“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.”

www.michiganlanduse.org

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.