Lots of changes are happening here at LIAA, so we've been doing some spring cleaning. You can clean up, too, with some great deals on our former classroom computer desks and some computer gear. Pictured here is one of the desks, which have 8' x 3' tops. We also have several older computers that are still in great shape and would work great for basic tasks.  Finally, there are some monitors and other peripherals that deserve a look.

Download the complete list of what we have available here.

We are happy to announce that the Partnerships for Change (PfC) Sustainable Communities Program is now seeking proposals for multi-jurisdictional cooperative planning and program-building projects from partnerships composed of two or more cities, townships and villages.

Administered by the Land Information Access Association (LIAA) and sponsored by Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of Planning, and Michigan State University Extension, the PfC Program has already helped municipalities in over a dozen communities plan together. By providing professional planning and technical support services, the PfC Sustainable Communities Program will continue to help municipalities working together to support economic development with the preservation of their cultural and natural resources.

PfC Sustainable Communities is offering three levels of project assistance. First-Steps Service Grants will focus on the needs of local governments just beginning to consider inter-jurisdictional cooperation in land use planning.  The second two levels, Small and Large-Scale Service Grants, will help municipal partnerships succeed in creating new community-wide land use policies or programs. 

Any combination of cities, villages and townships are welcome to apply.  For more information on the program and application procedures, please visit http://www.partnershipsforchange.cc/.  Service grants valued at more than $60,000 are available to selected communities. Applications are due April 30, 2008.

LIAA organized a series of seminars held across the state in June 2007. The seminars offered information and training in the use of tools and techniques for Inter-jurisdictional Diplomacy.

We are pleased to offer a full-length video of the Inter-Jurisdictional Diplomacy Seminar as presented in Traverse City. To order your own copy of the 2-hour video on DVD, visit Partnerships for Change.

Fresh Food Partnership is supported by gifts and grants from people like you as well as a few local charities. This year, we were able to purchase and deliver well over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce valued at over $24,000 to people in need through area food pantries. The Fresh Food Partnership estimates that over 3,400 families received nutritious fresh food to help them through some very difficult times.

We hope you will consider giving the Fresh Food Partnership your support. For example, a tax-deductible gift of $250 will assure that 25 families receive emergency supplies of nutritious fruits and vegetables from local farms.

Visit the Fresh Food Partnership link on the right to learn more about this program and how you can help make a difference.