SEMSCOPE A quarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Council of Governments Winter 2003 SEMCOG’sSEMCOG’s 20032003 legislativelegislative policypolicy platformplatform

Commentary The strength of SEMCOG’s voice Maps U.S. Congressionalcongressional districts State Senatesenate and houseHouse districtsdistricts SEMscope

2002-2003 Officers R. LaMar Frederick Chairperson Supervisor, Bedford Township Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Maryann Mahaffey 535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 First Vice Chairperson , Michigan 48226-3602 Council President, 313-961-4266 • Fax 313-961-4869 City of Detroit www.semcog.org Mary Blackmon R. LaMar Frederick, Chairperson Vice Chairperson Paul E. Tait, Executive Director President, Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency Publication Staff Susan L. Stetler, Communications Manager Joan Flynn Glenda Marks, Graphics Coordinator Vice Chairperson Nick Friedrich, Graphic Designer Commissioner, Macomb County Please direct any questions about this publication to Sue Stetler, 313-961-4266 or [email protected] Gregory Pitoniak Vice Chairperson SEMscope is a quarterly publication of SEMCOG Mayor, ISSN#03061-1310 City of Taylor

Cover photo: September 11, 2002 memorial service at Hart Plaza in Detroit. Dante J. Lanzetta, Jr. Immediate Past Chair Commissioner, City of Birmingham

Paul E. Tait Executive Director

Preparation of this document was financed in part through grants from and in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration; the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Commerce; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning; and local membership contributions.

Printed on recycled paper. SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Contents

Commentary 2 The strength of SEMCOG’s voice benefits Southeast Michigan R. LaMar Frederick, Chairperson; Supervisor, Bedford Township 3 SEMCOG goals drive legislative policy 4 Some tips for effective advocacy 5 U.S. Congressional districts map 6 State Senate districts map 7 State House districts map 8 Maintaining roads, enhancing transit top priorities 9 Our environment is an important regional concern 10 Grappling with growth, redevelopment challenges 11 Ensuring that quality local governments serve citizens Information 12 Just the Facts

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 1 A Commentary from R. LaMar Frederick Commentary SEMCOG Chairperson Supervisor, Bedford Township

The strength of SEMCOG’s voice benefits Southeast Michigan

These words from the U.S. Constitution are a powerful reminder of the several freedoms upon which the United States was founded — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The first amendment gives all of us a voice. As citizens, we all have the right and responsibility to express our thoughts to our elected officials at the local, state, or federal levels. The voice becomes stronger when we do that together. That is the strength of SEMCOG. With our approval, SEMCOG, representing Southeast Michigan, advocates in Lansing and Washington as a single, strong voice for its 150+ local member governments. There are successes to report from 2002. SEMCOG advocacy had a positive effect on passing the following state legislation: •Basement flooding liability protection, •Water quality bond proposal, •Transportation asset management, •Timely removal of abandoned vehicles from state trunkline highways, and •Brownfield redevelopment. As 2003 begins, we’ll be facing many complex issues in a very uncertain environment. At the state level, we will have to learn to work with a new governor and staff. At the federal level, we will be competing with international challenges such as terrorism, uncertain world economies, and perhaps even war. And everything we do will be done with the knowledge that all governments face financial challenges. Now more than ever, a partnership is needed between local and state and federal governments. Now more than ever, local government needs allies at the state and federal level. Now more than ever, we need SEMCOG. This special issue of SEMscope details the issues that SEMCOG will be advocating for on our behalf in 2003. SEMCOG’s local government members approved the legislative policy platform that we detail here. As we face these immense challenges at this critical time, it is important that our voice be strong and that we continue to work through SEMCOG on those issues that transcend community boundaries to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Southeast Michigan.

2 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy SEMCOG goals drive legislative policy

EMCOG IS A BIPARTISAN ASSOCIATION OF elected officials, as well as the private sector and 150 local governments in the seven-county advocacy groups to develop policy. Local elected SSoutheast Michigan region. SEMCOG’s officials adopt all major SEMCOG policies. mission is twofold: collaborative problem solving SEMCOG’s member-approved policies in the among local governments and long-range areas of transportation, community and planning, specifically on infrastructure issues economic development, environment, land use, such as roads, transit, sewers, and community and education govern its legislative agenda. development, to enhance the quality of life for These policies fall under a number of broad the region’s 4.9 million residents. overarching goals, below, which guide reviews of Our staff of 85 combines technical expertise all federal and state legislative and regulatory with the political insight of our member local proposals.

Quality of life 1 The ultimate goal is to enhance quality of life for all residents of Southeast Michigan. Federal and state proposals should further the ability of local governments to improve their constituents’ quality of life. Local control It is our fundamental belief that, whenever possible, problems should be addressed 2 at the level of government closest to citizens. SEMCOG’s member governments strongly defend their duty to shape and manage their communities and school districts in the individual manners their constituents’ desire. Regional cooperation 3 Many issues transcend community boundaries. Federal and state proposals should support local governments’ ability to work together to solve regional issues. Financial resources Southeast Michigan communities, constituting the state’s most highly urbanized 4 and populous area, must obtain the financial resources necessary to meet their constituent needs. Federal and state governments must fully fund all mandates on local governments, return to the region its fair share of tax revenues, and support local governments’ ability to raise funds locally. Local tools A common thread throughout SEMCOG policies is that the federal and state 5 governments should support and foster local communities’ discretionary use of multiple tools and programs to accomplish their missions.

