City Speak

Flint To Implement ShotSpotter Technology As A New Tool In The Fight Against Gun Violence

2011-11-18T10:43:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, November 17, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling announced details of a new unique partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and SST, Inc., the world leader and innovator in wide-area acoustic surveillance and gunfire location and alert technology, to subscribe to SST’s ShotSpotter Flex™ solution to detect and locate gunfire incidents and gather gunfire intelligence in its effort to fight crime and gun violence. The Flint Housing Commission is also part of this very important partnership.

The Flint Police Department will use the ShotSpotter Flex service for real-time and immediate gunshot location data, enabling informed decisions for faster and more accurate emergency response, while improving situational intelligence and increasing first responder safety. The ShotSpotter gunfire alert data and intelligence will also provide the Flint Police Department with more forensic evidence leading to more thorough investigations and increased prosecutions for gun-related crime. The data also enhances crime analysis and predictive policing capabilities, helping improve public safety and security.

The City of Flint, along with state and federal officials and community leaders are committed to making Flint a safer community and have initiated this unique partnership to reduce Flint’s gun violence and crime. Funding for this project is coming from several sources in partnership with the City; however, no City funds are being used in this phase of the project. In the partnership, the Flint Police Department will receive the critical gunfire data provided by the ShotSpotter Flex solution and enabled by SST’s sensor infrastructure. The technology will be deployed in areas with high concentrations of illegal gunfire and the Flint Police Department will use the newly attainable data for its strategic and tactical policing operations, crime analysis, investigations, and prosecutorial efforts.

“This partnership is vitally important to helping improve the safety and security of Flint’s residents. We recognize the challenges we’re experiencing with gun violence and its impact on the quality of life for our citizens and the vitality of our community. To be able to do this now without using any City funds is an exceptional opportunity,” said Mayor Walling. “We’re particularly excited about the ShotSpotter Flex solution and expect it to be a great enhancement to our policing initiatives and provide our officers with the information they need to respond faster to gunfire, investigate illegal gun use, and effectively help catch and prosecute perpetrators.”

“We’re confident that our use of the ShotSpotter Flex solution will have a tremendous impact on our efforts to reduce gun violence and illegal gunfire in Flint,” said Flint Chief of Police Alvern Lock. “It is important that law-abiding members of the community know that we are committed to keeping their communities safe from gun violence. It’s equally important for those who commit acts of gun violence to know that we will now have the intelligence to detect gunfire and if they fire a gun illegally, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The ShotSpotter Flex technology is expected to be fully operational in Flint in early 2012.

Vice President Joe Biden's Visit to Flint

2011-10-19T15:48:00.002-04:00

Vice President Joe Biden made a historic visit to the Flint Fire Department on October 12th. In front of a crowd of more than 200 the Vice President delivered a very passionate address on why it's so critical for Congress to pass President Obama's Jobs Bill.

The White House new media department was also in Flint for the VP's visit. They produced a video that features the Vice President along with Flint Fire Fighters and Police Officers. This video is active on the White House website and Blog.

You can view it here.

Mayor Walling Appears On CNN's American Morning

2011-08-04T12:14:00.003-04:00

Mayor Walling joined Trenton, New Jersey Mayor Tony Mack on Thursday morning's edition of CNN American Morning discussing Flint and national financial challenges.

Click here to view the clip.

City of Flint Police Volunteer Training Begins August 8th

2011-08-03T14:46:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve your community? Please consider becoming a member of the City of Flint Blue Badge Volunteer Corps. Blue Badge is built upon the principals of community policing and is the umbrella for crime fighting initiatives organized by the City of Flint that involve active participation from residents.

Blue Badge volunteers play a vital role in supplementing police resources through such activities as neighborhood block clubs, participating in crime watch and crime prevention activities, staffing mini-stations in each of the city's nine wards and assisting in such areas a traffic control, special events and dignitary details.

Beginning August 8th the city will conduct a series of six training sessions for resident interested in becoming police volunteers. Police volunteers assist the Flint Police Department with crowd and traffic control for major events, administrative duties, dignitary details and community relations functions.

It is required that you attend all training sessions and successfully pass a background check before becoming an official Blue Badge Police Volunteer

These training sessions will cover a wide range of topics and all sessions will be held in the roll call room of the Flint Police Department, 210 E. Fifth Street, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on the following days:

August 8, 2011
Topic: Policy Procedures, City Ordinances,
and Legal Updates
August 9, 2011
Topic: Traffic and Crowd Control
September 12, 2011
Topic: Personal Safety
September 13, 2011
Topic: De-escalating Conflict
September 19, 2011
Topic: Radio Communications
September 20, 2011
Topic: Report Writing

Space is limited. All participants must confirm their attendance no later than 4:00 pm August 8th by contacting Officer Tanya Meeks at tmeeks@cityofflint.com or (810) 237-6926.

