"Michigan will only ever be 58,110 square miles of land, and we will only ever have 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline," Granholm said. "Among the results I look for from this council is finding a way for us to preserve our natural treasures while promoting economic growth in our state. We must strike a balance, and the cooperation and consensus of the stakeholders around this table will be keys to our success."
The council has been asked to submit its report and legislative recommendations by Aug. 15. The report should identify key land use and related problems in the state; identify trends, causes, and unintended consequences of different land use patterns and identify alternative solutions to those problems. The report should also make nonpartisan recommendations on priority actions the governor and the executive branch of government can take, and new legislation the legislature should enact, to address those problems.
"Over the last decade, there have been a plethora of studies and recommendations regarding land use in Michigan, but most have not been enacted," Granholm said. "Giving communities the tools they need to determine the best land use practices for their particular region is a common goal between my administration and the legislative leaders who helped create this council."
Granholm said the state must ensure that economic development in the state is not impeded so that it can attract new businesses and residents. "You are here to represent all of Michigan, not just your interests," Granholm told the council.
The council will review and approve a series of upcoming public meeting dates.
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