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 33 Legislative2003 Policy Some tips for effective advocacy

ETTING INVOLVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE Correspond with a legislator process can be a challenging, rewarding, •A personal letter or e-mail message may be the G and sometimes frustrating experience. most effective way of contacting your As local government leaders, you and your legislator, whether in Lansing or Washington, citizens are often directly impacted by decisions D.C. How to properly address made in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Here •Address it properly (see sidebar). are some tips for you to effectively advocate via letters to legislators •Time your letter so that it arrives while the bill either a face-to-face meeting with a legislator or is still in committee and there is still time to For a U.S. Senator: a written request. take effective action. Sometimes a bill is out The Honorable (full name) United States Senator Meet with a legislator of committee, or has been passed, before a Address •It is best to meet informally or socially with helpful, informative letter arrives which could Begin the letter: legislators even before making a specific have made a difference in the way the bill was written or in the final decision. Dear Senator (last name): legislative request. Friendly, personal acquaintance forms a strong basis for •Identify the bill or issue of concern to you. For a personal, or group lobbying efforts. Provide reasons why your request is in the U.S. Representative: •It is usually a waste of time to lobby legislators state/national interest, in a form legislators The Honorable (full name) who already support your position. However, can be proud to circulate among colleagues. United States Representative they may be helpful in making suggestions Many bills and resolutions are introduced Address for your lobbying efforts. each session. If your letter concerns a specific Begin the letter: •A crowd is not necessary to effectively bill, try to give the bill number or refer to it Dear Congressman/woman advocate. One or two well-informed by a popular title, such as “Clean Water (last name): representatives can be effective (and less Bond.” confusing). •Be brief, presenting your opinions, facts, For a State Senator: •In presenting your request, focus on the needs arguments, or proposals as clearly as possible The Honorable (full name) of, and benefits to, people, rather than in one or two pages. State Senator agencies, programs, or projects. Don’t assume •Explain your position, describing how the State Capitol staff or legislators know your issues or the issue would affect you, your family, business, P.O. Box 30036 details of your legislative request. Become a or profession — or the effect on your Lansing, MI 48909-7536 trusted expert advisor on your issues. community or the state. If you have Begin the letter: • When disagreeing with a legislator, it is more specialized knowledge, share it with your Dear Senator (last name): effective to remain calm and be well-prepared legislator. with facts and reasons supporting your • Determine your priority concerns and contact For a the legislator on those specific issues rather State Representative: position if your hope is to change their minds on the issue. Be courteous and let legislators than on every issue. The “pen pal” who writes The Honorable (full name) explain their views without interruption. every few days on every imaginable subject State Representative •Don’t demand a commitment before the facts tends to become a nuisance, rather than an State Capitol effective voice of concern. P.O. Box 30014 are in. Give the legislator a fair chance to •To correspond with U.S. senators and Lansing, MI 48909-7514 examine all sides of an issue. Remember that representatives, phone, fax, or e-mail is Begin the letter: the legislative process is very complex. A bill preferred. Mail is delayed months for Dear Representative rarely becomes law in the same form as irradiation. (last name): introduced. • The earlier you ask, the easier it is for •Write a letter of appreciation when you feel a legislators and staff to help you get what you legislator has done a good job. Legislators are want. The further along a bill is, the harder human and seldom receive “thank you” letters it is to get it changed. It requires more of of encouragement. everyone’s time and energy to amend a bill in committee or on the floor than before it is marked up the first time. 4 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy

YALE LYNN GREENWOOD GRANT BURTCHVILLE U.S. Congressional Districts BROCKWAY

MUSSEY EMMETT CLYDE FORT GRATIOT KENOCKEE Capac

Emmett

PORT HURON PORT HURON BERLIN RILEY WALES KIMBALL SARNIA

ST. CLAIR 10 MARYSVILLE

MACOMB MEMPHIS Leonard Ortonville ARMADA OXFORD ADDISON BRUCE RICHMOND COLUMBUS ST. CLAIR HOLLY GROVELAND Armada Oxford BRANDON ST. CLAIR Holly Romeo RICHMOND Lake Orion

INDEPENDENCE ORION OAKLAND WASHINGTON RAY CASCO CHINA CONWAY COHOCTAH DEERFIELD TYRONE ROSE LENOX SPRINGFIELD Clarkston CLAIR ST. MACOMB EAST CHINA New Haven

LAKE AUBURN MARINE CITY ANGELUS HILLS ROCHESTER IRA WATERFORD NEW BALTIMORE Fowlerville COTTRELLVILLE HARTLAND PONTIAC ROCHESTER HILLS SHELBY CHESTERFIELD HANDY HIGHLAND WHITE LAKE MACOMB HOWELL OCEOLA 9 CLAY HOWELL SYLVAN LAKE UTICA KEEGO HARBOR ALGONAC BLOOMFIELD TROY CLAY Milford BLOOMFIELD MT. CLEMENS 8 ORCHARD LAKE STERLING HILLS CLAY IOSCO MARION BRIGHTON COMMERCE HEIGHTS HARRISON GENOA Wolverine Lake WEST CLINTON

