Nick Sauer

Roundtable discussion on transportation in the Great Lakes region. Important topic for the public to tune into.

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This is exactly right. The political system is designed to get your vote more than it is to deliver for you. This is why we need an alternative voting system like #ApprovalVoting or #ProportionalRepresentation.

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🌍🏙️ NEW RESOURCE: How can cities generate sustainable funding for equitable climate action? 💡📄 In this new publication and fact sheet developed in partnership with members of the Just Transition Fund Coalition, we examine innovative mechanisms available to the City of Minneapolis to combat climate change and address historical inequities: 🏭 Pollution Control Annual Registration (PCAR) 🔌 Utility Franchise Fees By applying a social cost of carbon, these mechanisms could generate over $110 million annually for critical climate investments like: ✅ Community-wide weatherization 🏘️🔧 ✅ Upgrading & electrifying heating/cooling 🌡️🔌  ✅ Expanding clean energy access ☀️🔋 ✅ Workforce development & green jobs 👷💼 The paper provides a roadmap for cities to restructure fees to disincentivize emissions while raising funds for a just energy transition. Crucially, it emphasizes community oversight and accountability to ensure investments benefit those most impacted by climate change. Low-wealth households and businesses are shielded through exemptions and targeted support. While focused on Minneapolis, it offers a replicable framework for cities nationwide to create bold funding solutions at the scale urgently needed to address the climate emergency. 🌎🚨 I'm so proud to have worked on this project on behalf of the Just Transition Coalition alongside my colleague Cherylyn Kelley, with legal research support ⚖ from Daniel Carpenter-Gold and Joey Vossen at the Public Health Law Center and patient and thoughtful guidance from Alice Madden. Thanks to Matt Grimley for crunching the numbers and creating the charts 📊 and to Tori Hong for creating the incredible illustrations to help tell this story. 🎨 Special shout-out to the amazing IMT Comms team - CM Caplinger and Rita Perez - for their beautiful design work that brings the paper to life! ✨ Feast your eyes on the fact sheet & full paper for recommendations on equitable collection, disbursement, and oversight of climate funds ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gvEiwqRk #ClimateSolutions #JustTransition #SustainableCities #CommunityResilience

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If you missed my first post, take note of this one! Ane Deister ROCKS!

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Does economic development activity in big cities have an impact on development in smaller cities? I responded with a resounding "Yes!!" alongside other colleagues in economic development. Smaller cities offer different opportunities than the larger cities and therein lies the competitive advantage. The following article has great insight and ideas. #econdev #ormondbeach #florida https://lnkd.in/eJJxxJKK

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🚨 Independent R&B Discussion Group Meeting Recap: Jun 3, 2024 🚨 Election 2024 - Addressing Local Government Challenges and Engagement Our recent meeting delved into critical issues affecting local governments and explored strategies to address them. Here are the key takeaways: 🔹 Local Government Funding and Tax Reforms: Kevin Stewart, FIRRV, MAAT, MCMI emphasized the financial strain on local authorities due to reduced funding and increased service demands. Malcolm Gardner and Robert Fox advocated for greater financial autonomy for local councils to invest in essential services like social housing. 🔹 Social Housing and Benefits: Naomi Armstrong argued for increased investment in social housing to address the housing crisis and boost local economies. Revival of successful policies from previous administrations, like welfare-to-work programs and apprenticeships, was also discussed. 🔹 Engaging Younger Generations: The group stressed the importance of using modern platforms like TikTok to engage younger people in local government and politics. Kevin Stewart, FIRRV, MAAT, MCMI humorously noted his lack of a TikTok account but acknowledged its potential to attract younger audiences. Naomi Armstrong highlighted the need for innovative communication to prevent alienating young generations from public service careers. 🔹 Cracking Down on Tax Evasion: Skepticism about the government’s ability to raise 5 to 6 billion pounds through cracking down on tax evasion due to reduced HMRC staff. A comprehensive review and better management of HMRC were suggested to improve tax collection. Conclusion: The meeting underscored the need for reform and innovation in local government operations. Addressing funding issues, investing in social housing, and modernizing communication methods are essential for a more effective and inclusive local government system. 📌 Resources: Recording: Watch at https://bit.ly/VNR240603 Slide Pack, Files, and Reports: Download at https://bit.ly/VNP240603 Additional Slides and Job Adverts: Provided in partnership with Business Smart Solutions #LocalGovernment #PublicPolicy #Election2024 #SocialHousing #YouthEngagement #TaxReform #RBDebate