Together we are building Flint’s 21st Century Sustainable Community with safe streets, new jobs, strong neighborhoods and opportunity for all.

Will You Support A Public Safety Millage?

2010-11-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

The City of Flint is exploring all options to generate new revenue to maintain a high level of public safety services in this community. One idea being considered is a Public Safety Millage. There are two proposals being considered.

One would levy an additional tax on real and personal property in an amount not to exceed four (4 mills). This would generate approximately $5M in the first year.

The other proposal calls to levy an addiitonal tax on real and personal property in an amount not to exceed six (6 mills). This proposal also includes the Flint Fire Department and would generate approximately $7.5M in the first year.

What are your thoughts on a Public Safety Millage? Would you be willing to pay more to maintain public safety services in Flint? You can share your thoughts about the Public Safety Millage proposals with Mayor Walling via email at mayor@cityofflint.com.

Below is the actual language of the two proposals being considerd.

Four (4 Mills) Proposal:
Shall Section 7.201 (A) (4) be added to the Charter of the City of Flint to authorize the City to levy an additional tax on real and personal property in an amount not to exceed four (4) mills for 6 years, from 2011 through 2017, for the sole purpose of paying for public safety services, including a city wide community police program and operation of a city jail? It is estimated that 4 mils would raise approximately $5,000,000 in the first year.

Six (6 Mills) Proposal:
Shall Section 7.201 (A) (4) be added to the Charter of the City of Flint to authorize the City to levy an additional tax on real and personal property in an amount not to exceed six (6) mills for 6 years, from 2011 through 2017, for the sole purpose of paying for public safety services, including a city wide community police program,operating a city jail, and provide fire department services? It is estimated that 6 mils would raise approximately $ 7,500,000 in the first year.

City To Begin Fall Leaf Clean-Up November 1, 2010

2010-10-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

The City of Flint will being its annual Fall Clean-Up program on Monday, November 1, 2010 through Friday, November 26, 2010.

Yard signs will be posted one week in advance of when city maintenance crews will begin
clean-up in a certain area. City crews will only go through an area once for leaf pick-up. Any remaining leaves should be bagged and placed at the curb. Bagged leaves will be picked up with regular scheduled compost pick-up. Compost collection ends November 27, 2010.

City crews will perform the fall leaf clean-up from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. In an effort to maximize clean-up operations residents are asked to not park vehicles on the street between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the week fall clean-up is scheduled in their area.

City Hall To House Criminal Division of 68th District Court

2010-10-11T16:04:00.003-04:00

The Criminal Division of Flint’s 68th District Court is temporarily relocating to the lower level of Flint City Hall beginning at 8:00 am Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

The court’s three criminal judges: Cathy Dowd; Nathaniel Perry; and Tracy Collier-Nix will preside over cases from courtrooms that have established in the basement of City Hall. This temporary arrangement is expected to remain in effect until further notice.

On September 6, 2010 a flood occurred at the McCree Building where 68th District Court is located. The flood made it impossible for the court to continue operating out of the McCree Building. The Civil Division of the court has been temporarily relocated to the Great Lakes Tech Center, 4400 South Saginaw Street, Suite #1250. The Civil Division handles general civil, landlord tenant, small claims and traffic violation matters. The Criminal Division of the court will operate from the lower level of City Hall, 1101 South Saginaw Street. Court hours are from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at both locations.

Members of the public with court matters should enter City Hall through the main doors off Saginaw Street and take the elevator to the basement level. The court is located to the right of the elevators.

Street parking is available around City Hall on Saginaw Street, Fifth Street, and Seventh Street. Free parking is available at a public lot on Seventh Street, just east of Saginaw Street.

Elias Abuelazam Is Charged With Murder

2010-09-20T15:01:00.003-04:00

During a press conference Monday morning Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced several new charges against Elias Abuelazam, the suspect in a series of stabbings and murders in Flint and Genesee County.

Abuelazam, who is being held in the Genesee County Jail charged with one count of assault with intent to murder, was charged Monday with four additional counts of assault with intent to murder. These new counts are related to the stabbings of three men from Flint and one from Genesee Township.

