We Love Where You Live

Kalamazoo Creates Its Own Endowment

Kalamazoo’s Foundation for Excellence is a municipal endowment—the only one of its kind—made possible by an anonymous donation. Since 2017, this publicly accountable fund has been used for property tax cuts, housing development, youth programs, and other City initiatives benefiting Kalamazoo residents. 

Sault Ste. Marie’s Waterfront Gets a Makeover

After nearly a century of neglect, the Carbide Dock in Sault Ste. Marie was falling into the water. With funding and collaboration from federal, state, and local stakeholders, the dock is now a thriving hub of commercial, educational, and resident activity. 

Live with the League — 5.11.2026 — A Call to Action: Show Up for Local Zoning

Today, we’re talking about a litany of Lansing happenings of interest to League members, including our recent testimony on a package of tax reform bills, the Senate passage of the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, and what’s going on with the budget. We also call upon all League members to reach out to their legislators and urge them to oppose House Bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585. Make your voices heard on local decision-making!

In Berrien Springs, the Playground of Kids’ Dreams

The beloved Wolf’s Prairie Playground in the Village of Berrien Springs had reached the end of its life. To create its successor, the Village enlisted local children to draw their ideas. The resulting hand-sculped, inclusive fantasyland features a  kayak, a life-size campfire, and—of course—a zipline. 

At the Harvey Center, Port Huron Residents Lead the Way

In 2025, the City of Port Huron purchased an inert community center from the Housing Commission. The now-revitalized Harvey Center is run by a joint committee of residents, nonprofits, and the City, bringing a slate of community-driven programming to its Southside neighborhood. 

A Depot on the Move in Holly

The Village of Holly’s historic Union Depot was in the way of railroad development and slated for destruction. Through a campaign crowdfunding and civic engagement, the Village put the Depot on wheels and rolled it out of the way of danger. 

Live with the League — 4.27.2026 — Lansing Legislative Line-Up

Today’s show features a packed update on what’s going on at the Capitol, tracking several key issues moving through the Legislature. Plus, a look back at last week’s Legislative Reception and some of the advocacy conversations happening right now with lawmakers. 

Live with the League — 4.13.2026 — Talking CEA with Houghton & Negaunee

This week on Live with the League, we discuss the many rewards and benefits of winning the League’s prestigious Community Excellence Award (CEA)—along with some practical advice on getting started—with Eric Waara, City Manager for the City of Houghton; and Mona Lang, consulting director for the City of Negaunee’s DDA. We then pivot to an update on what’s been going on in Lansing. 

Interested in sharing your community’s placemaking successes for a chance to take home the CEA cup? Be sure to submit your project by April 17, 2026! 

Live with the League — 3.23.2026 — Spring Has Sprung in Lansing

On this week's Live with the League grab bag, we’ll be covering the recently concluded CapCon 2026, a conference at the National League of Cities, some election bill updates, and—of course—everyone's favorite topic: housing. 

Live with the League — 3.9.2026 — MI Home Program is in the House!

We're focusing on the housing bills recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature, including the MI Home Program (now House Bills 5660 and 5661). The housing discussion will continue in Lansing on March 10 during our general session at CapCon 2026. In the meantime, be sure to show your support for the MI Home Program!