http://letssavemichigan.com en Copyright 2010 2010-08-24T15:28:02+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/lansing-and-east-lansing-a-little-bit-of-drive-and-a-little-bit-of-pas/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/lansing-and-east-lansing-a-little-bit-of-drive-and-a-little-bit-of-pas/ A recent trip to Lansing got us thinking about all the progress and special national recognition the city and its neighbor have received over the past year. Of course being named a top ten city for Young Adults or for starting a business just doesn't happen. It takes a grass roots commitment from the community and support from government and business groups and that is exactly the kind of effort we love to see. 2010-08-24T14:28:02+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/its-a-good-time-to-be-ted-in-michigan/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/its-a-good-time-to-be-ted-in-michigan/ TED, an event that brings together innovative thinkers and eager minds for positive change is starting to take root here in Michigan. So far this year TED has paid visits to Lansing and Ann Arbor, and next month will be returning to Detroit with plans for Grand Rapids/Grand Valley in the fall. Check it out and be inspired. 2010-08-11T14:35:05+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/city-champs-jack-town-is-sexy/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/city-champs-jack-town-is-sexy/ Roller derby returns to Jackson with the Jack Towns Rollers' first home bout. The Let's Save Michigan City Champs for Jackson, Jason Moritz and Melanie Hilliard update us on the resurgence of roller derby in Jackson and the good times it brings. 2010-08-09T14:51:09+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/cycling-in-michigan-beyond-our-cities/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/cycling-in-michigan-beyond-our-cities/ Earlier this week Michigan became the 14th state to pass Complete Streets legislation thanks the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition and the followers of this campaign that signed our petition. While the Complete Streets legislation is a major step forward for making our cities more cyclist-friendly, let’s not forget about the biking opportunities Michigan offers that go beyond our roads. Michigan is home to 1,300 miles of bicycle and walking trails that add to our quality of life by allowing riders to wind through mountains, experience the crystal blue waters of the Great Lakes and challenge rough terrain. 2010-08-05T13:25:22+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/dont-forget-to-vote-on-tuesday/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/dont-forget-to-vote-on-tuesday/ One of the things we asked Michiganders to do this year to make our state a better place was to get personally involved in the crucial 2010 state elections. While this year's candidates may be less than inspiring that doesn't mean you can skip Tuesday's important election. Here's some info on voting before you head off to your polling place. 2010-08-02T14:11:16+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan.-drink-it-up/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan.-drink-it-up/ Where the hell did the summer go? Before July passes us by, let's not forget that its the official Michigan Craft Beer Month. And here at Let's Save Michigan we are all about supporting local business and enjoying the Great Lakes state to the fullest. Here's some info on Michigan's craft brewing industry and a very helpful map to guide you. 2010-07-28T12:43:30+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/celebrate-summer-the-lansing-way/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/celebrate-summer-the-lansing-way/ One of the supporters of the Let's Save Michigan campaign shared with us how she plans on enjoying this summer the 'Lansing Way'. And no, her 'Lansing' approach to summer doesn't include leaving town before the state budgets are passed to go campaigning. 2010-07-09T16:12:47+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/sometimes-seeing-is-believing-is-all-that-you-need/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/sometimes-seeing-is-believing-is-all-that-you-need/ While we talk a lot about creating the types of communities that will attract a talented work force, we also have to do a better job of selling what Michigan's cities have to offer. All too often young people are leaving the state without ever taking the time to actually explore and appreciate what is already here. 2010-07-07T12:58:32+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/more-small-firms-mean-more-jobs/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/more-small-firms-mean-more-jobs/ For Michigan to obtain sustained job growth we need to move our economic development policies away from trying to land the next factory or world headquarters and more towards entrepreneurship and creating jobs by one's and two's. And a new report in the Harvard Business Review has come to the same conclusion. 2010-06-29T16:06:02+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/defining-the-upper-peninsula-through-art/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/defining-the-upper-peninsula-through-art/ While the Upper Peninsula may not be synonymous with arts and culture, some yuppers are working to change that perception and highlight the region's unique assets through a new project. 