SUMMER 2012

A emscope quarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Council of Governments

PROGRESS ON THE RIVER is resurfacing as a premiere destination for water, wildlife, and recreational activities SUMMER - 2012 emscope

2012-2013 Officers

Michael Sedlak Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Chairperson 535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 Clerk, Detroit, Michigan 48226-3602 Green Oak Township 313-961-4266 • Fax 313-961-4869 www.semcog.org Joan Gebhardt First Vice Chair facebook.com/SEMCOG twitter.com/SEMCOG Treasurer semcog.org/blog.aspx youtube.com/SEMCOG Schoolcraft College

Jeffrey Jenks Vice Chairperson

Cover photo: Commissioner, A beautiful summer evening on the water. Work on the has Huntington Woods resulted in abundant recreational opportunities. Here, kayakers from Riverside Kayak Connection in Wyandotte enjoy their weekly Wednesday night paddle around Grassy Island, the first island to become part of the International Phil LaJoy Wildlife Refuge. (The trip offers views of the Detroit skyline, passing Vice Chairperson freighters, as well as a great variety of waterfowl and fish.) Supervisor, This photo was taken August 22, 2012. Canton Township

Charles Pugh Vice Chairperson Preparation of this document was financed in part through grants Council President, from and in cooperation with the Michigan Department City of Detroit of Transportation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and Federal Kathy D. Vosburg Transit Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Vice Chairperson Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Board of Commissioners Chair, Macomb County Please direct any questions about this publication to Sue Stetler, 313-324-3428 or [email protected] John A. Scott Immediate Past Chair Semscope is a quarterly publication of SEMCOG Commissioner, ISSN#03071-1310 Oakland County Paul E. Tait Printed on recycled paper. Executive Director Table of Contents

Commentary - Michael Sedlak, SEMCOG Chairperson 2 We believe in Southeast Michigan 3 Member support of SEMCOG means we all succeed 4 River initiatives enhance recreation, education, economic opportunities 6 Regional transportation plan: Get involved 8 SEMCOG members are doing great things 9 Southeast Michigan nonresidential construction data for 2011 10 Officers elected at General Assembly June 28, 2012 • Ford Field, Detroit 12 Implementing Southeast Michigan’s economic development strategy

Commentary WeCreating believe success in Southeast Michigan inI’m honoredSoutheast to be elected SEMCOG Michigan Chairperson for 2012-2013. I’ve served on the Executive Committee since 2002 and have been an officer since 2007. Now as Chair of SEMCOG, I join Michael Sedlak two other SEMCOG Chairs from Livingston County – Robert Smith and Richard Rudnicki. SEMCOG Chairperson Livingston County has a long history of regional support. I am proud to continue this tradition. Clerk, Green Oak Township Regionalism is the present and future for Michigan. As today’s realities tell us, we, in local govern- ment, must do things together. SEMCOG is the conduit to make that happen. This organization has never been more relevant. During the year ahead, SEMCOG will continue to be supportive to our local government and education members as we all seek ways to gain efficiencies’ through cooperation and collaboration. In my dual role as Clerk and Firefighter/EMT, I understand and see first-hand the value of delivering essential services to our citizens. And I understand the constraints of local government and the need for working together. It will be a busy year. Next June, we’ll adopt a Regional Transportation Plan. This long-range vision demonstrates how the transportation system can lend itself to improving the region overall by achieving transportation goals that support continued economic recovery, environmental health, community revitalization, and quality of life. I know that transit is part of creating success in transportation and an area where our region has its greatest challenge. Recently, Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari visited SEMCOG and told us that while Detroit is the 12th largest metropolitan region in the country, it ranks 109th in transit service. He also noted that a Regional Transit Authority is key to making our region eligible to be in the “game” for increased transit funding…and that no region has moved forward without an RTA. The region desperately needs an RTA. When I travel to other cities and ride on well-developed transit systems, I see the redevelopment and think what I’m riding is a part of why that happens. Reliable, functional transit means growth and opportunity. It ties the urban and outlying areas together. We’re competing, as a region and state, for the best workers in a new and tougher economy. Transit brings workers to jobs, and people to cities. We must continue to be supportive of SEMCOG’s efforts to move transit forward. If you travel to other major cities, you know we’ve got some catching up to do. Together we can do what we separately have not. SEMCOG can be a leader in moving us forward. Legislatively, we’re at a unique crossroads in this important election year. Post-election, SEMCOG will gear up to inform our new State Legislature and U.S. Congress on issues that are important to Southeast Michigan. I have experienced how much legislators pay attention when SEMCOG speaks on issues of critical importance to our region. I attribute much of that success to our steadfast bi-partisan approach. In an environment that is increasingly partisan, our citizens expect, and our communities need, ideas that work and leaders that work together. We’re members of SEMCOG because we believe in Southeast Michigan. We accept these regional challenges and want to be part of the solution. The good news? A strong region means that its communities are also strong.

