WHEREAS, improving the State of Michigan’s permitting and licensing process for individuals and entities doing business in Michigan will help make this state a better place to do business, encourage the retention of existing jobs, and help foster the creation of new jobs for Michigan workers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, in accordance with powers vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, direct:

A. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall develop an enhanced on-line licensing and permitting process designed to function across departments and agencies that shall be known as the “Michigan Timely Application and Permit Service (“MiTAPS”).” In developing MiTAPS the Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall:

1. Create a single for point of entry or “one-stop shop” on the State of Michigan’s website for individuals or businesses seeking licenses or permits from the State of Michigan.

2. Compile information on state permitting and licensing in a user-friendly format.

3. Analyze current processes for permitting and licensing and implement or recommend to the Governor, as appropriate, the elimination of unnecessary forms and duplicative or cumbersome procedures or requirements.

4. Assist applicants for permits or licenses with web-based tools that include step-by-step instructions, a checklist of applicable requirements including required supplemental information, and the ability to file and pay on-line.

5. Capture permitting and licensing data once, with the ability to route data to multiple departments and agencies to avoid the re-entry of data and the use of duplicative forms.

6. Enable the monitoring of permit and licensing status by applicants.

7. Develop master application packages for complex business projects involving multiple agencies of state government.

8. Research and develop a comprehensive on-line database of state permits and licenses that will enable users to access permit and licensing information sorted not only by state agency, but also by business type, allowing users to easily and quickly determine permit and licensing requirements and to build customized permit assistance kits.

9. Leverage the state’s existing investment in information technology and processes.

B. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth’s initial efforts to implement this directive shall focus on permits and licensing related to manufacturing in Michigan.

C. Whenever possible the Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall advise permitting or licensing agencies of the importance of projects for economic development and shall assist in facilitating the timely review of applications when appropriate.

D. State departments and agencies shall provide all necessary assistance to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth as it implements the requirements of this directive. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall convene an interdepartmental working group chaired by a representative of the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth to facilitate the implementation of this directive.

E. The Department of Information Technology shall provide the Department of Labor and Economic Growth with management and information processing services related to the authority, powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities transferred under this directive, including, but not limited to, application and database development and maintenance; desktop computer support and management; mainframe computer support and management; server support and management; local area network support and management; and telecommunications services, infrastructure, and security.

F. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall benchmark MiTAPS against similar efforts of other state governments and recommend to the Governor additional steps to make MiTAPS a “best-in-class” initiative and ensure that Michigan remains competitive.

G. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth shall report to the Governor on its progress in implementing this directive not later than September 30, 2004.

This directive is effective immediately.

The assistance of department and agencies in implementing this directive and the continued hard work of state employees are appreciated.

Given under my hand this 8th day of December, 2003.

_______________________________________
Jennifer M. Granholm
GOVERNOR