2010-06-21T13:50:43+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/walkability-expert-dan-burden-talks-michigans-future/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/walkability-expert-dan-burden-talks-michigans-future/ Internationally respected walkability expert, Dan Burden, discusses the importance of 'Living Streets' to creating more desirable communities and a more prosperous Michigan. 2010-06-16T18:56:25+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/its-your-vote-so-why-dont-you-vote-smart/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/its-your-vote-so-why-dont-you-vote-smart/ One of our pledges to make Michigan Better in 2010 was for folks to get involved in the upcoming elections and at the very least be knowledgeable voters. Why is it important? Well due to term limits the governor's mansion and state capitol are going to be virtually wiped clean of incumbents. With that in mind, it is especially important that we know who these people are and that they are capable of tackling the pressing issues facing Michigan. Here are some ways to become more knowledgeable during this crucial campaign season. 2010-06-16T14:15:43+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-taste-of-summer-freshness-is-just-around-the-corner/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-taste-of-summer-freshness-is-just-around-the-corner/ Tis the season to enjoy Michigan's bounty. Go out and explore Michigan's many farmers markets that not only aid local farmers but also bring much needed vibrancy and local commerce to our cities. 2010-06-07T17:51:54+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/using-our-universities-and-to-revitilize-our-cities/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/using-our-universities-and-to-revitilize-our-cities/ Too much of the economic development policy in this state is geared towards bringing back the factories that left. While manufacturing is a key part of our economy and will be for a long time, we need to appreciate the need for a 21st century knowledge-based economy to Michigan’s future and that the institutions that can bring about that changes are here all ready. All we have to do is look to the greater role our universities are playing shaping our cities and new economy.} 2010-06-04T11:55:49+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/goei-for-entrepreneurism.-goei-for-innovation.-goei-for-grand-rapids/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/goei-for-entrepreneurism.-goei-for-innovation.-goei-for-grand-rapids/ Essential to moving Michigan forward is more support for entrepreneurship. And when you when can do that while rehabbing a historic structure, you got the kind of story we like to highlight here at Let's Save Michigan. Let us introduce you to the GOEI Center of Grand Rapids. 2010-06-02T12:36:27+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/they-arent-all-leaving/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/they-arent-all-leaving/ While nearly half of all of Michigan's recent college graduates are leaving the state within a year of graduation, and all too often without considering staying in the state, here are some groups of young individuals that are staying and making a difference. 2010-06-01T18:24:30+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michiganders-biking-to-work-and-beyond/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michiganders-biking-to-work-and-beyond/ Thank You! Last Week was National Bike to Work week and many of you were kind enough to submit photos of your experiences from all over the state. Check them out. 2010-05-27T12:03:21+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/what-we-can-learn-from-youngstown/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/what-we-can-learn-from-youngstown/ At first glance, you might not think Youngstown, Ohio, has a lot to offer Michigan in regards to what to do instead of what not to do. But Youngstown has a lot of lessons to teach Michigan's cities that are looking at downsizing to improve services and stay relevant. 2010-05-21T10:57:21+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan-lawmakers-continue-to-play-games-to-avoid-hard-decisions/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan-lawmakers-continue-to-play-games-to-avoid-hard-decisions/ With the state about to lose nearly a half billion in federal road funds, legislators are doing everything possible to avoid an inconvenient vote during election season. In the process they are jeopardizing our current transportation system while all but eliminating any chance to enhance our inadequate transit system. 2010-05-13T18:38:51+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-model-citizen-for-detroit/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-model-citizen-for-detroit/ A recent Detroit News article highlighted Phillip Cooley, one of the proprietors of the popular Detroit bbq joint, Slow's, and an example of the opportunities Michigan's cities offer young people looking to make an impact. 