2 Regional Words

MemberCreating support success: of SEMCOG meansOur shared we all outcomes succeed By Robert Cannon, Supervisor, Clinton Township We are all responsible to For the last five years, members, in adopting support the vital function SEMCOG’s annual budget, have either frozen or It is in the best and success of SEMCOG. adopted flat, across-the-board dues reductions. interest of all of We took these actions because of the financial That was reaffirmed challenges we all faced in our own communities. us to support at SEMCOG’s Annual While these proactive dues reductions helped General Assembly meet- maintain membership, they also resulted in sig- SEMCOG and ing in June. Members nificant reductions in SEMCOG local revenues to be active overwhelmingly voted – from a high in 2007 of $2.3 million to $1.8 to resume use of a formula to calculate million in 2012. This reduced SEMCOG’s abili- members. membership dues. ty to match all federal funds available – meaning As a former Chairperson of SEMCOG, I chaired that SEMCOG had to leave money – and as a the Bylaws and Legal Committee that met to result – high-priority projects on the table. This discuss the dues structure of this organization. further means that SEMCOG has been unable The committee determined that the dues struc- to pursue high-priority projects for which grant ture is logical and equitable. funding was not available. How are dues calculated? Support Southeast Michigan For counties, dues are assessed on the basis Your SEMCOG dues mean you support South- of taxable value. Specifically, this calculation east Michigan. You can further support the is .0000128 multiplied by 95 percent of the region by your involvement at SEMCOG. How? county’s taxable value. This number is reduced • Attend SEMCOG General Assemblies and by dues paid by city, village, township, and edu- participate in regional decision making; cation members in the county. Cities, villages, • Network and share best practices with your and townships pay dues based on population; fellow Southeast Michigan local governments; education members pay dues based on enroll- • Serve on SEMCOG committees and task ment. By resuming the use of the formula, dues forces; will increase or decrease over time as taxable values change. • Share SEMCOG data and information with your residents; There are a few other provisions in the dues • Take local actions that implement regional structure. No county can pay more than 25 plans; percent of the total local dues assessed. And, because Monroe County is also a member of the • Help communicate the value of SEMCOG to Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Govern- your peers. ments, they receive a credit on their SEMCOG Not only are we helping Southeast Michigan dues for the amount they pay to TMACOG. succeed, but we are helping local governments use the tools and knowledge that SEMCOG provides to move our communities forward. It’s a win-win for all.

3 SUMMER - 2012 emscope Regional Implications River initiatives enhance recreation, education, economic opportunities Southeast Michigan is Beautifying shorelines, creating habitat emerging as a premier loca- tion for water, wildlife, and recreation activities. The transformation along the Detroit River and its envi- rons is contributing to this recognition, with people connecting to the river in ways that significantly im- prove their quality of life. Before SEMCOG’s partner orga- nization, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), has been instrumental in this transformation through its support of numerous projects along the river that create op- Examples of soft shoreline engineering like this one, at the DTE River Rouge MAC has portunities for the public to Power Plant, are located throughout the Detroit River watershed. This can experience this awe-inspiring create a natural habitat for fish and wildlife, beautify the shoreline, and present managed the natural resource. an opportunity for the public to gain front-row seats to the ecological renewal happening on the waterfront. Photos courtesy of Nativescape. Detroit American In 1998, the Detroit River was one of only 14 rivers na- nation along a river designated by both Canada Heritage River tionwide honored with a presidential designation and the United States as a Heritage River. Initiative since as an American Heritage River (AHR). Since then, MAC has championed the Greater Detroit The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail blueway 1998. Working AHR initiative; collaborating with, and support- – which can be thought of as the water-based with numerous ing the efforts of many organizations working on equivalent of a greenway trail – provides op- projects ranging from restoring wildlife habitat portunities for canoeing, kayaking, and small partners, the ini- and shorelines to brownfield redevelopment and boat paddling. The water trail connects with the creating greenway and blueway trails. region’s burgeoning greenway network, literally tiative leveraged extending recreation opportunities into the river. What follows are a few examples of the many $43 million in its projects, completed or currently underway, that The water trail consists of a network of recre- first five years. are helping reconnect the people of our region ational trails along not only the Detroit River, with the Detroit River watershed. but also the Huron and Rouge rivers, and the River Raisin, which encourages small boaters Linking recreational opportunities: to recreate and experience the natural, cultural, The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail and historic resources offered along these routes. As part of the AHR Initiative, MAC collaborat- What does the Water Trail look like? Maps of ed with partners in creating the Detroit Heritage the Detroit River Heritage Water Trail are avail- River Water Trail, the first water trail planned able on MAC’s Web site (www.mac-web.org), as for Southeast Michigan and the only one in the is information on all of MAC’s river initiatives.

