The New ERA of Policy Analysis
In Conjunction with the Michigan Municipal League under Direction of Mr. Arnold Weinfeld
Fall 2006

The purpose of this report is to provide a basis for moving the pendulum towards policy principles that are based on standards of due diligence and which mirror certain quality standards. Evaluating policy reports, which use the standards of care and due diligence, can improve the policy making process by providing better and more reliable outcomes as well as reducing unintended negative consequences.

by Lauren Drolet, John Engle, Dipl. Ing. Steffen Hampe, Kairat Karmanov, Misty Staunton

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Williamstown Township and LEED Standards: Planning for the Future
December 2005

This report describes Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for the Williamstown Township Planning Commission and explains how sustainable development might mitigate the effects of urban sprawl. Case studies from Michigan, Boulder, Santa Monica, Scottsdale, New York, Arlington County, and Boston provide examples of LEED standard implementation. Recommendations address new construction and neighborhood development.

by Julie Car, Nathan Powell, & Marie Rienzo

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Building Energy Efficient Affordable Housing: A Strategic Goal for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
December 2005

This report provides an analysis of energy costs in Michigan and their effects on homeowers, an overview of federal and state programs in energy assistance, and rationale for the construction of energy efficient affordable housing. Appendices highlight special opportunities and programs for energy efficiency.

by Ryan Albright, Maria DeVoogd, & Sherika Mosley

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Regional Economic Development In Mid-Michigan's Tri-County Region
December 2005

This report gives an overview of different approaches to regional economic development, provides three case studies (Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Michigan), and makes 12 recommendations for mid-Michigan's Tri-County Region. A regional economic development organization analysis matrix frames the analysis.

by Lenise Lyons, Bogdana Neamtu, and Scott Rodriguez

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Hip, Cool Cities In Michigan: The Creative Class and its Economic Power
December 2003

This report explains the scholarship supporting the "cool cities" concept, descriges the elements of a cool city (lifestyle, social interaction, diversity, authenticity, identity, and quality of place), and provides a comparative case study (Detroit, MI vs. Austin, TX). Recommendations for Michigan focus on each cool city element.

by Meredith Ball, Landon Bartley, and Harry Burkholder

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Neighborhood Early Warning System (NEWS)
2004

The report provides an overview of Neighborhood Early Warning Systesm (NEWS) as a means of controlling urban blight, examines NEWS in seven U.S. metropolitan areas, and features in-depth case studies for NEWS in Baltimore, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. Recommendations for Michigan address scale, scope, budget, location/technology needs, policies/data gathering, and accessibility.

by Tanisha Anderson, Nellie Becker, Julie Darnton, and Yong-Jun Shin

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SmartZones and Technology Based Economic Development: Technology-Led Economic Development in Michigan And other Mid-Western States
December 2003

This report examines the program features and target industries of SmartZones and technology-based economic development in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Recommendations for Michigan include analysis of magnitude and impact of technolgy based economic development and continued monitoring of such development in neighboring states.

by Takessa Johnson and Karan Singh

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The Potential of Brownfield Redevelopment To Green the Concrete Jungle
December 2003

This report examines the potential of brownfield redevelopment on urban revitalization. The authors outline the decline manufacturing in urban areas and the barriers to redeveloping industrial sites. Four case studies illustrate the promise of brownfield redevelopment: Gas Works Park, Seattle, WA; Jeongseon Casino Resort, Korea; Don Valley Brickworks, Toronto; Duisburg North Landscape Park, Germany. Recommendations for Michigan include pilot sites for recreational and cultural amenities.

by Natalie L. Johnson, Hun Seok Han, Seok Yong Yoon, and Chung Yong Kim

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A Comparative Analysis of State Government Support of Regional Planning Between Michigan and Other States Nationwide
May 2003

This occasional paper provides an overview of federal legislation promoting regionalism, a history of regional planning in Michigan, and history of funding for regional initiatives within the state. Examples of regional planning from other states (Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia) illustrate the other potential for regional funding in Michigan.

by Prabodh Ballal and Bradley M. Sharlow

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