So much pressure, sometimes the decision to sell is too hard to pass up. In order to make it viable again to own Michigan s green space and maintain our quality of life we re proposing to change this method of property taxation. Implementing this reform will ease some of the financial stress felt by land owners and make it viable for them to keep Michigan s green space green. This will also discourage unimpeded urban sprawl and encourage investment in the more developed areas of our state. The redevelopment of Michigan s urban brownfields is another important partner in our effort for smart growth.
Every community has brownfields.
Brownfields should be viewed as a resource, not a liability. A brownfield is a second and third chance to improve a community chances we don t enjoy with our open space. Once it s gone it s gone. So part of our smart growth strategy is to take actions that encourage the redevelopment of our brownfields. Actions like the legislation currently moving through the Michigan legislature.