AKLAND

AKLAND

O WIXOM BLOOMFIELD

Bingham BIRMINGHAM MACOMB BRIGHTON MILFORD O

LIVINGSTON WALLED LAKE Farms CLAWSON FRASER Franklin Beverly Hills ROYAL MADISON HTS. 12 ROSEVILLE OAK PUTNAM UNADILLA 11 LATHRUP HAMBURG GREEN OAK LYO N BERKLEY WARREN FARMINGTON VILLAGE NOVI HILLS HUNTINGTON WDS. ST. CLAIR SHORES SOUTH LYON CENTER LINE Pinckney FARMINGTON SOUTHFIELD HAZEL PARK LIVINGSTON OAKLAND OAK EASTPOINTE PK. FERNDALE MACOMB HARPER WDS. WASHTENAW NORTHVILLE WAYNE ROYAL OAK PLEASANT RDG. GROSSE PT. WOODS. LIVONIA Grosse Pt. Shores NORTHVILLE LYNDON DEXTER WEBSTER NORTHFIELD SALEM GROSSE PT. FARMS PLYMOUTH REDFORD HIGHLAND PARK HAMTRAMCK DETROIT GROSSE PT. PLYMOUTH 14 13 GROSSE PT. PARK Dexter Barton Hills ANN ARBOR WESTLAND DETROIT DEARBORN Chelsea LIMA GARDEN CITY SUPERIOR CANTON HTS. SYLVAN SCIO DEARBORN

YNE INKSTER ANN ARBOR

WA WINDSOR ASHTENAW WAYNE MELVINDALE 7 W ALLEN PK. RIVER ROUGE ONTARIO, CANADA YPSILANTI TAYLOR ECORSE VAN BUREN SHARON FREEDOM LODI ROMULUS LINCOLN PK. PITTSFIELD YPSILANTI SOUTHGATE BELLEVILLE WYANDOTTE

SALINE RIVERVIEW Manchester HURON BROWNSTOWN

MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER SALINE YORK SUMPTER AUGUSTA GROSSE ILE WOOD HAVEN TRENTON WASHTENAW WAYNE FLAT ROCK GIBRALTAR MILAN MONROE S. Rockw ood ROCKWOOD BROWNSTOWN Carleton MILAN LONDON EXETER ASH

BERLIN Maybee

DUNDEE Estral Beach FRENCHTOWN Dundee U.S. Congressional Districts 15RAISINVILLE 7 Congressman Nick Smith (202) 225-6276 MONROE PETERSBURG 8 Congressman Mike Rogers (202) 225-4872 MONROE FRENCHTOWN 9 Congressman Joseph Knollenberg (202) 225-5802 SUMMERFIELD IDA LA SALLE 10 Congresswoman (202) 225-2106 11 Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (202) 225-8171 LUNA PIER 12 Congressman Sander Levin (888) 810-3880 WHITEFORD BEDFORD ERIE 13 Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (202) 225-2261 N 14 Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (202) 225-5126 COUNTY TOWNSHIP CITY Village 15 Congressman John D. Dingell (202) 225-4071

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 5 Legislative2003 Policy

YALE LYN N GREENWOOD GRANT BURTCHVILLE BROCKWAY

MUSSEY EMMETT CLYDE FORT GRATIOT KENOCKEE State Senate Districts Capac

Emmett

PORT HURON PORT HURON BERLIN RILEY WALES KIMBALL SARNIA

25 MARYSVILLE ST. CLAIR

MACOMB MEMPHIS Leonard Ortonville ARMADA OXFORD ADDISON BRUCE RICHMOND COLUM BUS ST. CLAIR HOLLY GROVELAND Armada Oxford BRANDON ST. CLAIR Holly Romeo RICHMOND Lake Orion

26 INDEPENDENCE ORION OAKLAND WASHINGTON RAY CASCO CHINA CONWAY COHOCTAH DEERFIELD TYRONE ROSE LENOX SPRINGFIELD Clarkston CLAIR ST. MACOMB EAST CHINA 12 11 New Haven

LAKE AUBURN MARINE CITY ANGELUS HILLS ROCH IRA WATERFORD ESTER NEW BALTIMORE Fowlerville COTTRELLVILLE 22 HARTLAND PONTIAC ROCHESTER HILLS SHELBY CHESTERFIELD HANDY HIGHLAND WHITE LAKE MACOMB HOWELL OCEOLA 15 CLAY HOWELL SYLVAN LAKE UTICA KEEGO HARBOR ALGONAC BLOOMFIELD TROY CLAY Milford BLOOMFIELD MT. CLEMENS ORCHARD LAKE STERLING HILLS CLAY IOSCO MARION BRIGHTON COMMERCE HEIGHTS HARRISON GENO A Wolverine Lake WEST CLINTON AKLAND 13