4 Above: One of the “Fisheries” Summer Discovery Cruises (www.discoverycruises.org) showing two Michigan DNR Fisheries staff holding a lake sturgeon that they were measuring and weighing as part of their annual sturgeon research. Michigan Sea Grant has been involved in habitat restoration projects that have benefitted lake sturgeon populations throughout the Huron-Erie Corridor, off Fight- ing Island and Belle Isle in the Detroit River, and in the St. Clair River’s North Channel. Right: Participants on one of the “Through the Straits” Summer Discovery Cruises, upbound near Fighting Island. Photos courtesy of Steve Stewart, Michigan Sea Grant

Growth of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the only international refuge in North America. Since its formation in 2001, the refuge has blossomed from 300 to over 5,700 acres in the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie. The Refuge Gateway, site of a future visitor center, is adjacent to Humbug Marsh, the last mile of undeveloped shoreline along the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River. The Refuge Gateway – combined with Humbug Marsh – forms a single ecological unit protecting 454 acres of coastal habitat. MAC has supported efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wayne County, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, and partners, to convert the former industrial site into a world-class environmental, recreation, and conserva- This rendering of the proposed fishing pier and dock at the Detroit River tion education facility. One current project is focused on International Wildlife Refuge Gateway depicts the numerous ways the public constructing a fishing pier, boardwalk, and boat dock which will use the facility. The pier, which extends 775 feet into the Detroit will increase shore-based access to a renowned sport fishing River, will offer opportunities ranging from fishing and bird-watching, to location. In addition to walleye, this area is rich with panfish educational boat tours. for youth and family fishing and beginners to the sport. The dock will also be home to Michigan Sea Grant’s Great Lakes school ship, which hosts educational “living laboratory” events for children from Detroit-area schools.

5 SUMMER - 2012 emscope Regional Implications

RegionalLt. Governor transportation talks about plan: Take steps Get involved Talk to local officials Southeast Michigan about priorities in your Roads, bridges, buses, walking and biking trails, Population will be 100,000 below the 2000 community. traffic signals . . . these are just some of the level. Thus, a significant increase in total de- Public input is impor- components of the transportation system here mand for travel is unlikely. tant. Here’s how the in Southeast Michigan. Most of us take this public can be involved: complex system for granted, but it is critical to our daily lives. Why? Watch SEMCOG’s • We need good roads and bridges to drive on, video explaining the good buses to ride on, and ways to walk and public participation bike to jobs, parks, schools, grocery stores, process at www. hospitals, and cultural attractions. youtube.com/semcog. • We want our neighborhoods to be attractive, Follow development of desirable, and green. the new plan at www. • We want to protect the environment, improve semcog.org/Transpor- our health, and have access to outdoor recre- tationStrategy.aspx ational activities. • We want to maximize return on our tax dollars. Take SEMCOG’s We are likely to see significant changes in travel public opinion survey In 2013, local government members of behaviors as a result of several factors, including at www.semcog.org SEMCOG will decide on a long-range trans- the aging of our population, vastly improved under Hot Topics. portation plan and a list of the highest-priority fuel economy, and higher and more volatile projects to be funded over the next five years fuel costs. for Southeast Michigan. The plan and projects While the exact advances in vehicular and will demonstrate how the transportation system communication technologies are difficult to improves the region by supporting continued predict, it is clear they will present significant economic recovery, environmental health, com- opportunities for innovation and efficiency. munity revitalization, and quality of life. It also supports improving and enhancing the region’s Limited funding means more transit system, attracts and retains talent, increas- es per capita income, and is vital to a sustained strategic investment economic recovery. Decreased property tax base is limiting invest- ment in local roads. This will persist unless there Our region has changed, so should are other local funding options. our transportation system Rapidly increasing fuel efficiency will result in SEMCOG data analysis helps us to better un- major losses in gas tax revenues. The contin- derstand the region’s transportation system. As ued decline in driving compounds the revenue we move forward in this process, this set of find- problem. ings will help guide us. Current trends suggest a much different future. Current levels of investment in transporta- tion infrastructure are insufficient to maintain By 2040, employment levels in the region will the quality of our roads, bridges, and transit ve- just be returning to what they were in 2000. hicles, resulting in further deterioration.

