Problem As in most states, the current system for how land is taxed in Michigan does not encourage investment in unused properties. This lack of investment, especially in struggling urban and rural areas, hurts the economy by hindering opportunities for growth and property development. Solution Representative Townsend supports legislation to […]

Jobs and Entrepreneurship, Smart Government | Jim Townsend | Former Representative | Royal Oak, MI

Problem The general lack of public confidence in government’s ability to make wise investment decisions in transportation leads to underinvestment in such projects, reducing the city’s economic competitiveness and potential for growth. Solution Rep. Townsend has introduced legislation to create outcome measures for transportation infrastructure investments that require the Department […]

Infrastructure | Jim Townsend | Former Representative | Royal Oak, MI

Problem Michigan is struggling to find resources to fix its crumbling roads and public support for spending more money on transportation infrastructure is dwindling unless government can show that these projects are sustainable. Solution Rep. Townsend has proposed legislation this year to require that any jurisdiction seeking to use state […]

Infrastructure | Jim Townsend | Former Representative | Royal Oak, MI

Problem For more than a generation, America has struggled to improve our public schools–especially in our poorest areas. This hurts all of us, because our country’s economic competitiveness depends on our ability to out-educate the rest of the world. Solution Representative Townsend wants to improve public schools by elevating the […]

Education | Jim Townsend | Former Representative | Royal Oak, MI