initiative, the PlacePlans initiative (a partnership effort by MSU, MML and MSHDA) and the MML's PlaceMarket tool. To register and learn more, visit Building Michigan Communities Conference.
LPI Research: Update on MMPGS 
Your Opinion Matters/RSVP Today: Help MMPGS Envision the Future of the Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. Corridor
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission through the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability (MMPGS) (with its HUD grant partners (including LPI)) is hosting a series of public meetings and workshops about the Vision Charrette for the Michigan Avenue/Grand River Avenue Corridor.
A charrette design team led by the National Charrette Institute, with town planning firm Dover Kohl & Partners, and local and national professionals will draft a vision and plan for the Michigan/Grand River corridor from the Capital Building to Webberville. The goal is to create a sustainable plan for the corridor that includes economic and workforce development, housing, land use, transportation, environmental and infrastructure investments.
This is the first of two charrettes to study the Michigan/Grand River corridor. The second charrette in the fall, date TBD, will zoom in to three focal areas along the corridor. The location of these study areas will be discussed at the first charrette.
What is a Charrette?
Some call charrettes a combination of a town meeting and a barn raising. The charrette is a fun, creative event where you can:
- Work with designers to draw and write ideas for the future vision of the corridor.
- Provide comments and ideas as design happens.
- Learn how community planning works.
Who Should Attend the Charrette?
If you live in the three county region (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham counties), or use and travel Michigan Avenue and Grand River Avenue from downtown Lansing eastward to Webberville, then we need your help! Together we will create a regional vision for the Greater Lansing Region's busiest corridor.
Vision Charrette Schedule of Events
- Opening Event on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from 6pm-9:30pm: Work alongside your neighbors to draw your ideas for the future of the Michigan/Grand River corridor. Location: The Lansing Center in Lansing.
- Design Studio Open House on Sunday, May 5, from 3pm-5pm: All week (May 2-6) a studio to draw/design a vision for the corridor will be in operation. Stop by to see what's going on. Location: 333 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing (corner of Grand River Ave. and Charles St.).
- Work-in-Progress Presentation on Tuesday, May 7, from 6:30pm-9pm: Charrette team leaders will summarize the ideas and visions culled from the entire week. Location: East Lansing Hannah Community Center in East Lansing.
When Should I Come to the Charrette?
- The public meetings, listed above, are the best time to come. There you will hear the full story of the work-in-progress and share in a discussion with your neighbors and the experts.
- If you cannot come to the public meetings then you are welcome to stop by the Charrette Studio during open hours.
Visiting the Charrette Studio
All are welcome to visit the Charrette Studio in East Lansing at 333 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing (corner of Grand River Ave. and Charles St.) Thursday, May 2, through Monday, May 6, between 10am and 7pm. We will show you the work-in-progress and record your ideas.
These public meetings are free and open to the public. Please send RSVPs to reception@mitcrpc.org or call 517.393.0342.
To learn more, visit Vision Charrette for Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. Download the event series brochure announcement.
