Recent News
May 2013
Pulse of the Region Survey: Opportunity to voice your opinions on state budget priorities
As the State Legislature debates and reviews spending decisions in preparation for a June 1 deadline to complete the 2013-14 State Budget, SEMCOG and MAC would like to provide citizens with an opportunity to consider priorities and give their thoughts. Questions in the short survey provide residents with a chance to voice their opinions about where they think it is most important for the State to invest, and what they think will have the greatest positive impact on the quality of life and economic prosperity in Southeast Michigan.
This survey period has ended.
March 2013
MAC sends message to Senate to reconsider approval of Medicaid Expansion and creation of a State/Federal Healthcare Exchange, actions we believe to be in the best interest of Michigan’s citizens and our economy
See the message
February 2013
MAC urges Legislature to approve Medicaid expansion, save the State up to $1B in related costs, and provide healthcare to the underserved population of Michigan.
See the message to State Legislature and Position Paper on Medicaid
November 2012
Majority of respondents think Southeast Michigan transportation system in poor condition, would pay more to improve transit
Southeast Michigan recnts who took the recent online survey sponsored by SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), have voiced their opinions on the region’s transportation system.
Results from the survey
Guest commentary: Unite behind the need for solutions
MAC Chair Debbie Dingell and President Paul Tait have some advice for coming together to solve problems after a grueling election season.
See guest commentary in the Detroit Free Press
Dingell and Schlaybaugh: Vote NO on Prop 5 – 2/3 Supermajority not a Super Deal for Michigan
A proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot to prohibit any new or increased state taxes without a 2/3 supermajority vote of the Legislature or a vote of the people. The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition – leaders from business, labor, government, and education – believes that this is very bad public policy, and urges citizens to vote NO.
See MAC Op Ed piece
October 2012
No on Proposal 5 - Multiple troubles lurk in Michigan's two-thirds proposal
A proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot to prohibit any new or increased state taxes without a 2/3 supermajority vote of the Legislature or a vote of the people. The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition - leaders from business, labor, government, and education -- believes that this is very bad public policy, and urges citizens to vote NO.
See Letter to the Editor...
Dingell and Rakolta: Build the bridge, vote no on Prop 6
The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition — leaders in business, labor, government and education in southeastern Michigan — strongly recommends a no vote on Proposal 6.
View the Detroit News article
September 2012
SEMCOG and MAC to testify at House Transportation Committee on the need for a Regional Transit Authority
SEMCOG and MAC are strong advocates for public transportation. Southeast Michigan is the only large metropolitan area in the country that lacks a functional mass-transit system. Public transportation cannot move forward without a regional transit authority to serve as a coordinating point for existing service and take the necessary steps to expand and provide new and better service throughout the region.
SEMCOG and MAC to testify at House Transportation Committee on the need for a Regional Transit Authority (Web link)
August 2012
SEMCOG and MAC invite public comment on an update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy provides a roadmap for effectively investing the region’s resources and seeking new means to diversify and reposition the economy, create jobs, strengthen and refocus our human capital, develop and promote our natural and community assets, improve our business climate, and maintain and enhance the necessary infrastructure to achieve the maximum economic impact and global competitiveness.
SEMCOG invites public comment on an update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (Web link)
Let your voice be heard! Take the SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey on transportation
While SEMCOG and MAC encourage residents to talk to their local officials about priorities in their own communities, this survey will provide input at the regional level.
Let your voice be heard! Take the SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey on transportation (Web link)
July 2012
SEMCOG/MAC citizen survey results; Residents find out about Ozone Action days via e-mail, reduce use of vehicles on Ozone Action days
Southeast Michigan residents who took the recent online survey sponsored by MAC and SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, have voiced their opinions on the Ozone Action Program, the region’s air quality public education program.
SEMCOG/MAC citizen survey results; Residents find out about Ozone Action days via e-mail, reduce use of vehicles on Ozone Action days (Web link)
June 2012
MAC Letter to Editor Supports NITC
Build it, and jobs will come (Web link)
Michigan: Champion of the Global Economy
Produced by the Chamber/MAC Business Labor Task Force and released at the 2012 Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, this report uses facts and testimonials to tell the story of Michigan’s strong standing in the global economy. It is a companion piece to the Task Force’s successful 2010 publication, The Positive Story of Michigan’s Workforce. It elaborates on our state’s many assets and comparative advantages that businesses seek to be competitive, connected, and excel in the global market. It is meant to be a useful tool to opinion leaders and the economic development community as they encourage businesses to locate and/or expand here.