6 Making the best use of limited financial resources requires that we strategically assess how we plan and prioritize transportation improvements. Take steps SEMCOG sets the framework Look for SEMCOG for a new transportation plan at community events. SEMCOG has already identified six outcomes Follow SEMCOG for creating a successful region along with the on Facebook (www. measures associated with those outcomes. In facebook.com/semcog) addition, both the state and federal government and Twitter (www. are moving toward prioritizing projects based twitter.com/semcog). on outcomes and performance measures. Sign up for Unless we change the way the transportation A quality transportation system is critical to SEMCOG’s mailing system is funded, the shortfall between resources achieving every one of these outcomes – eco- list so you know needed to maintain the existing system and nomic prosperity; desirable communities; fiscally about upcoming available funds will continue to grow, resulting sustainable public services; reliable, quality in- opportunities (send in further deterioration of the system and esca- frastructure; healthy, attractive environmental an e-mail to Info lating repair costs. assets; and access to services, jobs, markets, and [email protected] amenities. These outcomes are focusing our to sign up). There is a general lack of understanding about efforts in all phases of plan development. how our transportation system is funded and Send us your how dollars are being spent. Funding increases Guiding principles of the 2040 RTP comments at InfoCen- will only be acceptable to taxpayers if we dem- [email protected]. Tell These trends will help SEMCOG develop the us what part of the onstrate that current resources are being used as 2040 Regional Transportation Plan around the efficiently and effectively as possible. transportation system following guiding principles: is the most important • Disclose and acknowledge actions necessary to you. Are you willing for positioning Southeast Michigan to com- to pay more for better pete in the 21st Century. roads? How has our • Understand that transportation is a single changing region component of a vital system of interrelated impacted you most? infrastructure that includes water, sewer, and Would you be willing other utility systems. to change your travel behaviors, e.g., take • Explore the cost and service delivery implica- transit, carpool, etc.? tions of alternative levels of service. • Increase emphasis on funding projects that are identified through asset management programs. • Help the public understand the current Local governments are reassessing how they de- transportation funding process, as well as the liver their services with a focus on efficiency and need for revenue sources beyond fuel taxes, fiscal sustainability. The same needs to be done to provide for a system that enables mobil- for the region’s transportation infrastructure. ity, economic prosperity, and the long-term sustainability of the transportation system. • Seek to improve citizen satisfaction with trans- portation services.

