Rochester's Big Bright Light Show is a holiday tradition.

A key goal of SEMCOG is to enhance decision making by providing leadership and consensus building on key plans and policies. One way the agency achieves this is through the public involvement process, which provides opportunities for interested parties to comment on SEMCOG’s regional plans, programs, and activities. The document that guides the public involvement process is SEMCOG’s Public Participation Plan.

The revised Draft Public Participation Plan has been released for the 45-day comment period. Now through January 24, 2020, anyone interested may review and comment on the draft. Your comments will help ensure the ongoing opportunity for effective, broad-based participation in the development and review of regional plans and programs. Click here to review the draft plan. More information here.

Contact: SEMCOG Information Center.

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. The U.S. Constitution mandates that this occur every 10 years. The information the census collects provides state legislatures with population data necessary for legislative redistricting. It also helps determine how more than $675 million (according to the Census Bureau) in federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year.

Southeast Michigan Counts! SEMCOG supports the 2020 Census through its newly released Hard-to-Count Populations map, which identifies census block groups that may be harder to count based on their geographic profile.

In the 2010 Census, 75 percent of households filled out and mailed back their census questionnaire. Knowing which areas in Southeast Michigan are projected to have lower response rates than the 2010 national average is a good place to start for local communities to focus their 2020 census planning efforts. SEMCOG’s Hard-to-Count Populations map identifies these five population indicators that contribute most to lower census response rates.

• Population age 4 and under
• Population age 18-24
• Renter occupied housing units
• Population below the poverty level
• Difficulty speaking English

The map highlights in red those block groups that have a projected 2020 Census response rate below 75 percent. The map also indicates with a circle symbol any block group with one or more population indicators that could adversely affect response rates, even if the block group is not projected to have a response rate below 75 percent. Any block group with one or more such indicators above the average is shown on the map.

View SEMCOG’s Hard-to-Count Populations map here. More information on how SEMCOG is supporting the 2020 Census is here.

Contact: Jeff Nutting, SEMCOG Data Analysis.

SEMCOG and MAC have been working this past year at gathering information and insight on regional economic development through meetings with our members and partners; administering a survey; hosting three theme-based economic development forums (Place, Business, Talent); and conducting member input sessions in meetings across the region (see summary below). We have also been advancing our work in the area of future skills.

We are now forming an Economic Development Task Force to help us as we develop our next regional economic development strategy. The task force will begin meeting in early February; five task force meetings are planned during the year. We are asking that you consider volunteering to serve on the task force.

The region’s economic development strategy provides Southeast Michigan with a road map for economic success. The task force’s role is to ensure that we have a dynamic strategy that evolves to reflect the region’s current and future needs. This is important as we continue to position Southeast Michigan to be successful in a globally competitive environment while promoting shared prosperity for our region’s residents. Policy areas that we will be addressing include:

• Investing in critical infrastructure
• Fostering a competitive business climate
• Advancing innovation and technology
• Preparing and connecting talent with jobs
• Creating and marketing quality places
• Anticipating demand for land use

Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership, if you are interested in participating on this task force.

SEMCOG recently hosted economic development input sessions in Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washtenaw Counties in November and December, where members and partners shared their input on economic development successes, challenges, and opportunities. This information will assist us as we begin work with the new Economic Development Task Force in early 2020 (see above to volunteer for the task force). Here’s some of what we heard:

• A number of strong assets make our region attractive. These include quality places with access to trails and abundant natural resources, strong workforce, and advantageous geographic location with access to the Great Lakes, Midwest markets, and good connections to Canada. Our universities, colleges, and K-12 schools are also important to the region’s quality of life.
• Challenges include the condition of both above and below ground infrastructure – roads, bridges, water, and sewer, and a lack of funding to adequately fix them. Housing that is affordable for the workforce and in close proximity to their jobs is needed; the solution should include addressing the need for more senior housing options. There also needs to be better transportation options to get to work. Deficient broadband coverage – even in downtown areas – has hindered business attraction, and its absence is also leaving individuals behind.
• Opportunities are a two-edged sword. There are great opportunities for entrepreneurs, the skilled trades, and professional services, but there are not enough trained in these areas. More needs to be done to bolster these areas through education and other training. Public-private partnerships can be a part of the solution. Our ability to collaborate on regional planning issues is important in advancing these opportunities.

