Revitalizing Muskegon’s downtown, drawing shoppers and visitors to the city’s core, and getting the resident alternative energy center into the limelight could put the city on the economic map.
According to excerpts from the story:
What a difference a year makes. The Muskegon City Commission gathered for a day-long, goal-setting session this week and the issue of a downtown casino didn't even surface as commissioners looked into 2009. Last year, working toward a downtown casino was the city's No. 1 goal. Since then, the two Indian tribes that were exploring a downtown casino have gone away.
The city faces an estimated budget deficit of $750,000 for 2010, city staff reported. The commission's No. 1 goal for 2009 costs nothing more than its members' own political capital and energy.
The commission wants to take a leadership role mobilizing the greater community in addressing three issues: -- Helping develop a youth center to get young people ready for the work world. -- Re-energizing the work and focus of Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in downtown Muskegon. -- Bolstering the community's political power, especially to get recognition from state government in Lansing.
Read the complete story here.
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