2006 Promising Projects — Encouraging Civic Progress

In partnership with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC) received a grant to conduct an objective analysis of the long-term prospects for the Michigan economy and the state budget. Using a nationally recognized economic forecasting model, CRC provided critical analysis to specific policy and program issues and alternatives with respect to Medicaid, higher education, corrections, and transportation, among others. In addition, CRC undertook an analysis of the current tax structure and the impacts of alternative tax changes.

The research resulted in a set of findings and recommendations that suggests a need for structural changes rather than one-time fixes to the state's budget. This has been a central message in the briefings and presentations provided to budget officials, fiscal agencies, members of the legislature and the public. Study findings have been posted on the CRC website and is available free of charge to interested groups and to the public. Balanced, objective information that informs public policy is a basic tenet of Frey Foundation Civic Progress grantmaking.

The Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) received funding support to distribute its Form-Based Code Study (Study) throughout the GVMC planning area, which includes Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm and Ottawa counties. The report provides local governments a template for zoning ordinances that emphasize the urban design of places. This new approach to zoning supports traditional town and city forms such as main streets, village greens, and neighborhood centers. The Study parallels the Smart Code that is spreading in its use as a template across the United States.

In addition to being posted on the GVMC's web site, more than 700 copies of the study were printed for presentation to each planning commission, each staff planner and to many developers in the GVMC service area. Promoting the use of a well-crafted Form-Based Code can help shape a high quality built environment that is a key element in Frey Foundation efforts to encourage civic progress.