Prosecutor Leyton also announced the first murder charge against Abuelazam. The suspect ischarged with the August 2, 2010 stabbing death of Arnold Minor. “The victims DNA profile or blood was found inside the suspect’s vehicle,” said Prosecutor Leyton. The Prosecutor is waiting for results from evidence at the Michigan State Crime Lab to determine if Abuelazam will face more charges.

Abuelazam is suspected of stabbing 14 people in Genesee County, killing 5. He is also
suspected of similar assaults in Ohio and Virginia.

For several days in early August, Flint was a community on edge after police alerted
residents of a possible serial stabber. More than 400 tips were called in to the tip
line about the possible whereabouts and identity of the suspected killer. On August 11,2010, 33 year old Abuelazam was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia while preparing to board a plane to Israel.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling credits the community with helping investigators capture thesuspect. “Because someone was willing to share information about a crime this community now breathes a sigh of relief knowing this suspected killer is off the streets. “There are many unsolved crimes in our community just waiting for someone to speak up. We need more peopleto come forward and share information about crimes that have been committed.”

South Half of Kettering Gateway Project Set To Open August 2, 2010

2010-08-01T22:46:00.002-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling along with Congressman
Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) and other public officials, contractors, and representatives from Kettering University, will announce the opening of the south half of the Kettering Gateway Project on Monday, August 2, 2010.

When completed the $3M project will connect I-69 to Kettering University through a more direct route from Hammerberg Road to Chevrolet Avenue.

Funding for the project came from federal stimulus funds, provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and more than $1M in funding secured by Congressman Kildee through the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

August 2, 2010 Flint Police Volunteer Training Rescheduled

2010-08-01T22:44:00.002-04:00

The City of Flint has rescheduled the Flint Police Volunteer Training for August 2, 2010 at 6:00PM at the MTA Downtown Terminal. The new date for the training is Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 6:00PM at the MTA Downtown Terminal in the Rosa Parks Room.

The Flint Police Volunteer Training is a part of the City of Flint’s ongoing training sessions for residents interested in being a member of the Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps. These training sessions also include Mini Station Volunteer Training and Crime Watch Training.

The Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps was implemented by Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. It provides an amazing opportunity for government and residents to work together. Blue Badge is built upon the principals of community policing. Community policing means community members are the ‘eyes and ears’ for police, addressing both crime and quality of life issues. The Blue Badge Patrol is the umbrella for all City of Flint crime fighting initiatives that involve active participation from residents, including block clubs, crime watches, mini station and police volunteers.

City To Host Ceasefire Community Meeting

2010-07-12T13:02:00.001-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling joins Flint Area Congregations Together
To Host Ceasefire Community Meeting
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT) will host a Ceasefire community meeting. This free community event will be held Tuesday July 13, 2010 at 6:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 746 South Saginaw Street.
Chief Jim Fealy of the High Point, North Carolina Police Department will be the featured speaker.

Chief Fealy will discuss how the Ceasefire Public Safety initiative helped turn his city around. The City of High Point implemented the Ceasefire model in 1997 and has reported a more than 50 percent reduction in crime in their community.

The Flint Ceasefire public safety initiative is built on the foundation of strong enforcement coupled with coordinated opportunities for rehabilitation for some offenders. Flint Ceasefire relies on strong partnerships among law enforcement, social service providers, government, faith leaders and the community. During the Ceasefire community meeting residents will learn how they can join with this coalition to help make Flint safer.

The Flint Ceasefire initiative is comprised of several key components including: community mobilization, public education, data driven enforcement, selection of targeted offenders and youth outreach and violence interruption. The program draws on several models including High Point, NC Drug Market Intervention (DMI) and the Chicago Ceasefire Initiative.

The City of Flint has requested more than $2.5M in federal grants for the implementation of this program. Mayor Dayne Walling says with or without the federal grant dollars the city is committed to implementing Ceasefire. "The residents of this community have told me that public safety is their top priority. The police chief and I are committed to an effective crime reduction strategy," said Mayor Walling. The Ceasefire Public Safety model has been effective in other cities; I believe it can be effective in our community too."

City Begins Blue Badge Volunteer Corps Training

2010-07-12T13:00:00.001-04:00

Beginning Tuesday, July 13, 2010 the City of Flint will begin Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps Training. The training sessions are for residents interested in being a volunteer at one of the city’s police mini-stations; a neighborhood crime watch; or Flint Police volunteer.