AKLAND

O WIXOM BLOOMFIELD

Bingham BIRMING MACOMB BRIGHTON MILFORD HAM O 10

LIVINGSTON WALLED LAKE Farm s CLAWSON FRASER Franklin Beverly Hills ROYAL MADISON OAK HTS. ROSEVILLE PUTNAM UNADILLA HAMBURG GREEN OAK LYO N LATHRUPBERKLEY WARREN 9 FARMINGTON VILLAGE NOVI HILLS 14 HUNTINGTON WDS. ST. CLAIR SHORES SOUTH LYON CENTER LINE Pinckney FARMINGTON SOUTHFIELD HAZEL PARK LIVING OAKLAND OAK EASTPOINTE STON PK. FERNDALE MACOMB HARPER WDS. WASHTENAW NORTHVILLE WAYNE ROYAL OAK PLEASANT RDG. GROSSE PT. WOODS. LIVONIA 2 Grosse Pt. Shores NORTHVILLE LYNDON DEXTER WEBSTER NORTHFIELD SALEM GROSSE PT. FARMS PLYMOUTH REDFORD HIGHLAND PARK HAMTRAMCK DETROIT GROSSE PT. PLYMOUTH 6 5 1 GROSSE PT. PARK Dexter Barton Hills ANN ARBOR WESTLAND 4DETROIT DEARBORN Chelsea LIMA GARDEN CITY SUPERIOR CANTON HTS. SYLVAN SCIO DEARBORN

YNE TENAW INKSTER 3 ANN ARBOR 18 WA 7 WINDSOR WAYNE MELVINDALE

WASH ALLEN PK. RIVER ROUGE ONTARIO, CANADA YPSILANTI TAYLOR ECORSE VAN BUREN SHARON FREEDOM LOD I ROMULUS LINCOLN PK. PITTSFIELD YPSILANTI 8 SOUTHGATE BELLEVILLE WYANDOTTE

SALINE RIVERVIEW Michigan Senators Manchester (517 area code for all) HURON BROWNSTOWN 1Hansen Clarke 373-7346 MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER SALINE YOR SUMPTER K AUGUSTA GROSSE ILE WOOD HAVEN TRENTON 2Martha Scott 373-7748 WASHTENAW WAYNE FLAT ROCK GIBRALTAR 3Irma Clark-Coleman 373-0990 MILAN MONROE S. Rockw ood ROCKWOOD BROWNSTOWN 4Samuel ‘Buzz’ Thomas, III 373-1707 Carleton MILAN LONDON EXETER ASH 5Burton Leland 373-0994

BERLIN 6 Laura Toy 373-1707 Maybee

DUNDEE 7Bruce Patterson 373-7350 Estral Beach FRENCHTOWN Dundee 17 8 Raymond Basham 373-7800 RAISINVILLE 9Dennis Olshove 373-8360 MONROE PETERSBURG 10 Michael Switalski 373-7315 MONROE 11 Alan Sanborn 373-7670 FRENCHTOWN SUMMERFIELD IDA LA SALLE 12 Michael Bishop 373-2417 13 Shirley Johnson 373-2523

LUNA PIER 14 Gilda Jacobs 373-7888 WHITEFORD BEDFORD ERIE 15 Nancy Cassis 373-1758 N 17 Beverly Hammerstrom 373-3543 COUNTY TOWNSHIP CITY Village 18 Liz Brater 373-2406 22 Valde Garcia 373-2420 25 Judson Gilbert, II 373-7708 26 Deborah Cherry 373-1636

6 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy

YALE LYNN GREENWOOD GRANT BURTCHVILLE BROCKWAY

83 MUSSEY 81 EMMETT CLYDE FORT GRATIOT KENOCKEE Capac

State House Districts Emmett

PORT HURON PORT HURON BERLIN RILEY WALES KIMBALL SARNIA

ST. CLAIR MARYSVILLE

MACOMB MEMPHIS Leonard Ortonville ARMADA OXFORD ADDISON BRUCE RICHMOND COLUMBUS ST. CLAIR HOLLY GROVELAND 46 Armada Oxford BRANDON ST. CLAIR Holly Romeo RICHMOND Lake Orion

INDEPENDENCE ORION OAKLAND WASHINGTON RAY 32 CASCO CHINA CONWAY COHOCTAH DEERFIELD TYRONE ROSE LENOX SPRINGFIELD Clarkston CLAIR ST. 36 MACOMB EAST CHINA 45 New Haven

LAKE AUBURN MARINE CITY ANGELUS HILLS ROCHESTER IRA 44 WATERFORD 33 NEW BALTIMORE Fowlerville 47 COTTRELLVILLE HARTLAND PONTIAC ROCHESTER HILLS SHELBY CHESTERFIELD HANDY HIGHLAND WHITE LAKE MACOMB HOWELL OCEOLA 43 29 CLAY HOWELL SYLVAN LAKE UTICA KEEGO HARBOR ALGONAC BLOOMFIELD TROY CLAY Milford 30 MT. CLEMENS 66 39 BLOOMFIELD STERLING ORCHARD LAKE HILLS IOSCO MARION BRIGHTON COMMERCE HEIGHTS HARRISON CLAY GENOA 41 Wolverine Lake WEST CLINTON KLAND