Thank you again to all who provided input at these sessions!

Contact: Kevin Johnson, SEMCOG Economic and Community Vitality.

Supplemental appropriations pass legislature
We are now in the third month of the state fiscal year and many of the issues over the budget were resolved last week with the passage of supplemental appropriation bills. This action was required because of an earlier standoff between the governor and the legislature that developed last September, that culminated in the governor line-item vetoing a billion dollars in appropriations.

The supplemental appropriation includes funds for county jail reimbursement, electronic tether replacements, county veteran grants, secondary road patrol, census-related funding, payments in lieu of taxes, and other programs. The governor is expected to sign the legislation, along with some companion bills related to the state budget process. Further discussion over budget issues may carry forward into the New Year.

Legislation would allow local governments to swap federal transportation funds for state funds
SB 518 and SB 519 focus on the difficulties in following requirements associated with road projects that are partially funded using federal highway funds. The bills would allow local road agencies to swap their federal funds for an equal amount of state Public Act 51 funds. It is hoped that the exchange would cut administrative costs for local road agencies on these projects.

The bills have been reported from the Senate Transportation Committee after considerable discussion. SEMCOG was very concerned that the ability to pool resources to tackle major projects in cities would be lost under the legislation. There was also concern about proper coordination of construction projects. The legislation was amended by the committee to specifically resolve the concerns expressed by SEMCOG. This type of swap  is currently done on a limited basis in several other states. The legislation is expected to see further action in 2020.

Contact: Bill Anderson, SEMCOG Administration and Government Affairs.

The Taubman Company will once again provide tuition assistance for two Taubman Fellows (including registration, materials, room, and board) to attend Harvard University’s Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in summer 2020. The Taubman Fellowship is available to local elected officials from SEMCOG member communities. Potential candidates should be currently active in SEMCOG and have regional experience in your role.

The program is designed to improve leadership skills and increase awareness of effective approaches to public-sector issues and concerns. Applicants are expected to bring their senior-level experience to the program, which will be further developed by participating. The applicant should demonstrate a commitment to an ongoing and active regional role as a public official in Southeast Michigan.

Applications are due to SEMCOG on January 24, 2020.

Click on the following links for information on the fellowships: letter from SEMCOG, Harvard brochure, and Harvard application. Please note that to be considered for a Taubman Fellowship, you must be a local elected official representing a SEMCOG member community and your application must be submitted to SEMCOG. SEMCOG will forward applications to Harvard.

Latest Region Ahead podcast features Brenda Jones and Pat Williams recounting their Harvard experience
If you’re thinking about applying for one of the Taubman Fellowships, check out SEMCOG’s latest Region Ahead podcast, featuring Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones and Canton Township Supervisor Pat Williams. They were Taubman Fellows this year and attended the Harvard program in summer 2019. Listen to their experiences and insights here.

Contact: Grant Brooks, SEMCOG Membership.

Introduction to Michigan’s Legislative Process, January 14, 2020, 9:30-noon, SEMCOG offices
What is the legislative committee process and how does a bill become a law? Where can I find information about legislation impacting local governments? What are the current priorities of the state legislature? And, what are the most effective ways that I can communicate with my legislator? This SEMCOG University workshop will provide answers to these questions – and more – with the goal of empowering local leaders to engage with their representatives in Lansing. Register here.

Contact: Mike Spence, SEMCOG Administration and Government Affairs. 

Securing Grant Funding, January 21, 2020, 12-1 p.m., SEMCOG University webinar
Learn about SEMCOG resources that can help you find, write, and manage grants. Register here.

Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership.

Tools to Enhance your Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, January 29, 2020, four session between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374
SEMCOG and mParks have partnered to offer complimentary access to a full-day workshop for elected and pointed municipal leaders at the 2020 mParks Annual Conference. There will be four interactive and educational sessions (choose some or all) on new and innovative tools to enhance your community’s parks, recreation, and public spaces. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required and lunch is included. More information and register here.

Contact: Tyler Klifman, SEMCOG Economic and Community Vitality.