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Ever wish that local city buses could give you the quick, convenient transit experience of light rail? That’s what Jennifer Pyrz, PE, interim president and CEO of IndyGo, has in mind for the City of Indianapolis new bus rapid transit (BRT) network. In my latest profile, I explore how Pyrz is driving the build-out of this fast, efficient, environmentally sustainable public transit network. It will connect local communities to better jobs, a more sustainable environment, and faster, more convenient transportation options. Using dedicated bus lanes, level boarding and offboard fare collection, Pyrz and IndyGo’s BRT are transforming the way public transit is done.  #transitinfrastructure #batteryelectricbuses, #publictransit #sustainability

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🎉 As many of you may have seen, last week Advance CTE, with support from it partners Indigo Education Company and WestEd, released the public draft of the National Career Clusters® Framework. This tremendous accomplishment reflects 18 months of research and engagement with #CTE and industry representatives. The updated Framework also directly addresses many of the concerns expressed by stakeholders over the past decade – namely that the Framework is not reflective of the evolving world of work and imposes silos between and across Career Clusters that limit innovation and personalization. But the work isn’t done! We need input from CTE leaders, practitioners, and partners to ensure the Framework meets the goal of being industry-driven and learner-centric. Please review the draft, complete the survey, and share wide and far!  ⬇ ⬇

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Our latest Empowering American Cities regional economic snapshot indicates the nation’s most productive sectors, Finance and Real Estate and Information, account for a smaller share of West Michigan’s employment and output relative to national averages, meaning that these sectors should be targeted for growth. Productivity, the level of economic output per worker, helps determine a society’s standard of living. The employment shares plot shows the portion of the region’s workforce (blue dot) and its GDP (green dot) attributed to each sector, compared with the national average. Download more insights from the report today http://go.53.com/6045jygJR #EmpoweringAmericanCities #KenanInstitute #KIPE #economy

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Strong local democracy starts with strong teams. The bedrock of local government is a strong partnership between elected members and officers. This partnership is especially important following local elections, when new members may be unfamiliar with local government processes and officer expertise can be invaluable. Our team of former public sector leaders understands this dynamic. We bridge the gap between members and officers, building cohesive local government teams that can effectively serve their communities. Here's how we can help: - Guiding New Relationships: We facilitate smooth transitions for newly elected members, fostering collaboration with officers from day one. - Enhancing Existing Partnerships: We improve communication and teamwork, strengthening bonds between members and officers, regardless of election cycles. - Effective Member Leadership: We equip elected members to lead confidently, leveraging the expertise of their officer teams, even during periods of change. Interested in learning more about how we can help build stronger relationships within your local authority? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing hello@roretti.com, or drop Sanjay a DM. #LocalDemocracy #MemberOfficerRelations #LeadershipDevelopment #LocalGov

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Trees More than esthetics Trees are good for humans and the planet “Experts say trees are more than aesthetics. “They boost air quality, filter soil, reduce storm runoff, lower utility costs and boost people's mental health, studies show.” Plant trees whose shade you’ll never enjoy, while you enjoy the shade of trees planted by people you never knew. We call it “Generational Responsibly” 😎👍💪🙏 Check out this article from The Detroit News: Many Metro Detroit suburbs have low tree canopies. Here's how some are trying to fix that https://lnkd.in/gPQEWFCt

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A truly huge content drop from Metro @ The Brookings Institution. If you work in economic development, local or regional coalitions, or simply care about place-based policy, the lessons within "Seizing the moment for place-based economic policy" are worth your time. https://lnkd.in/ezWSjtHH Built on seven case studies of communities who won the EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge awards, the authors found a mix of seven lessons to guide place-based economic development strategies--plus five bonus implications for federal policy. What I love the most about this work is it allows you to either quickly scan the macro lessons or dig into tremendous detail within the specific case studies. Having first-hand seen their travel schedule, my colleagues worked their tails off! It's way too much to read at once, so bookmark and get through as you can. And if you want to mainline the findings in a more personal way, they're discussing the findings at a streamed event. Brookings always offers our event videos after the face, so enjoy that live this morning or in the future. https://lnkd.in/emhSzaFi Props to all the authors: Joe Parilla Glencora Haskins Mark Muro Rob Maxim Hanna Love Lavea Brachman Mayu Takeuchi.