AKLAND 40

O WIXOM BLOOMFIELD

Bingham BIRMINGHAM MACOMB BRIGHTON MILFORD OA 31

LIVINGSTON WALLED LAKE Farms CLAWSON FRASER Franklin Beverly Hills ROYAL MADISON 25 37 OAK HTS. ROSEVILLE PUTNAM 24 UNADILLA HAMBURG GREEN OAK LYON LATHRUPBERKLEY WARREN FARM INGTON VILLAGE 26 NOVI HILLS 35 HUNTINGTON WDS. 42 ST. CLAIR SHORES SOUTH LYON 38 CENTER28 LINE Pinckney FARMINGTON SOUTHFIELD 27 HAZEL PARK LIVINGSTON OAKLAND OAK EASTPOINTE PK. FERNDALE MACOMB HARPER WDS. WASHTENAW NORTHVILLE WAYNE ROYAL OAK PLEASANT RDG. GROSSE PT. WOODS. LIVONIA 2 Grosse Pt. Shores NORTHVILLE20 9 8 7 5 1 LYNDON DEXTER WEBSTER NORTHFIELD SALEM GROSSE PT. FARMS PLYMOUTH REDFORD HIGHLAND PARK HAMTRAMCK DETROIT 19 GROSSE PT. PLYMOUTH 3 17 10 11 6 GROSSE PT. PARK Dexter Barton Hills ANN ARBOR WESTLAND DETROIT 4 DEARBORN Chelsea LIMA GARDEN CITY SUPERIOR CANTON HTS. 20 John C. Stewart 373-3816 SYLVAN SCIO DEARBORN 15 YNE 18 INKSTER 12 ANN ARBOR 21 Philip LaJoy 373-2575 52 54 WA 21 WINDSOR ASHTENAW WAYNE 16 MELVINDALE W 22 Hoon-Yung Hopgood 373-0852 53 ALLEN PK. RIVER ROUGE ONTARIO, CANADA YPSILANTI TAYLOR ECORSE 23 Kathleen Law 373-0855 VAN BU REN 14 SHARON FREEDOM LODI ROMULUS LINCOLN PK. PITTSFIELD 24 Jack Brandenburg 373-0113 YPSILANTI 22 SOUTHGATE BELLEVILLE WYANDOTTE 25 373-1772 SALINE RIVERVIEW 26 David Woodward 373-3818 Manchester HURON BROWNSTOWN

MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER SALINE SUMPTER 13 27 Andy Meisner 373-0478 YORK AUGUSTA GROSSE ILE 23 WOOD HAVEN TRENTON 28 Lisa Wojno 373-2275 WASHTENAW WAYNE FLAT ROCK GIBRALTAR 29 Clarence Phillips 373-0475 MILAN MONROE S. Ro ckwood ROCKWOOD BROWNSTOWN 30 Sal Rocca 373-7768 Carleton MILAN LON DON EXETER 31 Paul Gieleghem 373-0159 ASH

BERLIN 32 Daniel Acciavatti 373-8931 Maybee

DUNDEE 33 Leon Drolet 373-0820 Estral Beach Michigan Representatives 56 FRENCHTOWN 35 Paul Condino 373-1788 55 Dundee RAISINVILLE (517 area code for all) 36 Brian Palmer 373-0843

MONROE 1 Edward Gaffney 373-0154 37 Aldo Vagnozzi 373-1793 PETERSBURG MONROE 2 Kenneth Daniels 373-0106 38 Craig DeRoche 373-0827 FRENCHTOWN SUMMERFIELD IDA 3 Artina Tinsley Hardman 373-1776 39 Marc Shulman 373-1799 LA SALLE 4 Mary Waters 373-1008 40 Shelley Goodman Taub 373-8670 5 Bill McConico 373-0144 LUNA 41 John Pappageorge 373-1783 PIER 6 Marsha Cheeks 373-0844 42 Frank Accavitti, Jr. 373-0854 WHITEFORD BEDFORD ERIE 7 Virgil Smith 373-0589 43 Fran Amos 373-0615 N 8 Alma Stallworth 373-2276 44 John Stakoe 373-2616 COUNTY TOWNSHIP CITY Village 9 Tupac Hunter 373-1705 45 John Garfield 373-1773 10 Triette E. Reeves 373-6990 46 Ruth Johnson 373-1798 11 Morris Hood, III 373-3815 47 373-8835 12 Steve Tobocman 373-0823 52 Gene DeRossett 373-0828 13 Barbara Farrah 373-0845 53 Chris Kolb 373-2577 14 William J. O’Neil 373-0140 54 Ruth Ann Jamnick 373-1771 15 Gary Woronchak 373-0847 55 Matt Milosch 373-1792 16 Jim A. Plakas 373-0849 56 373-2617 17 Daniel S. Paletko 373-0857 66 Christopher C. Ward 373-1784 18 Glenn S. Anderson 373-2576 81 Lauren Hager 373-1790 19 John Pastor 373-3920 83 Stephen Ehardt 373-0835

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 7 Legislative2003 Policy Maintaining roads, enhancing transit top priorities