To read the complete list of guiding principles, go to www.semcog.org/2040Regional TransportationPlan.aspx. Look for the “Findings” document. 7 SUMMER - 2012 emscope Member Best Practices SEMCOG members are doing great things City of Southfield first in state to join projects up and running. EDC’s Streamlining Lean & Green Michigan partnership Development was launched earlier this year and will serve to expedite the development process C o m m e r c i a l , for industrial, commercial, and residential real Have a best practice industrial, and estate in Monroe County – while providing you want to share multi-family guidance to developers on “what to do, where to with other SEMCOG property owners go, and who to contact.” The guide – which can members? Send them in the City of be found online at www.monroecountyidc.com/ to Mike Spence at Southfield will videos.php – was developed by EDC along with [email protected] now have access county agencies and authorities, municipalities, to an innovative new tool to finance energy state departments, businesses, utilities, and oth- efficiency projects and renewable energy im- ers involved in the development process. provements for their buildings. Earlier this summer, the Southfield City Council voted to City of Novi recognized for quality- become the first city government to join Lean & Green Michigan, a public-private partnership of-life and sustainability efforts facilitating economic development, the creation Congratulations to of good jobs, and improving the environment. the City of Novi, re- cent recipient of two Southfield’s membership in Lean & Green awards which recog- Michigan allows for the adoption of a city- nize their efforts in wide Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) the areas of non-mo- Program, which enables property owners to torized transportation take on voluntary special assessments in order and urban forestry. to finance improvements or construction that reduce energy and water use or use renewable Last fall, the city completed construction of the energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and Nine Mile Pathway, connecting residents who wind power. Financing energy improvements live in the city’s most densely populated area through a special property assessment offers sev- with other non-motorized facilities, including eral advantages over a traditional bank loan. For the nearby I-275 Metro Trail. This project has more information on Lean & Green Michigan, been recognized by the American Public Works go to www.leanandgreenmi.com. Association - Michigan Chapter (APWAMC) as the Project of the Year in the category of Non- Member best practice: Monroe Motorized Transportation. County Streamlining Development Recognizing the importance of trees as an asset The Monroe County MONROE to their community – providing social, ecologi- F M O IC Economic Development cal, and health benefits in addition to higher Y H T I G N Corporation (EDC) is property values – each year the city plants 500 A

U N

O demonstrating its com- or more trees, totaling more than 2,800 trees C mitment to better serve the since 2008, with an estimated urban forest asset development community. value of $10 million. Because of this sustained 181 7 The EDC has facilitated commitment, the city recently became a 20-year the creation of a guide that recipient of the Tree City USA designation. will streamline development processes within the county, saving time, money, and effort in getting

8 Interpreting Regional Data Southeast Michigan nonresidential construction data for 2011 Completed nonresidential floorspace in South- While completed nonresidential floorspace has east Michigan in 2011 declined 16 percent from been falling since 2007 (see figure below), early 2010, according to data collected by SEMCOG. 2012 research shows a slight increase in projects The region recorded just under four million completed in the first quarter compared to the Want nonresidential square feet of floorspace completed in 2011, same time period in 2011. With news of several construction data for which is about one-fourth the amount of de- planned projects ready to begin construction, your community? velopment completed in a typical year before Southeast Michigan could see a small gain in Go to www.semcog. the 2008 great recession. The total value for all nonresidential development if this trend continues. org/data/bycommu- projects in 2011 was $1.5 billion. Nonresidential development is one component nity.cfm. The decline was felt the hardest in the com- that measures economic growth, where there is mercial sector, which saw a 60 percent loss in growth, and what sectors are growing. The data 2011, compared to 2010. The medical sector saw is used by SEMCOG in its long-range forecast increases from 2010 because a few large hospitals of population, households, and jobs. Data is also completed major expansion projects. shared with counties and with communities in Southeast Michigan for use in their planning The completed projects, combined with nearly and development efforts. the same amount of “under construction” proj- ects, resulted in a total of eight million square feet of nonresidential development for 2011,

Completed Nonresidential Development Floorspace by Year

View the complete report at www.semcog.org; look for Quick Facts in the right column.

9 SUMMER - 2012 emscope SEMCOG Meeting Officers elected at General Assembly June 28, 2012 • Ford Field, Detroit

Mayor Bing welcomes Former Detroit Lion Herman Moore SEMCOG’s General Assembly to Detroit delivers keynote address Detroit Mayor Dave Former Detroit Lion Bing welcomed General Herman Moore was a big Assembly delegates, al- hit with the General As- ternates, and guests to sembly. He talked about Detroit and to Ford his post-football business Field. He acknowledged ventures and the positive the important regional reasons why he con- role of SEMCOG. tinues to live in South- east Michigan. He also thanked all the elected leaders present for the difficult jobs they do. 2012-2013 officers elected New SEMCOG officers were elected at the General Assembly (l-r): Joan Gebhardt, Vice Chair and Treasurer of Schoolcraft College; Phil LaJoy, Vice Chair and Supervisor of Canton Township; John Scott, Immediate Past Chair and Oakland County Commissioner; Michael Sed- lak, Chair and Clerk of Green Oak Township; and Kathy Vosburg, Vice Chair and Chair of Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Not pictured: Jeff Jenks, Vice Chair and Huntington Woods Commissioner and Charles Pugh, Vice Chair and President of Detroit City Council.