2010-05-12T17:48:01+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/growing-jobs-by-ones-and-twos-second-stage-companies-take-center-stage-in-m/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/growing-jobs-by-ones-and-twos-second-stage-companies-take-center-stage-in-m/ All too often our economic development focus is on landing the big factory or world headquarters and not enough on growing businesses. Well, Rick Haglund created a special report for The Center for Michigan this week on the prevalence of second-stage companies in Michigan, how they're transforming the economy and why the state may need to rethink its economic development strategy. 2010-05-07T15:56:30+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/young-workers-like-mixed-use-cities/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/young-workers-like-mixed-use-cities/ Those of you who know the Let's Save Michigan blog are familiar with our belief that young workers are attracted to mixed-use urban areas, and the trend is only going to grow stronger. Today, we're happy to announce we have company from an ivory tower on the East Coast — the Harvard Business Review supports this claim with an article in their May issue. 2010-05-05T14:21:56+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/youre-invited-a-special-blueprint-for-american-screening-with-the-films-dir/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/youre-invited-a-special-blueprint-for-american-screening-with-the-films-dir/ We’re proud to be teaming up with Wayne State University and Transportation Riders United on May 18th to present a special screening of the PBS documentary, Beyond the Motor City with its director Aaron Woolf.} 2010-05-04T13:31:21+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/constitutional-convention-do-you-want-it-and-what-do-want-changed/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/constitutional-convention-do-you-want-it-and-what-do-want-changed/ Michigan's constitution provides us the opportunity to decide every 16 years whether to call a constitutional convention to propose revisions to the state's rules for government. That questions will appear on the Nov 2, 2010 ballot. The former mayor of Grand Rapids and the VP of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce recently debated the merits of a new constitution. Do you think the constitution should be revised? If so, what would you like to see changed? 2010-04-27T14:18:00+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/we-can-play-catch-up-of-fall-further-behind/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/we-can-play-catch-up-of-fall-further-behind/ Former State Superintendent of Schools, Tom Watkins, visited China recently and wrote in the Detroit News about Michigan's, and the United States', need to invest in infrastructure, especially transit, to stay competitive with the rest of the world. 2010-04-26T17:50:32+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/bold-ideas-across-america-that-are-making-cities-better-things-we-could-use/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/bold-ideas-across-america-that-are-making-cities-better-things-we-could-use/ Each year Fast Company magazine highlights 12 'Fast Cities' that are doing bold and innovative things to make themselves more competitive in the global marketplace and the improve quality of life. In doing so they highlight many of the same principles our own campaign is advocating more Michigan cities adopt. 2010-04-23T11:25:50+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-mixed-use-market-for-grand-rapids/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/a-mixed-use-market-for-grand-rapids/ A couple of you have sent us links to this project, and we're interested to hear what the rest of you think about it. The mayor and the Grand Action Committee recently announced plans to develop a $27-million, year-round market in the Heartside Neighborhood. 2010-04-15T14:56:02+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan-prosperity-summit-to-explore-place-based-policies/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/michigan-prosperity-summit-to-explore-place-based-policies/ The Friday, April 23, the Michigan Land & Prosperity Summit will take place at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing. 2010-04-15T14:10:41+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/making-streets-for-walking-dan-burden-on-reforming-design-standards/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/making-streets-for-walking-dan-burden-on-reforming-design-standards/ Via Noah Kazis at StreetsBlog, here is a great conversation with Dan Burden, the founder and executive director of Walkable Communities, Inc. The interview focuses on a recent report Burden helped develop, "Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach." 2010-04-09T17:59:28+00:00 http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/an-open-letter-to-johnny-damons-wife-about-the-importance-of-quality-of-pla/ http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/entry/an-open-letter-to-johnny-damons-wife-about-the-importance-of-quality-of-pla/ Earlier this year Michelle Damon reportedly stated that Detroit wasn't cosmopolitan enough for the Tiger's new star left fielder, Johnny Damon. Model D Media was kind enough to publish our open letter to Mrs. Damon, thanking her for reminding us about the importance of quality of place to Michigan's economic future. 2010-04-06T17:27:37+00:00