Roads Transit SEMCOG plays a major role working with Southeast Michigan is one of only four local governments and the Michigan regions without any form of rapid transit (bus Department of Transportation to prioritize rapid transit, light rail, or heavy rail). There are which transportation projects will be eligible for both economic and social imperatives for transit. federal funds totaling $1 billion annually. Our The shortage of workers in the suburbs, region faces the twin problems of an aging road particularly in the service industry, points to the system and the need to respond to growth. need for improved access to jobs by central city SEMCOG’s transportation plan to Year 2025 residents. Also, to attract younger, high- identifies $41 billion in needs to maintain the technology workers, our region needs the current regional transportation system, but only amenities of a world-class metropolitan area $24 billion in anticipated revenue from federal, including transit. Additionally, our aging state, and local sources. Ninety percent of the population needs an alternative to the private We must maintain projects in the plan call for maintaining and automobile. The number of people over age 55 and rebuild our rebuilding our existing system. Additionally, a will increase by 750,000, and there will be existing system. projected population increase of 575,000 will 500,000 more people over age 75 by 2030. A result in one-third of all future trips occurring on complicating factor is funding. We fund transit congested roads. at $24 per capita; whereas, Cleveland is at $90 per capita. We lack funds to match federal grants Adopted policies and to operate an expanded system. SEMCOG’s •Principles for reauthorization of federal trans- adopted transit vision is a blueprint for future portation funding legislation include maintain improvements. and strengthen the role of local elected officials; increase transit and highway Adopted policies funding; increase and improve the efficiency •Apportion more federal funds for transit and of the existing transportation network; more equitable distribution of funds based on strengthen the partnership between local local needs and priorities. elected officials, state departments of •Support the transit vision that calls for four transportation, the federal government, the tiers of transit service — rapid transit, We must apportion more private sector, and the public; and integrate enhanced fixed route bus service, enhanced federal funds for transit. transportation with other priorities to community-based Dial-A-Ride or paratransit improve quality of life. service, and regional links connecting •Implement the recently enacted Michigan perimeter cities with the tri-county area. Asset Management Program which develops •Support implementation of the Detroit Area a common statewide analysis of road needs Regional Transit Authority. and prioritizes funds to best meet those needs. •Await results of a study of transit alternatives •Provide additional funding for roads including from Downtown Detroit to Metropolitan removal of the tax break on diesel fuel. Airport. •Improve our road system through cost •Work with local governments to secure the effective management tools such as Intelligent critical state/local funding to realize the vision Transportation System technology and better ($2 billion for capital expenditures over construction techniques. 30 years and an additional $200 million •Pass federal legislation that addresses long and annually in operating assistance will frequent blockage of roads by trains. ultimately be needed).

8 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy Our environment is an important regional concern

Water Quality Michigan’s prosperity, local governments play an important role in protecting the lakes and their Businesses and local governments face an ecosystems from harm. The demand for water in economic and environmental crisis over our the increasingly populated southwest United sewer system. SEMCOG estimates a need of States has created pressure for diversions or bulk $14-26 billion over the next 25 years for sewer water exports from the Great Lakes. infrastructure. Forty-two percent of the identified need is for new sewer construction to Adopted policies accommodate growth and protect our •Restrict future diversions or bulk water environment; the balance is for maintaining and exports from the Great Lakes. ultimately replacing the current system. Added •Provide the Great Lakes states control of to this are federally mandated costs for Phase II decisions about diversions. stormwater compliance and as yet unknown •Develop criteria to guide appropriate Great costs for drinking water. These financial Lakes water usage. problems will rest at the state and local levels. We must work to address Air Quality Adopted policies stormwater runoff and •Enhance provisions within the federal Clean Southeast Michigan is in compliance with air other regulations to protect public health and Water Act for financial assistance to local quality standards under the Federal Clean Air the environment. governments to meet infrastructure needs. Act. Two developments will cause the state and •Support Michigan Department of Envir- Southeast Michigan to enact further measures onmental Quality activities of working closely to reduce air pollution. First, the U.S. with local government to address stormwater Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is runoff, sanitary sewer overflow, and other requiring a number of states to reduce “ozone regulations to ensure the greatest protection transport” pollutants. In our state, these of public health and the environment in the pollutants are carried by the wind to eastern most cost effective manner. states. Second, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that EPA has the authority to issue more •Secure long-term funding through sewer rates stringent ozone standards. The result is more and other mechanisms. pollution controls for industry and for •Support the Water Quality Consortium, automobile emissions, potentially affecting formed by United States District Court Judge our economy and driving habits. Failure to meet John Feikens, as a mechanism for resolving air quality standards could result in the loss of issues related to the Detroit Water and We must work with federal transportation funding and a mandated industry on clean air Sewerage Department (DWSD) system. freeze on new or expanded industrial facilities. standards. •Support DWSD’s 50-year master planning project. Adopted policies • Continue to support voluntary efforts like Great Lakes Ozone Action! days. The Great Lakes have played a key role in the •Work with industry to develop the best history, development, and prosperity of combination of measures for compliance with Southeast Michigan. The lakes drive our likely new clean air standards. economy; provide opportunities for recreation in •Explore vehicle emission reducing options beautiful, natural settings; and serve as outdoor such as reformulated fuels, increased public classrooms for educating our youth. Because of transit, auto emission testing, and trip the significance of the Great Lakes in Southeast reduction promotion.

