Water Studies Group

Water Studies Community Breakfast Comments, January 26, 2006

What trends will affect the way you do business in 5 years?

Political	Diversification of the area and political shifts Reduced public funding
Economic	Relocalization and localization of the economy due to peak oil, food, security issues and violence (e.g., GMO's, municipal planning) Area affordability is at risk due to lack of living wage, housing, good jobs Corporate personhood Increasing pressure on natural resources (e.g., 14 different zoning ordinances, no county-wide planning, lack of coordination) Working on a building now to house Mancelona Historical Society museum Non-profit proliferation Michigan's faltering economy Rapid growth in region Lack of funding for education Cuts Health care costs
Environmental	Development/Land use Building/Zoning Invasive species Pandemic disease Water quality Threats to our natural environment affect the enjoyment, natural beauty and ultimately, the economic health of our region. Water wars Increase of urban people attracted by our natural resources but don't understand the best way to exist with it Agriculture - continue as a viable industry (cons. district) promoting products Farming is second to manufacturing in Michigan Trend toward landowners who don't understand their relationship to natural resources and their reponsibility
Social
Cultural	Education about local planning processes affect development styles and regional activity Communities need to be built by raising awareness and reversing the focus on what's "mine;" increase knowledge of commons New state standards focusing on Math and English; Science and Environmental Ed. taking a back seat Increase expectations that nonprofits will provide education services Role of nonprofits Changing educational needs
Technology
Health

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