Tools to Promote U.S. Census Participation, February 4, 2020, 9-11:30 a.m., SEMCOG offices
This meeting of the Southeast Michigan Communicators Network, focused on the 2020 Census, will highlight how to use SEMCOG data on hard-to-count populations in Southeast Michigan. SEMCOG will also share a toolkit of media products for local outreach on the 2020 Census. Register here.

Contact: Trevor Layton, SEMCOG Communications.

The holiday crash stats below now have graphics ready to share on social media. Link to the graphics here.

• Alcohol-related crashes tend to be more serious than others, and increase during the holidays. In Southeast Michigan, alcohol is involved in only three percent of total crashes, but account for nearly 31 percent of traffic fatalities.
• There were 19 percent more alcohol-involved crashes per day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day compared to the rest of the year.
• More alcohol-involved crashes occur on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year. There were 52 percent more alcohol-involved crashes on January 1 than the next highest day – July 4.

Contact: Jenya Abramovich, SEMCOG Transportation Modeling and Mobility.

SEMCOG attended Manufacturing Day events and MiCareer Quest Southeast, both of which exposed students to careers in manufacturing and other job sectors. These events reinforce and illustrate the recommendations in the SEMCOG/MAC report, Future Skills: Preparing for the Changing World of Work. Talent is also an important component in developing SEMCOG’s next Economic Development Strategy. View the Manufacturing Day and MiCareerQuest videos.

Contact: Naheed Huq, SEMCOG Talent and Economic Development.

Need that little something extra for someone who likes to get outside and enjoy nature? Consider this stocking stuffer! SEMCOG’s pocket Guide to Southeast Michigan Park & Trails encourages everyone to track park visits. Let us know if you’re interested in a supply of pocket guides for your community or events.

Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy one of Southeast Michigan’s 2,300+ parks. With that in mind, SEMCOG encourages readers to download the Southeast Michigan ParkFinder® app to discover them all. The app is available for free in the app stores (search Southeast Michigan ParkFinder) or via SEMCOG’s website. ParkFinder® includes 145 parks with winter recreation opportunities (ice skating, sledding hill, snowboarding).

Contact: Tyler Klifman, SEMCOG Economic and Community Vitality.

This year, we’ve been highlighting regional assets on SEMCOG’s social media channels. Members have sent us photos from their community, showcasing what makes their community unique – people, places, things, special events, monuments, parks and recreation, or slices of life from their corner of Southeast Michigan. We gave those photos the “postcard” treatment and posted to our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds so everyone can see the diversity of attractions and resources in Southeast Michigan. Thanks to Marysville, Northville Township, Port Huron, Rochester, Sterling Heights, and Ypsilanti for the photos they recently sent. These postcards have been posted on our social media channels, and can be viewed here on our website (scroll down on the page). This postcard collection now numbers 53. If you haven’t sent us a photo, please do so now!

Contact: Jon Clark, SEMCOG Communications.

OnHand: RTA survey targets regional transit riders
Want to help improve regional transit? OnHand is a regional effort to:

• Understand how well existing transportation services work, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
• Look for opportunities to increase coordination between services so that people can get to work, medical services, and other daily activities.

To ensure that the needs and ideas of actual riders are considered, OnHand is launching a regional survey to learn about your experiences and get your ideas. Take and share the survey now to help build better connections in Southeast Michigan!

Contact: Matt Webb, Regional Transit Authority.

MDOT’s podcast: Talking Michigan Transportation
For those interested in transportation who like to listen to podcasts, the Michigan Department of Transportation has a podcast – Talking Michigan Transportation. A recent episode focuses on the Michigan Council on Future Mobility, driverless cars, toll roads, and electric vehicle charging. The guest is John Peracchio, chair of the Michigan Council on Future Mobility, who shares insights on the council’s work. Listen now.

Contact: Sue Stetler, SEMCOG Communications.

• Follow us on social media -- Twitter  Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram. 
• New blogs recently posted. Subscribe to SEMCOG's Think Regional, Act Local blog now and receive email notification when there's a new one. 
• SEMCOG App: Quick information on SEMCOG events, meeting materials, parking, plus access to SEMCOG's staff directory. Download from App Store or Google Play (search for SEMCOG).
• View SEMCOG's Southeast Michigan ParkFinder® video here (updated).
• View Southeast Michigan Trail Explorer here.
• Listen to SEMCOG's podcast, Region Ahead, here.