SEMCOG’s January 26 Executive Committee Meeting at the Detroit Historical Museum
Last Friday immediately following our January Executive Committee meeting, we hosted the grand opening of 50 Years | 1 Region, an exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum commemorating SEMCOG’s 50th anniversary. This exhibit tells the story of our Southeast Michigan through SEMCOG’s lens and celebrates the people who have played key roles on the regional team throughout our history.
At the opening, current regional leaders – elected and appointed officials active in SEMCOG – as well as difference-makers from the past came together to look back on our work together. In regional planning, we adopt a long view of progress, so 50 years of perspective enabled us to enjoy the accomplishments made in the environment, transportation, and community and economic development.
As much fun as it is to look back, we never lose focus on the future. Here are a few examples from this week of work being done now to improve the competitiveness and quality of life in our region in the years to come.
Governor Snyder signing an executive order to create the Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks
We were in Port Huron with St. Clair County government to participate in a discussion with Governor Snyder. As part of the governor’s executive order to create the Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks, the state is addressing shortcomings in broadband access. Effective planning for key infrastructure improvements like this is essential to St. Clair County and other local governments, where broadband access is limited. Improving this infrastructure is integral to improving needed services, quality of life, and the ability to compete economically.
We held the first stakeholder input meeting on updating Southeast Michigan’s transportation operations plan. This plan identifies how the many agencies who have responsibility for road operations will work together to improve the efficiency and safety of the transportation system. Participants in this planning process include city and county road agencies, local police departments, EMS, state police, fire departments, and other first responders.
We participated in discussions with Governor Snyder on a proposal to increase funding for water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. We shared the initial results of our underground infrastructure pilot project and how this information will be used to make strategic asset management decisions.
We hosted input sessions on downtown Detroit mobility and parking. In the urban core of our region, managing the transportation needs of residents, businesses, and tourism events is key to our region’s success. This is why we are involved in a study aimed at improving mobility downtown. We also continue to assist the Regional Transit Authority in its efforts to improve regional transit.
Finally, we are also putting the finishing touches on the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan. This document, which is the culmination of over a year of work by the Water Resources Task Force, will provide a policy and action framework for protecting and enhancing the region’s water resources.
Whether we are looking back to our history or ahead to what’s next, some things are constant. With a little planning and the continued strength of our leaders in embracing regional cooperation, we can accomplish tremendous things.
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