MAC Agenda

MAC’s 2010 work agenda contains a comprehensive slate of programs that effectively spans our priority areas of enhancing the region’s economy, infrastructure and environment, while emphasizing our long-standing commitment to regional cooperation and quality of life. It is focused on addressing many of the economic challenges and the transformational change that is impacting our citizens, businesses and governments. Current efforts include:

Principles for Michigan’s Prosperity
Focusing on issues related to economic revitalization, environmental, infrastructure, and education needs of our region and state. This will entail working with elected officials, candidates, opinion leaders, the media, and others in three key areas:

Federal Issues Platform: Updating MAC’s Platform to reflect changes in the legislative and economic landscape since its adoption in late 2008. Key elements in the Platform address the need for:

• Increased return of federal dollars to our region and state
• Reauthorization and fuller funding of transportation
• Expanding federal support for the needs of mature communities
• Expanding federal aid to regions hardest hit by the global recession/auto industry decline
• Federal support for job retraining efforts
• Federal incentives for renewable energy and other new economy industries
• Continued federal support for Great Lakes cleanup efforts

State Issues Platform: Introducing a Platform particularly focused on the fiscal challenges of state and local government, economic development, job creation, and quality education. This document will provide an action agenda for change addressing the state’s most critical issues and be a tool for communicating with elected officials in Lansing, candidates for state office in the critical 2010 elections, and others.

Calls to Action: Using both Platforms as the basis for informing the public, encouraging action, and promoting policies that respond to current economic challenges, create jobs, and help the region and state return to prosperity. We will engage in editorial board visits and calls to action – including board position statements, media releases, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor – as opportunities arise.

Economic Development Strategy
Partnering with SEMCOG to create Increasing Jobs and Prosperity in Southeast Michigan, a cohesive, action-oriented strategy to help shape southeast Michigan’s economic future. Funded in part by an Economic Development Administration grant, this initiative is guided by a task force composed of MAC and SEMCOG members, as well as other key economic development stakeholders. Through this coordinated approach we are creating a framework for economic development that maximizes our assets; builds on existing programs and opportunities; provides a foundation for future growth; and lays the groundwork for funding and future projects.

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

• Partnering with the Detroit Free Press on the fourth annual Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards. Building on the success of this premier program, we will continue to recognize people who have exhibited regional leadership and courage. We will further elevate the profile of the event and honorees, encourage regional cooperation, and highlight MAC and its mission.
• Collaborating with others, such as One D member organizations, on issues of common interest. MAC will emphasize the value of regional cooperation and public/private partnerships.
  
  

Champion for Transit
Collaborating with SEMCOG, and working with other key stakeholders, to seek permanent funding solutions, public policy, and public and private sector support for regional transit in Southeast Michigan.

Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative
Working with stakeholders in planning, supporting, and executing Detroit River related projects. This also encompasses identifying projects to receive support/assistance through use of Community Service Funds. To date, this initiative has leveraged over $45 million for an array of projects that resulted in environmental and habitat improvements, stimulated economic development, and improved the region’s image and quality of life. One effort entails seeking resources to construct a facility at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge headquarters site that will provide fishing, nature tourism, and conservation-based learning experiences. Ultimately, construction of the facility will pump money into the local economy, support jobs, and result in another quality of life amenity.

Sustainable Infrastructure
Working with SEMCOG on identifying, and helping find solutions for, the fiscal and physical challenges of maintaining Southeast Michigan’s infrastructure; including our road, water, sewer, and energy infrastructure. MAC member organizations served on a SEMCOG Task Force that developed recommendations and policy guidance to efficiently manage and sustain regional infrastructure systems over the long term.

Read the Creating a Sustainable Infrastructure System in Southeast Michigan report.