ESSENTIAL STUDY FUNDED The effort to connect people and businesses in northern Michigan to the rest of the state and country with modern passenger train service reached a huge milestone recently with new funding through state and federal agencies.In July, Michigan...
Engage to Chart TC’s Future
It’s an exciting time in and around Traverse City. With many projects gearing up and planning processes in full swing, this is the time to voice what you want the community to look like as the 21st century plays out. Take a glimpse below and see what piques your...
$42 Million Rail Upgrade Boosts Prospects for Passenger Rail
Above photo: Recently completed track upgrades near Traverse City. A passenger train line to Traverse City is one step closer to reality, thanks to a major boost from a federal grant program. Last week U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that...
Key Takeaways From 2022 National Shared Mobility Summit
I recently spent a few days in Chicago for the 2022 National Shared Mobility Summit put on by the Shared-Use Mobility Center. Their mission is to advocate for equitable, affordable, and environmentally sound mobility across the US. There was no shortage of...
The House Hunters
Where will people live? On my journey to pick up lunch, I pass help-wanted sign after help-wanted sign. Employers can’t find workers—more evidence that the housing pinch is being heard and felt from every corner of our community. A week doesn’t go by...
A Look Back at 22 Years of Groundwork Service
Above: Protector of the planet, inspirer of people, friend to all dogs, Jim Lively. When I joined the Michigan Land Use Institute in 2000, it was an upstart, brash group of journalists making waves with government officials and developers by wielding incisive writing...