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#NPC24 host city Minneapolis was leading the nation in zoning reform and increasing its housing supply faster than any city in the Midwest thanks to the groundbreaking reforms advanced through its 20-year comprehensive plan—Minneapolis 2040, but recent litigation put that progress on hold. Planning is THE best way to increase housing supply while balancing the interests of all residents. As President of the @AmericanPlanningAssociation, I call on the Minnesota Legislature to lead again by moving this session to protect the 2040 Plan and support planning-led efforts statewide to produce more housing — not add additional barriers. If the state legislature fails to protect the 2040 Plan, communities will avoid taking bold planning action to support the growth that's already happening in cities and towns across Minnesota, adding to the state's growing housing deficit. It could even disincentivize communities from using planning as a tool for growth — one that's been proven to improve housing opportunities in communities across the country. https://lnkd.in/gMBrRqrC

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Residents want to be part of recovery, and as they are directly affected, they want to participate immediately and throughout. Listen to more in this episode: https://lnkd.in/ge6QFKsM

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Is economic gardening the right strategy for your community? Discover the tools and techniques needed to nurture homegrown businesses and foster sustainable economic growth. #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicGardening #EconomicDevelopment https://hubs.ly/Q02DSWkx0

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Staying updated on municipal spending patterns allows city leaders to adapt their policies and allocate resources effectively. Be aware of these post-Covid trends to meet your community's evolving demands. "By investigating city general funds, the CFC report helps present a big picture of how cities have been managing their financial health over the years." #FiscalConditions #Municipal #Spending #Trends

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Attention Municipal Leaders! Navigating the complex world of municipal budgeting can be a bit like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark—especially when grant funding is crucial for your community’s projects. Fear not! Introducing Grant Matchmaking—your secret weapon for securing the funding you need. Our team of grant experts at Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. (R/M) is here to make your life easier. Here’s how we do it: Needs Assessment: We start by diving deep into your Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), budget, desired projects, and timelines. This ensures a strategic approach to securing grant funding tailored to your municipality’s unique needs. Grant Matrix Magic: We’ve got a comprehensive matrix of federal, state, and local funding programs. Think of it as our treasure map! We match your projects to the right grants, considering deadlines and eligibility criteria. Eagle-Eyed Monitoring: Our team keeps watch over new and upcoming grant programs. We provide annual reviews and quarterly updates with personalized recommendations to maximize your funding potential. Ready, Set, Apply!: We handle the nitty-gritty—preparing documentation, registrations, and all that jazz. When we find a great match, you’ll be ready to pounce on those opportunities. Crafting Stellar Applications: Our grant applications are like finely brewed coffee—strong, impactful, and impossible to ignore. We know what decision-makers value most, and we highlight your project’s strengths. Smooth Administration: Once you’ve won that grant, kick back and focus on your projects. We’ll handle the administrative details, ensuring compliance and timely reporting. Remember, municipal managers wear many hats—so let us wear the grant-finding hat for you! Learn more about our Grant Matchmaking services: Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! Let’s turn those grant dreams into reality! #CommunityFunding #GrantMagic #municipalsuccess

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It was rewarding to see that @The White House is reading our stuff. Our recent efforts to identify desirable urban land to dedicate to housing production is a significant step forward for new home production. Our team at the @Center for Geospatial Solutions pinpointed government-owned lands where housing development is possible, providing local governments a valuable starting point to meet this challenge. There is a lot more: church-owned land, underperforming commercial real estate, and almost unlimited opportunities for "soft density," e.g. ADUs and 2-4 unit development on single family lots. In my latest President’s Message, I dive into the national analysis of publicly-owned land and uncover great reason for optimism.  Our country has the potential to exceed even the highest estimates of what we need to address the affordable housing shortage. With swift and coordinated action, we can close the housing gap. However, the extent and speed of progress now lie in the hands of churches, nonprofits, local governments, and other local organizations.  These groups face the crucial task of not just identifying any land they own, but land that is available, well located, and economically viable for development. Where we build and what we build matters. A lot. As we have for decades, the @Lincoln Institute of Land Policy remains committed to supporting efforts to preserve and produce homes that provide access to opportunities for family success--good jobs, good schools, good transit. Kudos to the White House for continuing its important national leadership on this effort. Now, it's all hands on deck. Read more of my analysis here: https://lnkd.in/ezXbm25Q  

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