Mayor Dayne Walling’s Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps is the umbrella for all City of Flint crime fighting initiatives that involve active participation from residents, including block clubs, crime watches, mini stations and police volunteers.

The program offers an amazing opportunity for government and residents to work together. It is built upon the principles of community policing. Community policing means community members are the ‘eyes and ears’ for police, addressing both crime and quality of life issues.
“It is partnerships between residents, business owners, and police working together that have a positive impact on reducing neighborhood crime, reducing fear of crime and enhancing the quality of life in the community,” said Mayor Dayne Walling.

Training and successfully passing a background check is required for all participants in the Blue Badge Patrol Volunteer Corps.

Training sessions have been scheduled for the following days:

Blue Badge Training Sessions
Mini Station Volunteer Training
July 13, 2010 - 9:30AM - Haskell Community Center
July 14, 2010 – 2:00 PM – Haskell Community Center
Crime Watch Training
July 26, 2010 – 6:00PM – Urban League of Flint
July 28, 2010 – 6:00PM – MCC Regional Technology Center (Auditorium)
Flint Police Volunteer Training
August 2, 2010 – 6:00PM – MTA Downtown Terminal (Rosa Parks Room)
August 4, 2010 – 10:00AM – Flint Public Library

City Of Flint Residents Advised Against The Illegal Use of Fire Hydrants

2010-07-06T14:14:00.003-04:00

The use of fire hydrants by unauthorized persons is a violation of
Flint City Ordinance and presents a public safety threat.

City of Flint officials are advising residents to not turn on fire hydrants for relief from the sweltering heat of summer. The use of fire hydrants by unauthorized persons is a violation of Flint city ordinance and presents a public safety threat.

The ordinance is found in the Flint city charter under section 46-15 - Use of Hydrants without Permission. It shall be unlawful for any person, other than city employees, to use hydrants without first having obtained permission from the Fire Chief and the Superintendent of Water Supply. Violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor offense.

There is also a risk of injury to the persons involved when these hydrants are being turned on illegally. The illegal use of fire hydrants can also cause a public safety threat as well. The city’s fire suppression is at risk whenever hydrants are turned on illegally. The illegal use of fire hydrants can make it impossible for the city to supply enough water in emergency situations causing the possible loss of life, buildings and homes.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling Will Not Veto Adopted Budget

2010-06-14T16:18:00.000-04:00

Compromise will Bring Back Every Week Garbage Collection

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling announced today that he will not veto the 2011 fiscal year budget. The budget was unanimously adopted by the 9 member Flint City Council on June 7, 2010. It takes effect July 1, 2010. The compromise will allow every week garbage collection to begin later next month.

“This budget reflects a lot of hard work and and financial responsibility on the part of Council. 95 percent of this budget is exactly what I proposed. It’s only 5 percent that Council and I disagree on,” said Mayor Walling. “I am willing to compromise while we make changes to live within our revenues and provide high quality services for the residents of the City of Flint.”

Walling expressed concerns about the long-term viability of the every week garbage collection but is satisifed that Council will work with the administration on necessary changes.

The fiscal year 2011 budget is effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

Mayor Dayne Walling considers veto of City Council adopted budget

2010-06-10T09:14:00.003-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said in a press conference Wednesday that he is considering a veto of the budget adopted Monday by the Flint City Council.

"We agree on 95% of the budget it's the 5% that we are in disagreement on. I'm most concerned about the steep cuts the council made to Community and Economic Development at a time when this community is in desperate need of jobs and new job creation," said Mayor Walling.

The Mayor has until June 16th to veto the proposed budget.

Mayor meets with Swedish Biogas officials during trip to Sweden

2010-06-10T09:07:00.003-04:00

Mayor Dayne Walling in Sweden touring the Swedish Biogas plant with
Flint CEO for Biogas and also the International COO for Biogas.

Flint will soon have one of these gravity belt thickener pictured in the background as part of the treatment process for the biomethane digester for the swedish biogas operation at the city's wastewater treatment plan.

Governor Jennifer Granholm Responds To City's Request For Increased State Police Presence In the City

2010-05-27T16:11:00.004-04:00

Governor Granholm says call by some for National Guard Intervention is not warranted or necessary for this situation.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Mayor Dayne Walling today announced that the city’s request for additional presence of Michigan State Police (MSP) in the city of Flint is being honored and went into effect last night.

The announcement follows a series of conference calls late Wednesday between the governor, the mayor, Michigan State Police Director Col. Eddie Washington, Jr., and Flint Public Safety Director Alvern Lock.