Michigan: Champion of the Global Economy (PDF)
MAC Board of Directors Supports Voter Approval of DIA Millage
MAC Board of Directors Supports Voter Approval of DIA Millage (Web link)
May 2012
SEMCOG and MAC release new report citing the importance of employability (or soft) skills necessary for workplace success
SEMCOG and MAC release new report citing the importance of employability (or soft) skills necessary for workplace success (Web link)
SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey provides citizens a voice in improving the region’s Ozone Action program
Southeast Michigan residents are being asked for input on the Ozone Action program, the region’s air quality public education program through a regional online survey sponsored by the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) and SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.
SEMCOG and MAC "Pulse of the Region" Survey provides citizens a voice in improving the region’s Ozone Action program (Web link)
April 2012
Check out MAC President Paul Tait's new blog (Web link)
SEMCOG/MAC citizen survey results: Overwhelming support for increased revenue for transportation, transit
SEMCOG/MAC citizen survey results: Overwhelming support for increased revenue for transportation, transit (Web link)
March 2012
SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey continues to provide citizens a voice in improving the region’s transportation system
SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey continues to provide citizens a voice in improving the region’s transportation system (Web link)
February 2012
SEMCOG/MAC urge legislation authorizing New International Trade Crossing
SEMCOG/MAC urge legislation authorizing New International Trade Crossing (Web link)
SEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey provides citizens a voice in improving the region’s transportation systemSEMCOG and MAC “Pulse of the Region” Survey provides citizens a voice in improving the region’s transportation system (Web link)
January 2012
MAC supports Personal Property Tax reform that encourages business investment and maintains revenue stream for local governments
SEMCOG/MAC Personal Property Tax Position Paper (PDF)
MAC calls for support of Bus Rapid Transit System for region; M-1 Rail can be important first linkDetroit Free Press Guest Commentary: Push ahead on rapid buses, and M-1 can play a part (PDF)
Bus Rapid Transit was first researched and recommended by the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition – in cooperation with SEMCOG, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and others – more than a decade ago. You can see the SpeedLink report and video on MAC’s Publications Web page.
December 2011
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition elects board members
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition elects board members (Web link)
November 2011
MAC Education Reform Policy Statement
Earlier this year, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) Board members reviewed the Governor’s Special Message on Education and crafted a broad-based Opinion Paper on reform issues. Subsequently, there has been legislative activity in Lansing to which MAC recently responded with the additional thoughts below.
MAC Education Reform Policy Statement (Web link)
September 2011
Shining Light Regional Cooperation AwardsAdditional Information (Web link)
July 2011
SEMCOG and MAC Present: Education Reform in Michigan – A Discussion with State Superintendent Mike Flanagan
Additional Information (PDF)
June 2011
MAC Board advisory teams issue opinion papers on education reform and government efficiency
Opinion on Education Reform(PDF)
Opinion on Government Efficiency(PDF)
May 2011
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Comments on Governor Snyder’s Tax Proposal
As legislation to make significant and controversial changes to the state’s tax code is taken up in the State Senate, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) offers this perspective.
MAC opinion editorial(PDF)
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Seeks Support for Transportation Funding
Action Alert: Drastic cuts to public transportation funding proposed(PDF)
April 2011
SEMCOG/MAC citizen survey results: Core services important; consolidation, user fees have significant support
Citizen Survey Results(MAC Web link)
February 2011
MAC and SEMCOG regional survey provides citizens a voice in shaping the future of their local communities
Southeast Michigan residents have a unique opportunity to shape the future of their communities through a regional online survey sponsored by the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) and SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Local governments face serious economic challenges due to declines in property values, property taxes, and state-revenue sharing. Citizens can provide support for the difficult service and budget decisions ahead by sharing their opinions and ideas.
Additional information(MAC Web link)
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Elects Officers and Board Members
Media release(MAC Web link)
MAC News Archives
2010
