March 24, 2003
Recognizing
that land use has had a polarizing effect on the range of stakeholders represented
on the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today
urged the council to work in a spirit of cooperation and consensus to achieve
results for the future generations of Michigan residents.
“Michigan will only ever be 58,110 square miles of land, and we will
only ever have 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline,” Granholm said. “Among
the results I look for from this council is finding a way for us to preserve
our natural treasures while promoting economic growth in our state. We must
strike a balance, and the cooperation and consensus of the stakeholders around
this table will be keys to our success.”
The council has been asked to submit its report and legislative recommendations
by August 15th. The report should identify key land use and related problems
in the state; identify trends, causes, and unintended consequences of different
land use patterns; identify alternative solutions to those problems; and make
nonpartisan recommendations on priority actions the Governor and Executive Branch
of government can take, and new legislation the Legislature should enact, to
address those problems.
“Over the last decade, there have been a plethora of studies and recommendations
regarding land use in Michigan, but most have not been enacted,” Granholm
said. “Giving communities the tools they need to determine the best land
use practices for their particular region is a common goal between my administration
and the legislative leaders who helped create this council. I look forward to
receiving recommendations that help ensure the development and revitalization
of quality communities across our state.”
Granholm
commended the council, saying its focus on the long-term needs of the state
will help ensure that Michigan’s natural treasures and assets are preserved
for future generations.
“Michigan is blessed with scenic beauty and wonder, and that is what
we must work to preserve and care for so that future generations can enjoy our
woods, water, and wildlife as much as we do,” Granholm said. “However,
we must ensure that economic development in our state is not impeded so that
we can attract new businesses and residents here to enjoy the astounding quality
of life we have.”
“You are here to represent all of Michigan, not just your interests,”
Granholm told the council. “This council will seek broad public input
on the issues before it, making sure that we take into account the geographic
and economic diversity of the state as it formulates the best strategies for
the Executive Branch and the Legislature to pursue.”
The council will review and approve a series of public meeting dates at its
meeting today.
The bipartisan Land Use Leadership Council was formed by Governor Granholm
and Republican and Democratic legislative leaders to provide recommendations
designed to minimize the impact of current land use trends on Michigan’s
environment and economy. It was officially established by Executive Order 2003-4.