Granholm's Way

In a sharp departure from the policies of her predecessor, former Republican Governor John Engler, Michigan's Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm earlier this year avoided the reluctant, Republican-dominated state Legislature and worked with local officials to establish a new regional transit agency for southeast Michigan. She then reached agreement with Republicans to delay half of the new road and highway expansion projects they wanted and invest the savings in fixing existing highways first. She argues that this brand new direction in transportation policy — less new concrete, better public transit choices — would help to improve Michigan’s economic competitiveness. But Ms. Granholm’s most striking view by far is her insistence that one of the best ways to grow Michigan's economy is to protect its natural beauty and reign in sprawl — the essence of Smart Growth.