Today, we’re talking about a litany of Lansing happenings of interest to League members, including our recent testimony on a package of tax reform bills, the Senate passage of the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, and what’s going on with the budget. We also call upon all League members to reach out to their legislators and urge them to oppose House Bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585. Make your voices heard on local decision-making!

The beloved Wolf’s Prairie Playground in the Village of Berrien Springs had reached the end of its life. To create its successor, the Village enlisted local children to draw their ideas. The resulting hand-sculped, inclusive fantasyland features a  kayak, a life-size campfire, and—of course—a zipline. 

In 2025, the City of Port Huron purchased an inert community center from the Housing Commission. The now-revitalized Harvey Center is run by a joint committee of residents, nonprofits, and the City, bringing a slate of community-driven programming to its Southside neighborhood. 

The Village of Holly’s historic Union Depot was in the way of railroad development and slated for destruction. Through a campaign crowdfunding and civic engagement, the Village put the Depot on wheels and rolled it out of the way of danger. 

Today’s show features a packed update on what’s going on at the Capitol, tracking several key issues moving through the Legislature. Plus, a look back at last week’s Legislative Reception and some of the advocacy conversations happening right now with lawmakers. 

This week on Live with the League, we discuss the many rewards and benefits of winning the League’s prestigious Community Excellence Award (CEA)—along with some practical advice on getting started—with Eric Waara, City Manager for the City of Houghton; and Mona Lang, consulting director for the City of Negaunee’s DDA. We then pivot to an update on what’s been going on in Lansing. 

Interested in sharing your community’s placemaking successes for a chance to take home the CEA cup? Be sure to submit your project by April 17, 2026! 

On this week's Live with the League grab bag, we’ll be covering the recently concluded CapCon 2026, a conference at the National League of Cities, some election bill updates, and—of course—everyone's favorite topic: housing. 

We're focusing on the housing bills recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature, including the MI Home Program (now House Bills 5660 and 5661). The housing discussion will continue in Lansing on March 10 during our general session at CapCon 2026. In the meantime, be sure to show your support for the MI Home Program! 

 A Michigan architect describes his life, professional career, and what made him ultimately choose to settle in Negaunee—winner of the 2025 Community Excellence Award. 

Our State & Federal Affairs team gives an update on the recently introduced housing package, plus a call to action for our members, conversations around preemption, and what all this could mean for local government. Also, a breakdown of Governor Whitmer's newly released budget recommendation and what communities should be watching as that process moves forward.