Advisory Council Chairs honored

FY 2011-2012 advisory council chairs were honored by SEMCOG Chair John Scott. From left to right: Scott and Bryan Barnett, Chair of the Green Infrastructure Task Force and Mayor of Rochester Hills; Jeff Yaroch, Chair of the Manufactured Housing Task Force and Richmond Councilor; Alan Anderson, Chair of the Talent Task Force and Wayne County Community College District Trustee; Richard Henningsen, Chair of the Nominating Committee and Treasurer of Northville Township, and William Wild, Chair of the Legislative Policy Platform Task Force and Mayor of Westland. Not pictured: Robert Cannon, Joseph Kuspa, Philip LaJoy, Brenda Lawrence, and Kevin McNamara. 10 Incoming Chair remarks “I want to take this opportunity as Chair of SEMCOG to encourage your participation in SEMCOG,” noted new SEMCOG Chair Michael Sedlak, Clerk, Green Oak Charter Township. “SEMCOG works because real leaders really partici- pate. That vibrancy depends on all of you, the leaders both in this room and in your communities, bring- ing your knowledge and abilities to our organization. “Together we can do It’s what keeps us fresh, vibrant, and strong.” what we separately have not and SEMCOG can be Regional Ambassador Award winners announced a leader in moving SEMCOG’s highest honor – the Region- us forward.” al Ambassador Award – was given to (l- r) the Clinton River Watershed Council – Michael Sedlak, (accepted by Executive Director Anne SEMCOG Chair Vaara), Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Janis Bo- brin (accepted by Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi). Debbie Dingell, Chair of the Metropolitan Af- fairs Coalition, also received the award.

GA dinner honored past SEMCOG Chairs SEMCOG was pleased to welcome back a number of its past chairs. (L-r) John Scott, Robert Hison, Milt Mack, Joan Fly- nn, Robert Bovitz, Mary Blackmon, William Roberts, Robert Cannon, and R. LaMar Frederick.

Tours of Ford Field SEMCOG members toured Ford Field before the General Assembly. They were given a behind-the-scenes view of this magnificent facility, including the locker rooms.

11 SUMMER - 2012 emscope Regional Implications SEMCOG takes action on region’s economic development priorities View the complete SEMCOG continues to play an integral role in institutions (University of Michigan and MAC/Detroit economic development – focused on key strat- ), community col- Regional Chamber egies from its 2010 report, Increasing Jobs and leges and its strong network provides short reports found on Prosperity in Southeast Michigan. and long-term customized training; Michi- MAC’s homepage at gan ranks in the top 10 for foreign student www.mac-web.org In collaboration with the Metropolitan Affairs enrollment. Coalition/Detroit Regional Chamber Labor • Michigan is a leader in innovation – In 2011, Business Task Force, SEMCOG has helped to the state was ranked in the top 10 for number create a series of regional messages to promote of patents; the U.S. Patent and Trademark Of- economic development. The latest publication, fice opened its first satellite in Detroit in 2012. Michigan: Champion of the Global Economy, describes Michigan’s compelling story of global • Michigan is a world-class distribution and connectedness with facts and testimonials on the transportation center – Proximity to Canada and major U.S. markets results in one-third state’s competitive standing: of all U.S./Canadian trade traveling through • Michigan is a magnet for global investment Southeast Michigan border crossings. South- – More than 1,240 firms from 34 countries east Michigan’s well-developed logistics and operated in Southeast Michigan in 2010. supply-chain expertise provides high-quality, • Michigan has strong global trade connections competitively priced goods movement. – Michigan businesses exported nearly $51 • Michigan provides a stable, cost competitive billion in goods and services in 2011, reaching business environment – Michigan’s hourly more than 200 countries on six continents. wage for unionized/non-unionized workers • Michigan attracts global talent – Michigan compares favorably to the national average, To read any ranks 15th in the nation in foreign-born while the cost of living is relatively low. SEMCOG reports, population with 39 percent holding a bach- go to our homepage elor’s degree or higher; 140 languages are This information is being broadly distributed and search for them spoken here. to economic development agencies, site selec- in our Publications tors, business and local government leaders and database. • Southeast Michigan is a leader in educa- the media to help promote our region as a good tion and talent – Southeast Michigan is place to locate or expand a business, increase home of two of the state’s major research trade, and create jobs.

