Think Regional/Act Local

May 23, 2013 - The latest municipal benchmark data for 2013 has just been updated and published. The information includes Southeast Michigan communities, local governments elsewhere in the state, and local governments in other states across the country. The benchmarks represent a threshold where ~20% of the population of local governments perform equal to or better than the indicated benchmark level. And in addition to the benchmarks, data for the average community is also provided.

No community we work with merely wants to become “average”; however, knowing where they stand relative to the average helps them initially prioritize their improvement efforts to the service areas and metrics within each service that exhibit the largest gaps to the average. Once improvements are realized, or for those measurements that are better than average, the benchmarks are targeted.

Rather than taking a shotgun approach to performance measurement, it is recommended a local government first identify the service areas with the largest gaps in cost per capita. Then take a deeper dive from there to help prioritize and focus your efforts.

For more information, contact Dave Boerger, boerger@semcog.org.

Learn how to navigate fiscal uncertainty by improving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and providing information on right-sizing. Through weekly posts, Dave will discuss legislative developments, best practices, and training opportunities.

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May 13, 2013 – Last week, SEMCOG staff member Kevin Vettraino attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the City of Ferndale’s “How the West was One” Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Improvement project. Earlier this year, this project was awarded funding as part of SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Specifically, this project will:

• reduce the traffic lanes from 5 to 3 on Nine Mile Road between Livernois Street and Pinecrest Drive,
• add a parking lane with porous pavers,
• widen the sidewalk,
• update crosswalks to ADA standards,
• replace streetlights, and
• add benches, trash receptacles, trees, and landscaping to match the current streetscape on Nine Mile Road on the east to Woodward.

In addition to the merits of this project – a great driver of economic development, walkability/bikeablity, and increased safety along a major corridor – it was also the first Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project in the State of Michigan to be obligated. Earlier this year SEMCOG awarded over $6 million in TAP funding to 16 projects throughout the region, including Ferndale’s West Nine Mile road reconstruction and streetscape. These awarded projects ranged from local trail projects that filled regional gaps, to complete streets enhancements that provided for bike lanes, buffer lanes, bus pull-out bays, and stormwater mitigation techniques. All of the awarded projects met multiple outcomes, such as improved access to transit, environmental improvements, increased access to downtown areas, and enhanced safety.

The excitement of the groundbreaking was evident from all who attended. "It is a dream for us to actually see this coming to fruition," DDA Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius said when she addressed onlookers gathered on the grass near Livernois and Nine Mile. Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter echoed her sentiment: "I'm really proud to be the mayor of the city today," he said before inviting the group to dig into a ceremonial mound of dirt.

Congratulations to the City of Ferndale. We echo the city’s excitement for this project and a great example of a TAP program in the region!

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May 1, 2013 – As the Local Government Effectiveness Team travels the region providing no-cost operational and fiscal services to SEMCOG member communities, we find all kinds of innovative solutions that are helping our members maintain and sometimes enhance services while lowering costs. Some of the most recent examples follow:

Construction Inspection Scheduling Tool

The City of Novi is one of the first communities in Michigan to to provide an online inspection scheduling tool. Contractors and homeowners in Novi can schedule construction inspections using the new Online Inspection Portal. The portal allows users to request all types of inspections, such as building, electrical, plumbing, and heating.

Small Commercial Revolving Loan Program 

The Small Commercial Revolving Loan Program, maintained by the City of Ann Arbor's DDA, currently offers business owners low-cost loans in order to encourage energy efficiency improvements. 

Controlled Computer Shut-Downs

The City of Wixom has enacted a policy of controlled computer shutdowns for all administrative and other office equipment, which do not run programs or other functions outside of normal business hours. These controlled shutdowns have saved the city over 17,000 kW/year in electricity usage while also reducing HVAC loads. 

Septage Disposal Facility 

St. Clair County has begun a feasibility study as to the possibility of operating a septage disposal facility within the Smiths Creek landfill. This facility is to be used to provide an alternative method of disposal for the county's septage waste, which allows the county to divert septage from the traditional processing plants, easing capacity, while allowing the gas produced by the decomposition of the septage waste to be used as an alternative energy source.

To develop similar innovative solutions within your local government, contact SEMCOG’s Dave Boerger for no-cost assistance.

Learn how to navigate fiscal uncertainty by improving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and providing information on right-sizing. Through weekly posts, Dave will discuss legislative developments, best practices, and training opportunities.

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