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Hans Voss Named Managing Director

Associate Director Hans Voss, whose ability to organize and communicate at the grassroots has helped bring about more environmentally sensitive practices in Michigan's oil and gas industry and prevented drilling in the Jordan Valley, has been named Managing Director. In his new role, Hans is responsible for overseeing the Institute's internal operations and enhancing the capabilities of the staff. He will be more involved in budgeting and fund raising, and is establishing a development and marketing program to raise the Institute's visibility in the region, state, and nation. "It is a treat for all of us to work with Hans and share in his triumphs," said Keith Schneider, executive director. "He has amassed a completely impressive body of work. His defense of the Jordan Valley is a vital lesson in intelligent, gallant, unyielding leadership. "This achievement in the face of the reactionary political atmosphere that has settled over Michigan is an eloquent statement of what is possible when vision and determination are joined. Hans has a rare talent. The Institute and all of Michigan are the beneficiaries." Hans is a natural resources specialist who received a bachelor of science degree in resource development from Michigan State University in 1991. He began his career as an environmental consultant in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Hans is proving what is possible at the grassroots when vision and determination are joined. His number at the Institute is 616-882-4723, ext. 12, and his email address is <hans@mlui.org>.

After a year of backpacking through Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe with his wife, Maureen Voss, Hans joined the Institute in July 1995 as North Woods Campaign Coordinator. His mission was to build the effectiveness of the Michigan Energy Reform Coalition (MERC), an alliance seeking significant reform in how the state oversees the $1 billion oil and gas industry. Under Hans' guidance, MERC has grown to 30 organizations and local governments representing more than 200,000 state residents. His work helped make oil and gas development one of the most high-profile grassroots environmental policy issues in Michigan. The alliance has achieved significant reforms, including regulations to reduce noise and environmental damage, and laws protecting mineral owners. G

Institute Gaining National Attention

The Institute is gaining a national reputation for grassroots organizing and communications to curb sprawl. In July, executive director Keith Schneider traveled to Baltimore to address the State Smart Growth Strategies Conference, sponsored by the National Governors' Association. Keith also has been invited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to speak at the second national Smart Growth conference in Dallas this December. "We've developed a model to mobilize the grassroots that is based around training writers to be organizers," said Keith, whose career includes 10 years as a national correspondent for the New York Times. "As journalists, we are accustomed to translating complex ideas into clear language. As organizers, we assist other grassroots groups and local governments to refine their ability to communicate. "The result is we've helped build a larger and more

Keith is traveling around the country to talk about the Institute's success in grassroots organizing to prevent sprawl and protect natural resources while supporting economic growth. You can call him at 616-882-4723, ext. 11. His email address is <keith@mlui.org>.

dynamic movement for reform in our region and throughout Michigan. People in other states, who are struggling with problems caused by sprawl, have heard about our work and they want to know more." In Baltimore, Keith spoke to senior planning, transportation and natural resource management officials from 17 states. He explained that the Institute sees stopping sprawl, rebuilding cities, and protecting farmland and open space as the first great social policy idea of the 21st century. Solving sprawl is as crucial to the economic and cultural health of the nation as the movements to gain civil rights, worker rights, and environmental protection, he said. That is why the Smart Growth concept -- investing state subsidies to improve cities, protect farmland, and preserve the environment -- represents a breakthrough in government policy to halt sprawl. Smart Growth links economics with social policy goals. The state of Maryland is leading the way in implementing a Smart Growth approach. In 1997, after two years of research and community organizing, Maryland's Gov. Parris Glendening signed the Smart Growth Act. It aims to slow suburban sprawl by using the state's $16 billion annual budget to direct spending for roads, schools, public works and buildings, housing, and other new construction to places that already have been developed. Under the new law, which takes effect in October, state agencies also are instructed to deny funding for new construction in outlying regions. Maryland's Smart Growth plan was featured in the Spring 1998 issue of the Great Lakes Bulletin. G