Growth Conference Focus on Traffic Problems

TROY, MI-Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm is the featured guest speaker ata “Smart Growth Conference” scheduled for Oct. 30 at the Troy Marriott, which will focus on solutions to traffic gridlock. The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Smart Growth Coalition, which was created to bring building, construction and development industries together with government officials, economists and public policy makers.

Its mission is to help develop programs which work toward viable and acceptable solutions to the problems involved in growth.

The title of the conference is “Traffic Gridlock: Is it Inevitable? Land UseSolutions.”

The coalition representatives say traffic is one of the most critical and pervasive issues facing Southeastern Michigan. Lacking a large public transportation system, residents of the Motor City and surrounding suburbs rely on automobiles.

Issues at the conference will include how to use land better to facilitate an easing of traffic congestion, and what can government and businesses do to contribute to these solutions.

Also speaking will be Greg Rosine, executive director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and Jeff Kaczmarek, senior vice president of business services for the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the conference will last until 12:30 p.m. The cost is $29. For more information, please go to michigansmartgrowth.com.