When I was offered the opportunity to write a blog related to the work I do here at the League, I thought back a few years to all the strategy discussions we had about our goal to change the conversation among policy makers regarding the importance of strong, vibrant communities to Michigan’s economic future. A pattern of disinvestment had set in, particularly at the state level, what with numerous budget cuts to programs that assist communities, not the least of which was revenue sharing. This was centered on our state’s recession during the last decade as well as a philosophy that tax cuts alone would get us back to economic prosperity. Well, after reductions in the income tax and implementation of a phase out of the single business tax the only thing that was accomplished was the shrinking of state resources for communities, K-16 education and a host of other programs. The bottom line for us was that if we want to re-establish the state and local partnership, we need to show how communities count in the equation.
Thus, the name for this blog, “Communities Count”. I’ll be writing about the importance of public and private investment in communities to help local officials and residents create the kinds of places that people want to work, live, and play in. I’ll highlight the good, the bad, and the ugly, from Michigan, the United States and around the world. I’ll celebrate the good stuff taking place in Michigan communities (and there is plenty) and I’ll also let you know when I something happens that I disagree with. And as I write, I hope to hear back from you. I’m after an intelligent discussion in a way where while we might not always agree, we can continue to find some middle ground toward creating better places. And remember…better communities mean a better Michigan.