“Public safety is our top priority, and we stand ready to assist our local partners to ensure that citizens are protected and remain safe,” Granholm said today. “For that reason, we are honoring Mayor Walling’s request that additional resources from the Michigan State Police be made available to the residents of Flint.”

“We share the governor’s commitment to public safety, and we are grateful to the Michigan State Police increasing their presence in our city,” Walling said. “These are difficult budget times that have resulted in very difficult decisions, but with the assistance of the Michigan State Police, we can stem the tide of violence in our city.”

Beginning last night, the MSP tripled its uniform presence in the city and will work with the Flint Police Department to ensure that there is a visible law enforcement presence in the city. The Michigan State Police has been actively involved in law enforcement within the city limits, where it has maintained a uniform and investigative presence for the past five years.

There has been no request for assistance from the Michigan National Guard, which the governor confirmed is not warranted or appropriate in this instance.

Buick City Clean-Up Plan Finalized

2010-05-19T11:42:00.002-04:00

EPA FINALIZES BUICK CITY CLEAN-UP PLAN

Plan is released 1 day after the Federal Government announces a trust of nearly $1Billion for the clean-up and redevelop of dozens of former General Motors sites across the country

The final U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan for the clean-up of Buick City comes on the heels of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers announcement Tuesday of a landmark federal framework to speed the cleanup and redevelopment of shuttered auto facilities resulting from the GM bankruptcy. The federal government is investing nearly $836 Million to put facilities back into productive use, with hopes of creating jobs and economic growth in communities across the country.

EPA Region 5 today announced its final decision on an estimated $5 million to $7 million cleanup plan to address historical contamination on the South end portion of the former General Motors Buick City property in Flint, Mich.

The South end portion of the 452-acre property includes the area south of Leith Street, bounded to the east by Cole Boulevard and the Flint River and to the south by Harriet Street.

Due to General Motors’ bankruptcy, Motors Liquidation Corp. is the successor company and current owner of the site. Buick City’s south end is the first of the former General Motors sites to have a final cleanup plan. The EPA will oversee the cleanup work in consultation with Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

“Finalizing the cleanup plan is a key milestone in the future redevelopment of Buick City,” said Margaret Guerriero, director of EPA Region 5’s Land and Chemicals Division. “Most of the cleanup work will be subsurface or in isolated areas of the site. The cleanup should not impact—or slow down—any plans for a new business that wants to operate on the property.”

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling is excited about the opportunity for redevelopment of this site. “It’s great news for our community that Buick City is the first former General Motors manufacturing site in the country with an approved reclamation plan. A potential investor has already expressed interest in purchasing this location for a future intermodal operation,” said Mayor Walling. “With this plan in place and the federal financial commitment to the clean-up and redevelopment process, it’s akin to having our very own stimulus fund. This is a game changer for Flint. It opens the door for us to create jobs, recycle properties, and become more competitive in this 21st century global economy.”

With the cleanup plan finalized, the next step is for the EPA to receive a detailed project implementation plan from MLC’s contractors. Most work at the site will begin in 2011. Through the fall and winter, area residents may occasionally see sampling teams or other environmental workers at the site.

For more information, including a fact sheet for the plan as it was proposed in February, see www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/sites/buickcity/. An information repository with site documents has been established at the Flint Main Branch Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St.

ABOUT BUICK CITY
- Automotive production at the Buick City property began in the 1890s
- The Buick Motor Co. moved to Flint in 1903 and became a division of General Motors when that corporation was formed in 1908
- The facility also produced military equipment during World Wars I and II
- Manufacturing operations at the South end portion of the site ceased in 1999
- More than 15 million Buicks were built at the Buick City complex
- During the 1970’s, General Motors employed nearly 30,000 people at the Buick City - it was the largest UAW local in the U.S.

ABOUT MLC OWNED PROPERTY IN FLINT
- Michigan has over 4000 acres of MLC property

- Flint area has over 850 acres of MLC property, which is more than 20 percent of the
Michigan total

- City of Flint proper has 640 acres of MLC property and 4.7 million sq. ft. of buildings

- City of Flint has the most MLC land of any city in the country

Mayor Dayne Walling Will Attend Summit on Auto Impacted Communities

2010-05-12T13:31:00.002-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling will travel to Washington D.C. to attend a summit on auto impacted communities. The Auto Communities and the Next Economy: Partnerships in Innovation summit is being hosted by the White House and Washington based Brookings Institution.