More SEMCOG economic development activities • The SEMCOG/MAC Talent Task Force brings a broad array of disciplines together to link business needs and job opportunities with workforce development and training programs o Recently released Lifelong Soft Skills Framework: Creating a Workforce that Works to address serious employer concerns with the lack of employability or job readiness skills. o Just launched Infrastructure and Jobs project to link workers and training to future public infrastructure projects • SEMCOG’s recently released Freight and Economic Analysis Report links Southeast Michigan’s freight transporta- tion with economic development – describing regional freight flow patterns, perspectives and needs of business users of the freight system, developing analysis tools, and providing guidance for regional transportation planning. • Providing strong and vocal support for the New International Trade Crossing as critical to economic development; included in SEMCOG’s long-range transportation plan. • Tracking growing foreign investment in Southeast Michigan. 12 SANILAC

ST. CLAIR

YALE BURTCHVILLE GRANT GREENWOOD LYNN BROCKWAY

SEMCOG Members YALE

FORT GRATIOT CLYDE KENOCKEE Membership MUSSEY EMMETT

Capac PORT Emmett HURON

Capac PORT HURON

Emmett KIMBALL WALES RILEY BERLIN PORT HURON

MARYSVILLE

LAPEER ST. CLAIR ST. ST. CLAIR MEMPHIS

LAPEER MACOMB GENESEE MARYSVILLE Leonard ST. CLAIR OAKLAND MEMPHIS COLUMBUS RICHMOND Ortonville ARMADA LeonardBRUCE Armada OrtonvilleOXFORD ADDISON BRANDON ST. CLAIR HOLLY GROVELAND Oxford Armada RICHMOND Oxford Romeo ST. CLAIR Holly RICHMOND Holly Romeo GENESEE Lake SHIAWASSEE Orion Lake Orion CASCO CHINA EAST CHINA LENOX LIVINGSTON RAY WASHINGTON

OAKLAND MACOMB ORION CLAIR ST. INDEPENDENCE SPRINGFIELD ROSE CLARKSTON Clarkston New Haven DEERFIELD TYRONE CONWAY COHOCTAH MARINE New Haven CITY IRA MARINE CITY LAKE AUBURN COTTRELLVILLE ANGELUS NEW BALTIMORE LAKE HILLS NEW BALTIMORE ANGELUS AUBURN HILLS ROCHESTER ROCHESTER CHESTERFIELD MACOMB Fowlerville SHELBY ROCHESTER HILLS WATERFORD PONTIAC ROCHESTER Fowlerville WHITE LAKE HILLS HIGHLAND PONTIAC CLAY HARTLAND OCEOLA HANDY HOWELL HOWELL SYLVAN LAKE UTICA UTICA ALGONAC KEEGO HARBOR ALGONAC SYLVAN LAKE MOUNT HOWELL Milford KEEGO HARBOR TROY MT. CLEMENSHARRISON ORCHARD LAKE STERLING CLEMENS BLOOMFIELD HEIGHTSCLINTON ORCHARD HILLS Milford STERLING HEIGHTS LAKEWolverine VILLAGE Lake BLOOMFIELD TROY

HILLS MACOMB COMMERCE Bingham BIRMINGHAMOAKLAND Farms FRASER BRIGHTONMILFORD WALLED LAKE BRIGHTON Wolverine WEST BLOOMFIELD CLAWSON IOSCO MARION GENOA Lake BLOOMFIELD

