MAC Agenda

In 2011, MAC’s unique coalition will build on recent progress to magnify the voice calling for regional dialogue, cooperation and action to move Southeast Michigan and the state forward. The work plan focuses on issues, policies and programs that relate to the economic revitalization, infrastructure, environmental and educational needs of our region. Current efforts include:

Principles for Michigan’s Prosperity
Focus on issues and policies related to economic revitalization, environment, infrastructure, and education needs of our region and state. Activities include:

Issues Agenda: The Federal and State Platforms provide the foundation for addressing the state’s most critical issues. Update the Federal Issues Platform to reflect the current legislative and economic landscape, with major focus on transportation funding and job creation. Continue to pursue elements of the State Issues Platform and Action Agenda, particularly as they relate to the fiscal challenges of state and local government, economic development, job creation, and quality education. Priority areas, that also support the Economic Development Strategy, may include transit, infrastructure and responsive government.

Communications: The platforms serve as a valuable tool for communicating with Michigan’s new Governor and other elected officials in Lansing and Washington DC, the media, and opinion leaders. Continue to pursue opportunities to inform the public, encourage action, and promote policies that respond to current economic challenges, create jobs, and help the region and state return to prosperity. Utilize board position statements, media releases, commentaries, and letters to the editor, authored by Board members from different sectors when possible. Continue to seek partnership opportunities that broaden the reach of MAC’s messages.

Board Advisory Teams: Form Board Advisory Teams on key issues (education, taxation, responsive government, etc.) to offer input to staff to support communications and public information and education efforts. This will provide a depth of knowledge and expertise and help MAC to be more proactive, as well as responsive when significant events occur that call for action.

Economic Development Strategy
Continue partnership with SEMCOG on several joint efforts to implement key strategies from the Economic Development Initiative – Increasing Jobs and Prosperity in Southeast Michigan. Projects include:

MAC/Detroit Regional Chamber Labor Business Task Force: Continue working with the Chamber, and leaders from business, labor and education, to attract employers and grow jobs by providing tools for the region’s economic development organizations. Develop and send positive messages to site selectors, the media, opinion leaders, and others who influence business location and expansion decisions. Continue Phase I, a strategy to frame and communicate positive messages to promote the value of our talent, workforce, and strength of labor/management innovation and relationships. Phase II will focus on other topics including quality of life, infrastructure, market opportunities, etc. Develop Rapid Response Team, made up of business, labor, and education leadership, to participate in economic development activities.

Talent Strategic Initiative: MAC member organizations will work with SEMCOG to link workforce development agencies and training providers with business and emerging industries. A joint Task Force will serve as a forum for representatives from workforce development, government, education, business, and labor to identify opportunities and strategies for specific growth industries. This effort will help connect and coordinate education/training providers with employment sources, meet employer needs, and help to place qualified workers in jobs. A pilot project will follow that implements strategies within a select industry/sector.

Regional Transit: Collaborating with SEMCOG, and working with other key stakeholders, participate in activities to seek public and private sector support for regional transit in Southeast Michigan, including the establishment of a Regional Transit Authority and permanent funding solutions.

Sustainable Infrastructure: Work with SEMCOG to support and advocate for recommendations and policies that more efficiently manage and sustain the region’s infrastructure systems.

Responsive/Responsible Government: Collaborating with SEMCOG, support initiatives to further cooperation/collaboration and shared services among both local governments and school districts. Help bring private sector business practices to government.

Building One Community
Promote efforts that encourage and strengthen regional cooperation to make southeast Michigan a more cohesive, globally competitive and prosperous region. Activities include:

Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards: Partner with the Detroit Free Press on fifth annual Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards. Through public nominating process and selection committee, continue to recognize people who have exhibited regional leadership and courage in Exemplary Leadership, Unsung Hero, and Future Leader award categories. Further elevate the profile of the event, honorees, and people for whom awards are named. Use program as vehicle to encourage regional cooperation and highlight MAC and its mission.

Civic Partnerships: Collaborate with other civic organizations (Detroit Regional Chamber, Center for Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, SEMCOG, etc.) on issues of common interest and importance to Southeast Michigan. Seek partnerships to maximize resources and strengthen call for cooperation and action.

Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative
Continue to collaborate with partners and support environmentally sustainable efforts that help fulfill our Strengthening Quality of Place economic development strategy. Areas of focus include:

Work with partners to develop a funding collaborative as well as plan and coordinate activities related to constructing a unique and beautiful boardwalk, fishing pier, and boat dock. Coordinate associated habitat restoration at the site of the future headquarters and Visitor Center for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. In addition to providing a world-class fishing opportunity, the boardwalk will be an inviting location for a riverfront stroll or to view the beautiful surroundings and wildlife. Michigan Sea Grant will base its school ship at the dock and offer vessel-based education and cruises for school groups.

Support development of architecture and engineering drawings, geotechnical work, and obtain materials for a boardwalk to be constructed by Navy Seabees at the refuge. The boardwalk will expand the refuge’s developing trail system and give visitors access to an area that includes an emergent wetland and stormwater pond.

Support bi-national State of the Strait Conference that fosters U.S. – Canada cooperation, strengthens knowledge, and continuously improves management efforts for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie. The conference, and subsequent publication, will focus on using Geographic Information Systems to help inform decisions for managing shared water resources.

updated: April 2011