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 9 Legislative2003 Policy Grappling with development, redevelopment challenges

Growth and Redevelopment Affordable Housing SEMCOG forecasts that our region will add A mix of housing options helps maintain 575,000 people, 407,000 households, and community vitality by strengthening neigh- 436,000 jobs over the next 30 years. This steady, borhoods, providing economic development although moderate, growth presents both opportunities, and improving quality of life for development and redevelopment challenges. all residents. The availability of affordable Some of this growth will require new residential housing near job centers also contributes to and commercial facilities along with the reduced traffic congestion and better air quality. infrastructure required to serve new facilities. However, it would be very costly to Adopted policies accommodate all of this projected growth by •Seek additional support for federal and state developing new areas. Redevelopment within affordable housing initiatives. older, urban areas is key to maintaining our •Create a Michigan Affordable Housing Fund. regional quality of life. Local governments •Seek additional tools supporting local need tools to address the land use challenges affordable housing efforts. facing their individual communities, whether Redevelopment within accommodating new growth or redeveloping Manufactured Housing older, urban areas is key to accommodate infill growth. to maintaining our Manufactured housing must be addressed in a comprehensive manner to tackle three critical regional quality of life. Adopted policies concerns: local governments are currently denied •Improve Michigan’s land assembly process. control in the siting, development, and •Seek new tools for downtown revitalization. inspection of manufactured housing comm- •Support local communities’ discretionary use unities; local entities are not provided with funds of multiple tools and programs to accomplish to adequately finance community services their missions. delivered to manufactured housing comm- •Create processes and incentives for unities; and the composition of the Michigan cooperative, coordinated, and compatible Manufactured Housing Commission is not planning while preserving local-control representative of all stakeholders. principles and the right to local determination Adopted policies for land use planning and decision-making. • Change Michigan’s existing laws regarding •Reduce the regulatory burdens within the taxation of manufactured housing federal Community Development Block communities. Grant (CDBG) and related programs. •Amend the Michigan Mobile Home A mix of housing options • Continue funding for the federal CDBG and helps maintain Commission Act related to the composition HOME Investment Partnership Program. community vitality. of the commission, siting of manufactured housing communities, and inspection of manufactured housing communities.

10 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy Ensuring that quality local governments serve citizens

Local Government Financing Adopted policies •Resist actions to erode local government Michigan’s local governments are constrained decision-making. by the state constitution and other laws in their ability to generate local revenue. In recent •Establish a process to comprehensively look at history, the state has not fully funded revenue government financing across the state. sharing payments to local governments, further •Work in partnership with the Michigan exacerbating existing revenue generating Council of Local Governments, which constraints. includes the Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Counties, Adopted policies Michigan Municipal League, Michigan • Close the local revenue generating gap caused Townships Association, and Michigan by the implementation of Proposal A and its Association of Regions (represented by interaction with Headlee limitations. SEMCOG) when addressing local • Allow local governments more flexibility to government issues. generate revenue locally. •Work with local governments to implement Education The availability of a “best practices” and achieve further Recognizing the role of public education in quality public school efficiencies in providing essential services. achieving the highest possible quality of life system is a critical •Maintain the state commitment to use its for all residents of Southeast Michigan, component to overall revenue generating capability to help fund SEMCOG’s membership includes intermediate community quality of life. local governments through revenue sharing school districts, community colleges, and and other targeted programs. public universities. Under the auspices of SEMCOG, local governments and the State/Local Government Partnerships education community work to foster The partnership between the state and local cooperation and communication in addressing governments could be improved to better serve regional issues impacting education. The the needs of our common constituents. The availability of a quality public school system is a partnership has at times been strained, recently critical component to overall community quality made worse, by structural and weak economy of life. The state’s funding structure should impacts on both the state and local government ensure adequacy, equity, stability, and Resist actions to erode budgets. Reductions in revenue sharing for local predictability so that school districts can local government decision-making. governments and the compounding effects of maintain rational financial planning. Headlee and Proposal A on local government Adopted policies revenues have placed many communities •Review the Michigan school finance system in precarious financial conditions. State (Proposal A) for its continued ability to government is perceived as having actively provide adequate, equitable, stable, and worked to erode local government home rule. predictable funding. •Enhance funding mechanisms for school infrastructure needs.

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 11 Information

SEMCOG Legislative Action Alert Help us voice our concerns

SEMCOG’s Legislative Action Alert program To get involved with this program, simply is designed to engage our membership in verify that SEMCOG has your correct mailing influencing legislation of importance to local address and e-mail address by contacting Durene governments in Southeast Michigan. Brown, Membership Manager. Periodically, Action Alerts are sent to members Look for more information regarding legislative including specific information and requesting issues and SEMCOG’s adopted policy positions specific contacts be made at the state or federal in the biweekly newsletter, Regional Update. level. These Action Alerts are also posted on SEMCOG’s Web site. The Web site link is sent to members for whom we have an e-mail address.