OAKLAND BIRMINGHAM LIVINGSTON Beverly Hills WIXOM Franklin ROYAL FRASER

CLAWSON MADISON HTS. ROSEVILLE

LIVINGSTON INGHAM WALLED LAKE OAK BRIGHTON Beverly WARREN WIXOM FARMINGTONBingham Hills LATHRUP BERKLEY Franklin FarmsHILLS VILLAGEMADISON ROSEVILLE NOVI ROYAL HEIGHTSHUNTINGTON WDS. ST. CLAIR SHORES OAK WARREN CENTER LINE SOUTH LYON FARMINGTON BERKLEY ST. CLAIR SHORES Pinckney LATHRUP SOUTHFIELD OAK PK. HAZEL PARK VILLAGE FERNDALE EASTPOINTE FARMINGTON HILLS HUNTINGTON CENTER LINE NOVI WOODS LYON SOUTHFIELD PLEASANT RIDGE GREEN OAK OAK EASTPOINTEHARPER WDS. GROSSE PT. WOODS. UNADILLA PUTNAM HAMBURG NORTHVILLE HAZEL PLEASANT RDG. FARMINGTON PARK SOUTH LYON FERNDALE PARK MACOMB Grosse Pt. Shores Pinckney OAKLAND ROYAL OAK HARPERDETROITWOODS NORTHVILLE LIVONIA HIGHLAND PARK WOODS GROSSEGROSSE POINTE PT. FARMS WAYNE HAMTRAMCK SHORES LIVINGSTON GROSSE PT. GROSSE POINTE PLYMOUTH HIGHLAND PARK WASHTENAW NORTHVILLE FARMS GROSSE PT. PARK LIVONIA HAMTRAMCK GROSSE Dexter WESTLANDREDFORD DETROIT POINTE Barton Hills SALEM DEARBORN HTS. GROSSE NORTHFIELD POINTE LYNDON DEXTER WEBSTERCHELSEA PARK PLYMOUTH GARDEN CITY PLYMOUTH DETROIT DEARBORN ANN ARBOR INKSTER DEARBORN HEIGHTSWAYNE MELVINDALE County Members Dexter WESTLAND Barton ANN ARBOR GARDEN CITY RIVER ROUGE Hills DEARBORN CHELSEA ALLEN PK. Livingston County CANTONYPSILANTI ECORSE SUPERIOR LINCOLN PK. SCIO INKSTER SYLVAN LIMA ROMULUS TAYLOR Macomb County

WAYNE MELVINDALE WASHTENAW WAYNE RIVER ROUGEWYANDOTTE ANN ARBOR BELLEVILLE ALLEN SOUTHGATE Monroe County PARK

WASHTENAW

JACKSON ECORSE LINCOLN RIVERVIEW SALINEYPSILANTI PARK Manchester Oakland County ROMULUS TAYLOR VAN BUREN TRENTON YPSILANTI WYANDOTTE St. Clair County LODI PITTSFIELD GROSSE ILE FREEDOM SOUTHGATE SHARON BELLEVILLE Washtenaw County FLAT ROCK SALINE RIVERVIEW GIBRALTAR MILAN BROWNSTOWN Wayne County S. Rockwood ROCKWOOD Manchester TRENTON HURON Carleton GROSSE ILE AUGUSTA SUMPTER WOODHAVEN SALINE YORK BRIDGEWATER MANCHESTER GIBRALTAR Education Members MaybeeWAYNE FLAT ROCK BROWNSTOWN WASHTENAW MILAN Livingston Educational Estral Beach MONROE South ROCKWOOD LENAWEE Dundee Rockwood BROWNSTOWN Carleton Service Agency ASH EXETER MILAN LONDON Macomb Intermediate PETERSBURG MONROEBERLIN Maybee School District

Estral Beach Monroe County

CITY Village FRENCHTOWN DUNDEE Dundee Community College

RAISINVILLE LENAWEE MONROE Monroe County Intermediate Members MONROE LUNA PIER School District PETERSBURG MONROE FRENCHTOWN Oakland Schools SUMMERFIELD IDA LASALLE Schoolcraft College Washtenaw County

LUNA Intermediate School District PIER

BEDFORD ERIE Wayne County Community WHITEFORD College District MONROE Wayne County Regional LUCAS (Michigan/Ohio State Line) Education Service Agency 156 Total Members — September 2012 Associate Members University of Michigan University of Michigan-Dearborn

156 Current Members August 2012 PRESORT Southeast Michigan Council of Governments STANDARD 535 Griswold Street • Suite 300 U.S. Postage Detroit, MI 48226-3602 PAID Detroit, MI Permit No. 3981

A emscopequarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, is the only organization in Southeast Michigan that brings together all of the region’s governments to solve regional challenges. SEMCOG is creating success in Southeast Michigan by: • Promoting informed decision making to improve Southeast Michigan and its local governments by providing insightful data analysis; • Promoting the efficient use of tax dollars for both long-term infrastructure investment and shorter-term governmental efficiency; • Solving regional issues that go beyond the boundaries of individual local governments; • Delivering direct assistance to member governments in the areas of transportation, environment, and community and economic development; and • Advocating on behalf of Southeast Michigan in Lansing and Washington.