Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc.

Since it's inception in 1975, the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) has "helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world understand and improve the public spaces in their own communities through education, convening, grant-making, and on-the-ground design and planning services." In recognition of their 50th Anniversary, PPS invited "public space professionals—including planners, designers, place managers, public officials, artists, researchers, activists, and others—to participate in their State of Public Space Survey." Follow this link to learn more and review the survey results: https://lnkd.in/gi_BJbwi #planning #michigan #survey #placemaking #publicspaces #community #design

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs equip students with the academic, technical, and real-world skills and knowledge needed for various careers. Unfortunately, these programs are not consistent across school districts and an effort is underway to determine the future of career and technical education in the State of Michigan. The following Concentrate article covers how a free summit called "The Future Moves with Us," is being sponsored by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD). This important meeting is the beginning of examining the future of CTE in the district. Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eCzzsXZt #planning #Michigan #careers #technical #summit #local #community #skills

As the housing shortage continues across Michigan, the Michigan Association of Planning is hosting a crucial webinar series that will help to ensure local leaders are prepared. The Pro-Housing Webinar Series "prepares community planners, housers, advocates, developers, and local leaders with a collection of policy, regulatory, programmatic, and finance solutions to help your municipality get the housing it needs to provide shelter to all who want to live in your community." The 7-module Pro-Housing Webinar Series runs from January to September 2025 (all webinars are recorded). Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxvXMujH #planning #Michigan #housing #webinar #Solutions #community #municipality

The City of Howell is once again up for "Best Main Street" on USA TODAY's "10 Best Readers' Choice Award." Contest judges stated that "these 20 places with charming main streets ... offer more than just a road; these streets are living history, have a vibrant culture and serve as the hearts of their communities.” Follow this link to learn more and vote: https://lnkd.in/gNBiTVQX #Planning #Michigan #mainstreet #contest #usatoday #readerschoice

In many communities, "people can’t safely walk to where they need or want to go due to a lack sidewalks, crosswalks or other safety features that make streets safe for pedestrians and drivers." Carlisle | Wortman Associates supports the AARP "Livable Communities" program - a group of resources meant as inspiration for local leaders. Their "Walk Audit Tool Kit" provides local leadership with tips and tools on how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood. Follow this link to learn more and download the FREE resources: https://lnkd.in/gAYrYHmq #Planning #Michigan #AARP #walkableneighborhood #local #community #walkability

"Public works projects are infrastructure initiatives funded and constructed by the government to improve public facilities and benefit the community, encompassing areas like roads, bridges, schools, and utilities." As planners, we at Carlisle | Wortman Associates have years of experience working with local municipalities on public works projects. And the following TheLakeshoreWM article discusses how the "City of Muskegon Department of Public Works (DPW) is working to make sure residents understand what’s happening, why these projects are necessary, and how to prepare." Follow this link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dVp48YFa #planning #Michigan #public #projects #community #Benefits #facilities #local #government

The following American Planning Association Planning Magazine article summarizes a conversation with Beneetta Mary Jose, LEED Green Associate, an emerging planner, about "building sustainable systems for all ages, the benefits and challenges of micromobility, and more." According to Jose, "transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B — it's about building the communities and creating systems that serve people better and more equitably, with the smallest footprints on our planet." Follow this link to read the full interview and more: https://lnkd.in/ets5GajG #planning #michigan #Transportation #Equity #community #safety #systems #micromobility #sustainability #Benefits #challenges

Collaboration and cooperation are critical aspects of starting a new business. When a community opens its arms to new ventures it "allows businesses to pool resources, share expertise, cut costs, and potentially leads to innovation and stronger market presence." The following article from Second Wave Media covers three new businesses in the City of Ypsilanti that are working towards opening their doors for the first time. The author interviewed the new beverage businesses (No Label Juice, Water Tower Distilling Co., and Book Love Bar) about their individual entrepreneurial journeys. Each new owner cited how important the community of Ypsilanti has been with the development of their work. Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtRuYzi9 #planning #Michigan #local #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #community #support

“The Michigan State University Extension Citizen Planner Program offers land use education for locally appointed and elected planning officials and interested residents throughout the State of Michigan.” We at CWA support this advanced training that “teaches the fundamentals on roles, responsibilities and best practices for planning and zoning in Michigan.” Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eyr6DE_D #planning #Michigan #bestpractices #training #continuededucation #landuse

While the economic benefits of utilizing solar power to supply energy are understood, the barrier of entry for low-income households is significant. The following MLive.com article covers how a local firm, solarypsi, "wants to pay for solar installation under a plan presented to the City of Ypsilanti City Council on Feb. 18 by founder Dave Strenski." "The full project would cost an estimated $2 million, but could be initiated with 50 homes and an investment of $500,000, according to the proposal. It would be funded through a mixture of public and private grants, Strenski said." Follow this link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eQdAjDeB #planning #Michigan #solar #energy #public #private #grants #funding #lowincome