Mayor Walling will be joined at the conference by mayors from across the country whose communities have been negatively impacted by the decline of the automotive industry. The summit will focus on American auto communities and their role in the future.

“This summit provides a unique opportunity for Mayor’s of the country’s hardest hit auto communities to come together and share with the federal government what is needed to help turn our communities around,” said Mayor Walling. “No other community in the country has been impacted the way Flint has from the downturn of the automotive sector. I am looking forward to an engaging and productive discussion around the revitalization of American auto communities.”

The summit will be held in Washington D.C. May 17 – 18, 2010.

About Brookings Institute
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Whose mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:
Strengthen American democracy;
Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and
Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.

Mayor Walling Talks Trash Collection, Compost, and the Return of Firefighers During Weekly Message

2010-05-11T13:28:00.004-04:00

Please click here to view the Mayor's weekly video message for May 10, 2010.

City Of Flint Brings Back 34 Laid Off Firefighters

2010-05-11T13:24:00.003-04:00

This addition brings the total number of firefighters in the department to 100

The City of Flint has re-hired 34 previously laid off firefighters. The layoffs date back to 2007 including 21 firefighters who were laid off as of March 24, 2010. The city plans to hire 5 additional firefighters by July 1, 2010, bringing the total number of
re-hires and new hires to 39.

The city of Flint received a $6.7M Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from FEMA, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, to bring the fire department staffing levels to 105. The grant which covers salaries and benefits for 39 firefighters is effective from May 10, 2010 through May 10, 2012.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling applauds the efforts of FEMA for funding 100% of the city’s grant request. “This is great news for the community. We asked for funding for 39 firefighters and we received it,” said Mayor Walling. “Just recently the city was forced to layoff nearly 2 dozen firefighters. This grant not only restores those 21 laid off firefighters but it also adds more than a dozen more firefighters to the ranks making this the largest fire department this community has had in several years.”

The increase in staffing in the Flint fire department has made it possible for the city to re-open two previously closed fire stations. Fire Station #8 on Atherton Road and Fire Station #3 on Martin Luther King Avenue are open and serving the community as of May 10, 2010.

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Expanding Into Flint Bringing More Than 1,000 Jobs Over The Next Five Years

2010-04-20T18:54:00.003-04:00

Mayor Dayne Walling Welcomes The Expansion Of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Into Flint. Expansion expected to bring 1,000+ new jobs to the City of Flint over the next five years

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, the nation’s largest privately held specialty pharmacy company, has received a $61.5 million tax credit from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board for a new headquarters and expansion in Flint at the Great Lakes Technology Centre where the company expects to add more than 1,000 jobs over the next five years.

Diplomat was notified of the 18-year tax credit during today’s MEGA board meeting in Lansing. The MEGA board provides refundable tax credits against the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) to companies expanding or relocating their operations in Michigan. Flint beat out competing sites in Ohio and Texas for the multi-million dollar project.

In addition, the company will receive a $14-million grant over 10 years for worker training through Career Alliance, Inc., a Michigan Works agency serving Genesee and Shiawassee counties.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said this is a significant step toward substantial job creation in the city. “We are excited about the possibility of the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs in the City of Flint over the next five years in the rapidly growing life sciences and healthcare field,” said Mayor Walling. “The majority of these new jobs will be filled with residents from right here in our community who have been trained through Career Alliance. With this expansion of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy we are positioning ourselves as a regional leader in health technology and life sciences.”

“This is great news for the City Of Flint. All aspects of the healthcare industry are growing. I am hoping with the expansion of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy into our city it serves as a springboard to attract similar business to our area with the same kind of job creation and economic development potential,” said Delrico Loyd, President, Flint City Council.

Diplomat will invest $12M over the next five years into the expansion. The company plans to purchase the 340,000 square foot building at the Great Lakes Technology Centre on south Saginaw Street and begin consolidating operations from its current headquarters on Elms Road in Flint Township. The transition is expected to begin in 90 days.

“The award to Diplomat means Michigan can further position itself as a life sciences leader, attracting new and complementary businesses that support the rejuvenation of the Flint business landscape and the appeal of Michigan as a hotbed of ingenuity and health care talent,” said Phil Hagerman, Diplomat’s president, CEO and co-founder. “We thank Governor Granholm, the MEGA board, the City of Flint and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce for their support in assuring that Diplomat will remain a Michigan-based company.”

For more information about Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, including company history, executive team, project details, hiring plans and other information, visit http://projectpromise.diplomatpharmacy.com. Additional employment information will be available from Career Alliance (http://www.gsworks.org/).

