community and economic development
Development of the new bridge in Detroit, Michigan, featuring modern construction with cranes over water.

Bridging the Talent Gap: Gordie Howe Bridge Creates Big Opportunities for Local, International Workers

Long-term prosperity for Southeast Michigan depends on supporting legal immigration and integrating skilled international talent into the local economy.
Trevor LaytonMay. 16 2025
regionalism
close up image of a man in a red and white Hawaiian shirt speeding through a grocery store with a shopping cart full of vegetables and fruit

Safe Streets – Spring 2025

The Safe Streets initiative plays a pivotal role in aligning transportation safety education for the general public with the needs of our system.
Trevor LaytonApr. 28 2025
regionalism
A placeholder graphic with a gray background featuring a simple abstract design: a circle on the left and two curved shapes forming a wave-like pattern across the image.

Adopting a Culture of Safety: Part 2 – Success Stories and Opportunities to Grow Safety Culture

Gary Piotrowicz, PE, PTOE, Deputy Managing Director/County Highway Engineer, RCOC presented on how RCOC has created a culture of safety over several decades.
Trevor LaytonFeb. 17 2025
regionalism
SEMCOG| image: Video Thumbnail: Experience Northville Township

Adopting a Culture of Safety: Part 1 – A Regional Perspective and the Safe System Approach

By one name, an accident seems like a random and tragic event. A crash is more accurately seen as a statistically predictable result of a series of decisions.
Trevor LaytonFeb. 14 2025
bicycle and pedestrian travel
Aerial view of the roundabout at Geddes Road and US-23 in Michigan, showing multiple lanes of traffic navigating the circular intersection surrounded by green space and adjacent roadways.

Safety – in a Roundabout Way

Globally, statistics endorsed by the FHWA and IIHS affirm that crashes decrease with roundabout implementation.
Trevor LaytonMay. 15 2024
regionalism
A cyclist waits at a crosswalk as a car passes through an intersection marked with school zone signs and traffic signals.

Safer People Mean Safer Transportation

To address the region's safety challenges, the Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Task Force has chosen the Safe System Approach.
Trevor LaytonMay. 2 2023
community and economic development
A person points to a location on a large digital screen showing aerial imagery and maps during a presentation or analysis session.

Then and Now: An Interactive View of Southeast Michigan’s Evolution

A new SEMCOG tool shows the construction of landmarks and highways in Southeast Michigan since 1950.
Trevor LaytonMar. 14 2023
local government efficiency
Snowy nighttime scene overlooking a wet waterfront promenade with bright lights reflecting on the ground and a distant city skyline in the background.

Communities Focus on Communication

The Southeast Michigan Communicators Network gathered to share experiences and best practices; build relationships; and discuss opportunities to collaborate.
Trevor LaytonJan. 3 2022
education
Child sitting at a desk facing a computer monitor with toys, keyboard, and papers nearby.

We Appreciate Teachers

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Trevor Layton asks colleagues to share their thoughts and experiences on education during this time at home.
Trevor LaytonMay. 7 2020