Governor's strategist addresses hundreds at Placemaking Summit
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments hosted the Placemaking Summit at the Hagerty Center on Monday.
The goal of the Summit was to bring leaders across Northern Michigan together to gain exposure and knowledge concerning strategies that leverage regional assets. Organizers say placemaking is important because the key to economic prosperity is to create a place that is welcoming and alluring to talented workers.
More than 200 local government leaders, non-profit organizations, and economic development teams attended the event. They discussed updated master plans, zoning ordinances, funding opportunities, and infrastructure ideas.
Manistee County Administrator, Tom Kaminski says ideas like more green space may seem like minor details, but have proven to help successful downtowns like Traverse City.
Besides round table discussions, attendees had an opportunity to hear from Bill Rustem, Chief Strategist to Governor Rick Snyder. Rustem says the cuts Governor Snyder is proposing are tough, but in the end the state will be on track financially and businesses will prosper.