The importance of Southeast Michigan: By the numbers

Land area: Southeast Michigan comprises eight percent of Representation in Lansing: Twenty of the state’s 38 senators Michigan’s total land area (4,600 square miles of Michigan’s represent Southeast Michigan in Lansing (53 percent). total 56,800 square miles). Fifty-four of the state’s 110 representatives represent Population: Southeast Michigan has 49 percent of Southeast Michigan in Lansing (49 percent). Michigan’s population (4.8 million in Southeast Michigan; Roads: Nineteen percent of Michigan’s roads are in 9.9 million in Michigan). Southeast Michigan (22,576 miles of roadway in Southeast Jobs: The number of jobs in Southeast Michigan Michigan; 120,000 miles in Michigan). (2.5 million) represents 49 percent of jobs in Michigan Borders: Nearly 28 million vehicles crossed the U.S.- (5.1 million). Canadian border in Southeast Michigan, via the Taxable value: The taxable value of real estate and all Ambassador Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, or Detroit- personal property in Southeast Michigan was $136 billion Windsor Tunnel in 1999. Of those vehicles, five million in 2001, 53 percent of Michigan’s total of $258 billion. were trucks, representing 40 percent of the total U.S.- Canada truck movements, 47 percent of the value of motor State revenues: The State of Michigan collected nearly 19 freight crossings, and 37 percent of tonnage crossings. billion in revenues in fiscal year 1998-1999; $10 billion (or 54 percent) came from Southeast Michigan. Rail cargo: Rail tunnels in Detroit and Port Huron carried 15.7 million tons of freight between the United States Representation in Washington: Nine of Michigan’s 15 U.S. and Canada in 2000. The total value of the freight was congressmen and congresswomen represent Southeast $34 billion (US). Michigan interests in Washington (out of a national total of 435). Air cargo: Seventy-six percent (251,000 tons) of the air cargo that traveled through Michigan went through Southeast Michigan in 1998.

12 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Members SEMCOG Members (all seven counties are members) Livingston County St. Clair County Cities: Brighton, Howell Cities: Marine City, Marysville, Village: Fowlerville Port Huron, St. Clair Townships: Brighton, Cohoctah, Genoa, Townships: Clay, Columbus, Fort Gratiot, Green Oak, Hamburg, Hartland, Ira, Port Huron, St. Clair Oceola, Tyrone Education: St. Clair County Education: Livingston Educational Intermediate School District Service Agency Washtenaw County Macomb County Cities: Ann Arbor, Milan, Saline, Cities: Fraser, Mount Clemens, New Ypsilanti Baltimore, Richmond, St. Clair Shores, Villages: Chelsea, Dexter Sterling Heights, Utica, Warren Townships: Ann Arbor, Augusta, Lima, Villages: New Haven, Romeo Northfield, Pittsfield, Salem, Scio, Townships: Chesterfield, Clinton, Superior, York, Ypsilanti Harrison, Macomb, Washington Education: Washtenaw Intermediate Education: Macomb Intermediate School District School District Wayne County Monroe County Cities: Allen Park, Belleville, Dearborn, Cities: Luna Pier, Monroe, Petersburg Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Flat Rock, Village: South Rockwood Garden City, Gibraltar, Grosse Pointe, Townships: Bedford, Whiteford Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Oakland County Woods, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park, Inkster, Livonia, Cities: Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Northville, Plymouth, Riverview, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Wayne, Westland, Woodhaven, Huntington Woods, Lake Angelus, Wyandotte Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Townships: Brownstown, Canton, Novi, Oak Park, Orchard Lake Village, Grosse Ile, Huron, Northville, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Plymouth, Redford Southfield, South Lyon, Sylvan Lake, Education: Schoolcraft College, Troy, Walled Lake, Wixom Wayne County Regional Villages: Beverly Hills, Clarkston, Holly, Educational Service Agency, Milford, Wolverine Lake Wayne County Community College Townships: Bloomfield, Brandon, Commerce, Highland, Lyon, Milford, Oakland, Associate Members Orion, Oxford, Royal Oak, Waterford, University of Michigan West Bloomfield, White Lake University of Michigan/Dearborn Education: Oakland Intermediate Wayne State University School District

SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Mission SEMCOG’s mission is solving regional problems — improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the region’s local governments as well as the quality of life in Southeast Michigan. Essential functions are: •providing a forum for addressing issues which extend beyond individual governmental boundaries by fostering collaborative regional planning, and “All SEMCOG • facilitating relations among local governments, educational institutions, and state and federal agencies. policy decisions As a regional planning partnership in Southeast Michigan, SEMCOG is accountable to local are made by local governments who join as members. Membership is open to all counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, community colleges, and universities in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, elected officials, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Responsibilities ensuring that SEMCOG’s principal activities support local planning through SEMCOG’s technical, data, and regional policies intergovernmental resources. In collaboration with local governments, SEMCOG is responsible for adopting region-wide plans and policies for community and economic development, water and air reflect the quality, land use, and transportation, including approval of state and federal transportation projects. Funding for SEMCOG is provided by federal and state grants, contracts, and membership fees. interests of Decision making All SEMCOG policy decisions are made by local elected officials, ensuring that regional policies member reflect the interests of member communities. Participants serve on one or both of the policy-making bodies — the General Assembly and the Executive Committee. communities.” Prior to policy adoption, technical advisory councils provide the structure for gaining input on transportation, environment, community and economic development, data analysis, and education. This deliberative process includes broad-based representation from local governments, the business community, environmental organizations, and other special-interest citizens’ groups.

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