Mayor Dayne Walling In NYC For Mayor's Institute On City Design Conference

2010-04-15T13:27:00.001-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling is spending the week in New York City attending the Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD) conference. Mayor Walling is one of six mayors from across the country who has been invited to attend the session. The MICD is taking place April 14–16 in New York City and is the first in MICD’s 24-year history to be held in America’s largest city.

As an invited Mayor to the conference, Mayor Walling’s expenses to attend are covered by the MICD. “This is an excellent opportunity for me to connect with some of the best urban planners in the country. What I take away from this experience will be invaluable as we begin comprehensive master planning in the city of Flint,” said Mayor Walling.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is hosting Mayor Walling along with Mayor Carl Brewer, Wichita, KS; Mayor George K. Heartwell, Grand Rapids, MI; Mayor Lori C. Moseley, Miramar, FL; Mayor Joseph C. O’Brien, Worcester, MA; Mayor A. C. Wharton Jr., Memphis, TN; and Mayor Jay Williams, Youngstown, OH.

MICD has assembled an outstanding resource team to guide the mayors through the design process: Robert Freedman, MRAIC, AICP, LSUC, Director of Urban Design, Toronto, Canada; Gordon Gill, AIA, Partner, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, LLP, Chicago, IL; Toni L. Griffin, Urban Design and Planning for the American City, Newark, NJ; Walter J. Hood Jr., Principal, Hood Design, Oakland, CA; Michael P. Kelly, General Manager, New York City Housing Authority, New York, NY; Bonnie Nelson, Principal, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, San Francisco, CA; and Russell Perry, FAIA, LEED AP, VP and Managing Director, SmithGroup, Washington, DC.

The Mayors’ Institute on City Design is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors and the American Architectural Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, the Mayors' Institute has worked with more than 800 mayors, transforming communities across the country by preparing mayors to become the chief urban designers of their cities. Industrial waterfront conversion, transit-oriented development, public housing redesign, neighborhood sustainability, and civic space design are just a few of the topics addressed at recent meetings of the Mayors’ Institute.

Mayor Dayne Walling Begins Weekly Video Messaging

2010-04-08T15:51:00.004-04:00

This week Flint Mayor Dayne Walling recorded his first weekly video message. His inaugural video message included a review of public safety issues, every other week trash collection, city golf courses and the upcoming budget.

The video message can be viewed on the city's website http://www.cityofflint.com/. Video messages are also uploaded to YouTube. Please click here to view the mayor's first video message.

Mayor Dayne Walling Discusses SAFER Grant On WNEM's "Ask The Mayor" Segment

2010-04-08T15:42:00.004-04:00

Mayor Dayne Walling answered questions about the SAFER grant and the city's golf courses on his weekly Ask The Mayor segment on WNEM TV-5. Please click here to see the interview.

City of Flint Partners with Genesee County Land Bank on Trash and Weed Abatement Program

2010-04-08T15:34:00.002-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and Doug Weiland, Executive Director of the Genesee County Land Bank unveiled the details of the partnership during a press conference today.

Under the partnership the Land Bank will conduct weed and trash abatement activities throughout the City of Flint at no cost to the city. The City of Flint will provide, at no cost, the use of the pole building at the Oak Businesses Center for storage of equipment and as a central work site for the Land Bank to conduct weed and trash abatement.

Mayor Dayne Walling says the partnership will be a great help to the City of Flint during a time when resources are stretched and maintenance demands remain steady. “This is great for our community. This partnership with the Genesee County Land Bank is going to make our neighborhoods cleaner and more attractive this summer and it’s not going to impact our budget,” said Mayor Walling.

Funding for the weed and trash abatement program is provided through federal stimulus money. The program will run through October 29, 2010. Under the program the city of Flint has been divided into 21 service areas. Work crews will go through these service areas three times each during the length of the program. They will perform trash and weed abatement activities that include: trash and weed removal; vacant lot maintenance, including mowing; and boarding and securing homes citywide on a complaint basis.

“The real beneficiaries of this partnership with the City are the residents of Flint. While this is tough, dirty work, our crews are rewarded by the appreciation they see on the faces of the residents every day,” said Doug Weiland, Executive Director, Genesee County Land Bank.

Since its inception in 2002, the Genesee County Land Bank has taken the lead in applying the economic tools created under this new system by playing an active role in stabilizing neighborhoods and revitalizing the City of Flint and the surrounding areas.

