bicycle and pedestrian travel
Audience listens to a presenter giving a regional forecast presentation in a conference room with a large screen.

That Happened Fast: 2022 Highlights

Executive Director Amy O'Leary share some of SEMCOG's highlights, achievements, and initiatives from 2022.
Amy O'LearyJan. 9 2023
community and economic development
Colorful downtown street with historic buildings, a clock tower, lush landscaping, and bright blue sky with clouds.

SEMCOG Launches Workshop Series on Commercial District Revitalization

SEMCOG's five-year economic development strategy, "Increasing Shared Prosperity for a Resilient Economy," guides our agency and stakeholder partners.
Sarah TraxlerDec. 5 2022
legislation
Two people stand on a stage during an AMPO event as one presents an award, with a branded backdrop behind them

Planning for Electric Vehicles (EVs)? Here is what you need to know about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

On September 27, SEMCOG held a webinar on "Bringing BIL Benefits to Michigan Communities" in collaboration with Clean Fuels Michigan.
Beheshtah MakariOct. 31 2022
regionalism
A speaker stands at a podium in a large event hall addressing an audience, while three panelists sit at a table on stage with presentation screens and an American flag nearby.

Meeting the Moment to Support Michigan’s Mobility Sector

EVs,CAV technologies, and the ongoing acceleration of an online-based economy are changing the ways people, goods, and services move.
SEMCOG Southeast Michigan Council of GovernmentsJun. 27 2022
legislation
Eyeglasses rest on top of a printed document titled “A BILL,” with visible text referencing sections, a table of contents, and the American Rescue Plan.

ARPA Funds – Do you know what you’re doing? What about your peers?

SEMCOG has released a survey to guide our support for communities in their efforts to use American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) dollars.
Michael SpenceFeb. 22 2022
local government finance
Hand forming a peace‑sign gesture with an “I VOTED” sticker placed on one of the raised fingers, held against a softly blurred outdoor background.

Many communities supported ballot proposals on May 4

Voters approved 20 of 21 special election millage and bonding proposals to maintain/expand existing school millages or approve bonding for school improvements.
Michael SpenceMay. 17 2021
community and economic development
Table comparing two communities—Hometown and Anywhere Else—showing identical values: total property value of $400,000,000, downtown property value of $100,000,000, a 1.00% tax rate, $1,000,000 in downtown property taxes, and $3,000,000 in non‑downtown taxes.

Using Tax Capture Programs for Economic Development: Why Headlee and Proposal A Make Michigan Different

Bill Anderson breaks down a hypothetical comparison to look at the impacts, over time, of a DDA being established in two communities.
Bill AndersonApr. 20 2021
community and economic development
Illustrated classroom scene showing several students seated at individual desks reading, writing, or raising a hand, with bookshelves and a whiteboard in the background. On the right side, an educator works at a desk with a student, while another student stands nearby interacting with a classmate. The drawing uses blue line art on a yellow‑to‑blue gradient background and depicts a variety of typical classroom activities.

What the American Rescue Plan Act means for local governments

How will ARP funds be distributed? When will ARP funds be distributed? How may ARP funds be used? What time period does the ARP cover?
Bill AndersonMar. 12 2021
legislation
A bar chart shows several teal vertical bars of varying heights beneath a green and blue header band on a white grid background.

Notes from the state Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference: COVID-19 tears apart state budget

The conference provides guidance to the House and Senate Appropriation Committees as they determine how much revenue is available for the upcoming fiscal year.
Bill AndersonMay. 20 2020
legislation
A bar chart shows several teal vertical bars of varying heights beneath a green and blue header band on a white grid background.

Constitutional Revenue-Sharing Reductions: Fiscal Years Matter

Government Finance Specialist Bill Anderson shares some insights on estimates of how the State of Michigan's budget will impact constitutional revenue sharing.
Bill AndersonMay. 19 2020