Mid-MEAC Announces Round III MMPGS Community Reinvestment Fund Grant Opportunity for Local Nonprofits The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (Mid-MEAC) is delighted to announce that the Community Reinvestment Fund is now accepting applications for the third round of funding for nonprofit organizations in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. The Fund is part of the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability, a regional initiative (including the MSU Land Policy Institute) designed to expand and improve the planning process for housing, transportation, green infrastructure, energy efficiency, environmental issues, economic development, education and more. The Fund was established to ensure that traditionally underserved and marginalized populations have the opportunity to get involved in the planning process at all levels of government. The Community Reinvestment Fund is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as part of the HUD Sustainable Communities Program. The grant was made to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, and this project (one of nine) is administered by the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council with oversight provided by a community board. Begun on Monday, April 8, Mid-MEAC continues to host a series of community sessions throughout the region this month for interested organizations and community members. For a full description of the project, the grant application (deadline Monday, May 6, 2013) and additional information, visit the Community Reinvestment Fund. Upcoming Community Information Sessions Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 11am-noon:
St. Johns Library Meeting Room, Briggs Public Library Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 3pm-4pm: Charlotte Public Meeting Room, Eaton County Conservation District Thursday, April 25, 2013, 3:30pm-4:30pm: Lansing Conference Room C, Ingham County Health Department A complete list of current grantees can be found on the Mid-MEAC site. Applicants are highly encouraged to participate in a community information session or conference call prior to submitting an application. Please note that some changes have been made to the application for this round, so be sure to download the Round 3 version of the application found on the Fund site. Please direct all questions to Julie Powers, Fund Administrator, at midmeac@gmail.com or call her at 517.292.3078, and be sure to include the area code when dialing. Good Ink on LPI's Rural Water Quality Protection Guidebook . . . Spotlight on an LPI Partner: School of Planning, Design and Construction  Press & Guide
Residents Receive Update on Train Station, Development Plans April 11, 2013
Residents living near a west-end train station under construction are pleased with plans presented Monday on how to use the new development to give the business district a boost.
About a year ago, the City [of Dearborn] asked a team from MSU's School of Planning, Design and Construction to study the 60 acres around the new train station on Michigan Avenue east of Brady, said Barry Murray, Dearborn's Director of Economic and Community Development. Other goals were to ensure environmentally responsible development and respect the historic flavor of the area. The business district borders Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
The City received a grant from a State initiative, MIplace Partnership, to do the study.
Michigan State University Instructor Wayne Beyea said train stations can spur developments like shopping, dining and lodging. The team is aiming for a mix of residential, commercial, office and entertainment uses.
"We wanted to create a place with vibrancy, a place where people want to go and hang out," he said.
A key part of the design was to slow down the traffic on Michigan Avenue. The designers envision reducing the road from five lines of traffic to three, with lanes added for bicyclists and pedestrians.
"We want to make Michigan Avenue a nice place to stroll instead of 'Whoosh, let's get through here and hope we don't get a ticket!"' said MSU Professor Warren Rauhe.
Rauhe said the designs strive to transition Newman Street to a more pedestrian use as well.
All of the plans are theoretical, as funds to put them in place would likely come from tax dollars that new developments would generate.
Several dozen stakeholders, including nearby residents, attended the presentation. Most were pleased with the ideas presented, although some were skeptical that traffic on Michigan Avenue could be slowed down.
Resident L. Glenn O'Kray said that part of the plan might not be realistic, but overall, he was enthusiastic about the study.
"I think it's great. It's going to breathe new life into west Dearborn," he said.
The train station is expected to open early next year.
Learn more at Train Station, Development Plans.
Related News and Announcements
Framework for Our Future Focus of The Grand Vision's Upcoming Public
Input Expos
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) has launched a comprehensive, six-county regional planning project to support local governments with tools and strategies that will help implement The Grand Vision and its six guiding principles. The resulting Framework for Our Future will include a regional Housing Plan, Transportation Plan, Land Use Plan and Energy Plan. These Expos are opportunities for the public to shape the details of these plans. These events are free and open to the public, and participants are encouraged to share their ideas. RSVPs are requested. All events take place from 4pm-7pm, and will be conducted in an Open-House style, so attendees should feel free to stop in at any time. The Expo schedule is as follows:
Monday, April 22: Benzie County
Mills Community House in Benzonia
Tuesday, April 23: Kalkaska County
Kaliseum in Kalkaska
Wednesday, April 24: Wexford County
Cadillac Junior High School in Cadillac
Thursday, April 25: Antrim County
Bellaire Senior Center in Bellaire
Monday, April 29: Leelanau County
Leelanau Horticulture Research Center in Traverse City
Tuesday, April 30: Grand Traverse County
Hagerty Center in Traverse City
To RSVP and learn more, visit Framework for Our Future Input Expos.
