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The importance of participation SEMCOG’s member communities have made an important decision to invest in themselves by investing in SEMCOG. This financial investment provides members with technical assistance and extensive resources on topics including transportation, water quality protection, intergovernmental cooperation, and redevelopment. Members also have access to individualized data analysis to help in local decision-making. However, to get the most benefit from SEMCOG membership, there must also be an investment of time. Fortunately, there are many ways to participate at SEMCOG — attend General Assembly meetings; sign up for advisory council or task force membership; seek election to the Executive Committee. Preferably, the investment of time on the part of our member communities is spread among elected, appointed, and professional officials. The community appointed delegate to SEMCOG’s General Assembly must be an elected official, but the alternate can be appointed or professional staff. Only elected officials may seek election as delegates to SEMCOG’s Executive Committee, but advisory council and task force membership is open to all. Any official from a member community can call Information Services and attend workshops. When our members talk, we listen. The best way to ensure SEMCOG is meeting your needs is to be at the table providing your perspective. We look forward to welcoming you at a SEMCOG event soon! Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
Work of Local Government Task Force continues SEMCOG’s Local Government Finance Task Force will guide activities in the following areas during the upcoming year: educating citizens on the disconnect between the services they want from their local government and how much they’re willing to pay (in taxes) to support those services; studying regionalizing essential services such as police and fire on a multi-community basis; advocating for the ability of local governments to consider local option taxes (in recognition of state cuts to revenue sharing). SEMCOG has initiated discussions with other local government associations about a long-term, large-scale public relations campaign on local government services and their importance to quality of life. We're looking at creative ways of educating the public and illustrating the positive impact of local government services. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
New legislative session offers advocacy opportunities SEMCOG will use its strong, collective voice of more than 150 local governments to advocate for action that protects the quality of life in Southeast Michigan. SEMCOG’s legislative policy platform for 2007-2008 emphasizes the need for increased funding for infrastructure and local government services, local-level decision-making, and protection of our natural resources. We strongly believe that citizens continue to support quality government services, despite the region's many economic challenges. Leadership changes at the state and federal levels have placed several Southeast Michigan legislators in positions of influence. We are hopeful that local government issues will receive the attention they deserve. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
Regional Forecast Totals and other data increase knowledge of region SEMCOG will unveil a 30-year forecast of the region's future at the March General Assembly. The forecast will show how the region's economic and demographic future is impacted by Michigan's current economic struggles. The regional forecast is an important first step in developing community and small-area forecasts, which will be available in March 2008. A variety of other resources are available for members from SEMCOG Information Services (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and 24/7 via SEMCOG's Web site (www.semcog.org). Recently added to the Web site is the Data Resource Center, which gathers transportation data and maps in one location. While transportation planners and engineers will find these data useful for analysis, resulting in timely and informed decisions, all users of Southeast Michigan's transportation system can find valuable information here (e.g., traffic counts, traffic crash profiles by community, high-crash locations by community). Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
SEMCOG provides continuing education SEMCOG members can take advantage of a variety of training opportunities free-of-charge and close to home. We will continue to offer SEMCOG University classes, giving local member governments the knowledge to advance Southeast Michigan. Some of the topics planned for this year include the economic impacts of transportation, innovative traffic management, helping communities figure out what sort of development is best for them (e.g., mixed use, affordable housing, etc.), and workforce and economic issues. SEMCOG also announces three workshops in landscaping practices as part of its Municipal Operations for Clean Water training to assist local communities with the good housekeeping requirements of the Phase II Stormwater Permit and to protect area waterways. Landscaping practices will be offered early this year, enabling municipalities to implement the practices in spring when community landscaping becomes an issue. Watch Regional Update for announcements of SEMCOG University and Municipal Operations training dates and topics. Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
Key transportation issues for 2007 legislatures Federal and state investment in our region’s transportation system is essential to economic prosperity. Unfortunately, funding isn't keeping pace with Southeast Michigan's road and transit needs; the specific reasons why are detailed in the Winter 2007 issue of SEMscope. It is important to note that the transportation system is key to get people to work, to move goods, and to compete in the global economy. SEMCOG will work with the legislature to increase funding to Southeast Michigan. SEMCOG local government members will be involved in formulating this strategy. Federal issues include increasing federal funding for roads, bridges, and transit, and seeking commuter rail service in Detroit to Ann Arbor corridor. State legislative issues include increasing the state gas and diesel tax, as well as vehicle registration fees; enabling local option taxes; formally creating a regional transportation authority; obtaining state/local funding to implement rapid transit in Detroit to Ann Arbor corridor; and seeking state/local funding for other rapid transit projects. Contact: Carmine Palombo, SEMCOG Director of Transportation Programs.
Each year there is an opportunity for SEMCOG members to gather in their home county. At these meetings, members learn about recent SEMCOG efforts to assist local decision makers. Members also have the opportunity to voice their top priority issues. And, because elections to the Executive Committee are held at these meetings, members have the chance to enhance involvement in SEMCOG. The 2007 outreach meeting schedule is: Livingston County, Genoa Woods, Tuesday, February 27; Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, Wednesday, February 28; Macomb County, ConCorde Inn, Thursday, March 1; Oakland County, Birmingham Conference Center, Thursday, March 8; Monroe County, Monroe Bank and Trust, Thursday, March 15; Wayne County, Lakes of Taylor, Thursday, March 22; and St. Clair County, St. Clair Inn, Tuesday, March 27. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
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