PRESS RELEASE: Status of Michigan Cities

Michigan cities record progress in the 90s
LaSata, McConico release bipartisan urban caucus report

Life in Michigan cities has dramatically improved during the past decade, according to a report released today by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers.

Led by state Reps. Charlie LaSata and Bill McConico, co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Urban Caucus, the report was unveiled today in Lansing. Status of Michigan Cities: An Index of Urban Well-Being provides state and local policymakers and Michigan residents with up-to-date information about the status of Michigan cities.

"The well-being of Michigan's central cities and urban areas affects all state residents," said LaSata, R-St. Joseph. "Overall, we're seeing large improvements during the past decade. Crime is down, the infant mortality rate is down, education scores are up, and urban economies are strong."

McConico said the report shows a clear indication that efforts to focus on core urban areas have paid off.

"School spending is up in urban areas across the state, and city government finances improved in the 1990s," said McConico, D-Detroit. "This report represents an in-depth look at what is working within our cities-but there is still some needed improvement."

The report, sponsored by the Michigan Economic and Environmental Roundtable (MEER), is a compilation of statistical information relating to economics, public health, crime, schools, government finance, and the environment in 13 Michigan cities. In particular, the report provides a statistical picture of the current conditions in major cities and will serve as a catalyst for discussing ways to improve the standard of living and quality of life in urban centers.

MEER includes representatives from business, conservation and environmental organizations, and local governments. It fosters debate on issues including sprawl and urban redevelopment and strategies for land-based industries such as mining, agriculture, forestry and tourism.

The House Bipartisan Urban Caucus was formed in 1995 with support of Democrat and Republican House leadership in an effort to focus attention on the needs of Michigan cities. Its mission is to work toward a comprehensive, cohesive urban policy that provides lawmakers, policymakers, and residents with an overview of Michigan cities.

LaSata and McConico thanked the other members of the caucus for their hard work in preparing the report: Reps. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester; Nancy Cassis, R-Novi; Tom George, R-Kalamazoo; Pan Godchaux, R-Birmingham; Doug Hart, R-Rockford; Chris Kolb, D-Ann Arbor; Patricia Lockwood, D-Fenton; Jack Minore, D-Flint; Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek; and Laura M. Toy, R-Livonia.

The report was prepared by Public Sector Consultants, Inc. on behalf of the urban caucus and MEER. The report can be accessed electronically at www.publicsectorconsultants.com. Hard copies can be obtained by calling (517) 484-4954.

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