Rapidly Growing Focus of Upcoming Rapid Growth Speaker Series
Kent and Ottawa counties are two of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Due to the increased number of commuters traveling into Kent County daily, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has been bumped up to more than one million residents. The area continues to be a destination for company expansions and job transferees, and its growing reputation as a Great Place to Raise a Family means households continue to grow.
But is there a downside to this growth, particularly if demand continues on the outer fringes of the metro area? On infrastructure? On transportation needs and traffic? On scarce resources? How can urban areas compete and make themselves viable in the 21st Century, particularly older middle-class neighborhoods and older suburban areas? How does West Michigan grow and continue to provide the quality of life that people seek?
Join Rapid Growth on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at The Rapid's Central Station in Grand Rapids, as these issues with regional growth experts from every corner of the state are explored. Panelists include:
This event is free and open to the public. Beverages will be served. Parking is not available on-site, but there is on-street parking. The Rapid service is also available, and there are bike facilities nearby. Learn more at Rapid Growth Speaker Series.
Data and Sprawl Focus of Upcoming United Growth Tuesday Series
On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at noon,
United Growth for Kent County will host their next Tuesday Series. This event will focus on "What Does the Data Say about Sprawl?" The guest speaker will be Gustavo Rotondaro, the Director of Information Services and Community Data Initiatives for the Community Research Institute (CRI), at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. This event is free and open to the public, and the location for this event will to be announced soon.
Rural Land Use Focus of Upcoming Ontario, Canada Conference
Land is one of the most significant contributors to the success of rural and agricultural economies. Understanding how it is valued, regulated and transferred is critical for effective management of this resource. Land use planners, policy makers, farmers or farm organization representatives, lenders, farm financial advisors or rural realtors, are encouraged to attend the Exploring Rural Land Use: Issues, Institutions and Change Conference on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre in Guelph, Ontario in Canada. This one-day Conference, hosted by the Institute for the Advanced Study of Food and Agricultural Policy at the University of Guelph, brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to discuss crucial issues about rural land use. In addition to a unique networking opportunity, the Conference will provide:
- An examination of key trends and issues regarding farmland in Ontario;
- A discussion about the institutions and organizations that influence the use of land;
- A forum to learn more about First Nations land use issues; and
- A closer look at ongoing property rights in Canada and the United States.
The event features keynote speaker Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nation and Chairman of the First Nations Land Advisory Board who will talk about First Nation Land Management-a framework agreement that enables First Nations to opt out of the land-related sections of the Indian Act and develop their own land code. Other topics to be covered throughout the day include:
- Trends in Agricultural Land Use over Time in Ontario and Canada;
- Trends in Farmland Values;
- Land Value Trends in Southwestern Ontario;
- Severance: What They are, Now They Work,
Why They Matter; - Planning Policies in Action: Experience with Surplus Farm Dwelling Severances;
- The Impact of Wind Turbines on Property Values in Ontario: Public Perception and
Empirical Evidence; - Assessment and Taxes: Two Different Things
that Work Together; - First Nation Land Use Planning in Ontario and Canada: New Perspectives;
- History of Property Rights Movement in Ontario;
- Property Rights and Responsibilities; and
- Is There a Durable Concept of Property Rights?
To register and learn more, visit Exploring Rural Land Use Conference.
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New Economy
Related News and Announcements
Leveraging Unique Regional Assets Focus of Upcoming International Economic Development Council Spring Conference
The industrial landscape is evolving dramatically-strengthening some sectors, while weakening others. The industries of yesterday have transformed, consolidated, gone offshore or disappeared entirely. Economic developers today must stay ahead of the curve for their communities to be competitive in the global economy.
Attend the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) 2013 Spring Conference, June 9-11, 2013, to discover emerging opportunities and grasp industry trends every economic developer needs to know. The focus of this year's event is on "Spurring Job Creation through Cluster Development and Transformation." Learn how to leverage a community's assets and industrial base to transform its economy and stimulate the growth of new clusters, companies and jobs. Featured industries for the 2013 Spring Conference include automotive research and development, higher education, energy conservation, homeland security and defense, and healthcare information technology.
