Workshop in Port Huron will focus on walkability, transportation funding, and the Right to Farm Act

MSU Extension tapped for expertise on walkability and Right to Farm Act during the St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning Commission annual workshop.

St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning Commission will hold their annual workshop on March 31, 2016, in the St. Clair County Administration Building-Dodge Auditorium. Members of Michigan State University Extension Government and Public Policy work team will deliver content to nearly 100 community members from across the region. Attendees range from managers and planners from various villages, townships and cities in Michigan’s southeastern and thumb region. The annual event highlights significant topics for communities to explore: 

  1. Seven habits of highly walkable communities– Presented by MSU Extension educator, Glenn Pape. Walkable communities have been linked to better health and chronic disease prevention. Not only that, but walkable communities also serve as attractive places for people to visit and relocate to. MSU Extension educator, Sarah Eichberger provides research related to better health via walkable communities in her article “Do you live in a walkable community?” 
  2. Transportation funding: The good, the bad and what we don’t know – Presented by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). Their plans improve the quality of the region’s environmental resources, make the transportation system safer and more efficient, revitalize communities and encourage economic development. 
  3.  Right to Farm Act: Preemption of local jurisdiction – Presented by MSU Extension educator, Kurt Schindler. Additional information can be found on this topic through online resources: 

The event will be held between 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016. The registration flyer is available online for participants to print at home and mail in. A $15 workshop fee is required by March 28. If received after March 28 the fee increases to $17. The day of the workshop participants can begin sign-in at 5 p.m. Participants should enter through the northeast corner of the St. Clair County Administration Building only which is located at 200 Grand River Avenue, Port Huron, MI. Additional questions can be answered directly by the Metropolitan Planning Commission at (810) 989-6950. 

Michigan State University Extension helps communities learn how to improve their social and economic appeal to create livable communities and retain jobs. Community leaders are given the tools they need to have a positive effect on their cities, villages, townships, counties and the whole state. 

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