Michigan has had the second largest recovery among all states from the Great Recession. The Ann Arbor region has had sustained low unemployment throughout the recession and the recovery. Conference attendees can learn from this remarkable story and those of other regions around the country that have found new assets, and rediscovered and transformed existing assets, to create economic success.
This event will take place at the Michigan Municipal League in Ann Arbor. To register and learn more, visit IEDC 2013 Spring Conference.
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The Green Economy
Related News and Announcements
Freshwater Metropolis Focus of Upcoming Model D and Metromode Speaker Event
Join Model D and Metromode on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 6pm on the campus of Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield to hear from a panel of experts, activists and business owners about how green and blue infrastructure are transforming the Southeast Michigan region. Attendees will learn how they can be a part of this movement. The moderator for this event will be Don Carpenter from the LTU Department of Civil Engineering. Panelists include:
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP online. Learn more at Model D and Metromode Speaker Event.
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"Land Policy News" is an e-Newsletter published bi-monthly by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University. This e-Newsletter is intended to be an informational tool. Information in the newsletter not directly about the Land Policy Institute does not necessarily reflect the Institute's views, but is, instead, included because of its relationship to the Institute's mission and work.
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. Submissions of presentations, publications, event announcements, job postings and news regarding activities related to land use and prosperity can be sent at any time.
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The MSU Land Policy Institute is affiliated with the School of Planning, Design and Construction. The Institute is supported by Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and MSU Extension programs.
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Funding Opportunities
See all other posted grant opportunities at 2013 Grants.
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Calendar of Events
LPI events are highlighted in red.
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Benzie County
Monday, April 22, 2013
Mills Community House, Benzonia, MI
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Kalkaska County
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Kaliseum, Kalkaska, MI
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Community Reinvestment Fund Grant Community Information Session - St. Johns
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Briggs Public Library, St. Johns, MI
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Community Reinvestment Fund Grant Community Information Session - Charlotte
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Eaton County Conservation District, Charlotte, MI
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Wexford County
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Cadillac Junior High School, Cadillac, MI
Rapid Growth Speaker Series: Rapidly Growing
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Rapid's Central Station, Grand Rapids, MI
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Community Reinvestment Fund Grant Community Information Session - Lansing
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Ingham County Health Department, Lansing, MI
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Antrim County
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Bellaire Senior Center, Bellaire, MI
LPI Speaking Engagement Event: Building Michigan Communities
Monday, April 29-Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Lansing Center, Lansing, MI
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Leelanau County
Monday, April 29, 2013
Leelanau Horticulture Research Center, Traverse City, MI
Framework for Our Future Input Expo - Grand Traverse County
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Hagerty Center, Traverse City, MI
United Growth for Kent County Tuesday Series: What Does the Data Say about Sprawl?
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Location TBA
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. Vision Charrette - Opening Event
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Lansing Center, Lansing, MI
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. Vision Charrette - Design Studio Open House Sunday, May 5, 2013 333 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI
LPI Sponsored Event: MMPGS Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. Vision Charrette - Work-in-Progress Presentation Tuesday, May 7, 2013 East Lansing Hannah Community Center, East Lansing, MI
LPI's Entrepreneurial Communities Program Event: ICE Meetup
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 The
Avenue Café, Lansing, MI
Exploring Rural Land Use Conference: Issues, Institutions and Change
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
MSU IPPSR Public Policy Forum Series: Legal Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the D Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Anderson House Office Building, Lansing, MI Model D and Metromode Speaker Event: Freshwater Metropolis Thursday, May 23, 2013 Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training - Paw Paw Exam/Field Demo Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Location TBA, Paw Paw, MI Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training - Brighton Exam/Field Demo Thursday, June 6, 2013 Location TBA, Paw Paw, MI Great Lakes High Performance Building Conference Thursday, June 6, 2013 Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing, MI Michigan Citizen Planner Advanced Academy Thursday, June 13, 2012 Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Campus of MSU, East Lansing, MI 48823 For a complete list of events with details, go to
LPI Events Calendar.
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