The Land Bank encourages re-use of more than 4,000 residential, commercial and industrial properties that it has acquired through the tax foreclosure process. This is accomplished through partnerships with public, private and non-profit partners as well as with the proceeds from the tax foreclosure process, proceeds from GCLB sales and rental programs, grants, loans, and bonds.

The Land Bank has 10 programs: Planning and Outreach, Brownfield Redevelopment, Development, Adopt-a-Lot, Clean and Green, Demolition, Housing Renovation, Sales, Side Lot Transfer and Foreclosure Prevention.

For more information contact Dawn Jones, City of Flint Communications Director at (810) 237-2039 or dfjones@cityofflint.com or the
Genesee County Land Bank at (810) 257-3088.

City Of Flint Begins Every Other Week Trash Collection

2010-03-24T16:55:00.005-04:00

Begins March 29th in the Red Zone
and April 5th in the Blue Zone

Flint, Michigan – March 23, 2010 – Monday night before members of the Flint City Council, Mayor Dayne Walling announced that the city will implement it’s every other week trash collection program beginning March 29, 2010.

Mayor Walling said the program is an effort to help save cost at a time when the city is facing a multi-million dollar budget deficit. “Through every other week trash collection the city will save approximately $20,000 a week and more than a million dollars over the next fiscal year. These savings will add up as we continue to work to balance our budget,” said Mayor Walling.

Under the every other week trash collection schedule the City of Flint is divided into a blue zone and red zone to identify the every other week trash collection routes.

The every other week trash collection schedule for red zone residents begins Monday, March 29, 2010. For residents in the blue zone, their new trash collection schedule will begin Monday, April 5, 2010. Everyone’s trash collection day will remain the same, only the frequency of the collection will change from once a week to every other week.

Residents are being notified of the change through a direct mail campaign. Residents living in the red zone will receive a red brochure with details of their every other week trash collection schedule. For residents within the blue zone they will receive a blue brochure with details of their every other week trash collection. Residents will begin receiving the mailers the week of March 22nd.

For more information please click here or call the Mayor's office at
(810) 766-7346.

Mayor Dayne Walling Talks About Possible Casino In Flint with WJR Radio Host Frank Beckmann

2010-03-08T17:55:00.003-05:00

The interview aired live on March 2, 2010 on Detroit's WJR News/Talk 760.
Please click here to listen to the interview

Mayor Dayne Walling Delivers His First State Of The City Address

2010-03-03T11:46:00.002-05:00

On Thursday February 25, 2010 Flint Mayor Dayne Walling delivered his first State of the City address before a packed city council chamber. The tone of the speech was truthful...but hopeful.

Please click here for a transcript of the entire speech.

Flint City Hall Will Be Open On Remaining 10 Employee Layoff Days

2010-03-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

Mayor Dayne Walling is rescinding approximately 109 AFSCME Local #1600 layoff notices. The city’s largest employee union did not reach a letter of understanding with the administration on the12 employee layoff days.

According to language in the AFSCME Local #1600 union contract employees cannot have their work week reduced to below 40 hours without a letter of understanding. The city has reimbursed eligible members for the 2 employee layoff days that have already been taken. For the remaining 10 layoff days local #1600 employees will report to work at city hall and the municipal building will be open for business.

The administration did sign a letter of understanding agreeing to 12 employee layoff days with AFSCME Local #1799. Employees of this local, as well as exempt employees and appointees will continue take the remaining employee layoff days on a modified schedule.

“The layoff days were an effort to achieve cost savings without indefinite layoffs of city employees. Because we could not reach an agreement with local #1600 on this effort, the city will now realize these costs savings through indefinite layoffs of AFSCME Local #1600 members,” said Mayor Walling.

The following dates reflect the days Flint City Hall will now be open to the public.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010

Happy Birthday Mayor Dayne Walling

2010-03-03T11:14:00.004-05:00

Happy 36th Birthday
Mayor Dayne Walling

Mayor's Car Sold To The Highest Bidder

2010-02-16T14:08:00.002-05:00

Mayor Dayne Walling's Official City Car, a 2000 LeSabre with a Flint built engine, sold for $4,650.00 at the Auto Auction.

The Mayor's Official City Car To Be Auctioned

2010-02-16T09:20:00.001-05:00

Mayor Walling’s official city car will be auctioned Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The auction will begin at 10:00 am at Complete Towing at 3401 North Dort Highway, Flint, Michigan.

Mayor Dayne Walling announced earlier this month that he would be providing the Mayor’s Car for auction as another cost savings effort during these challenging financial times in the city.
The 2000 Buick LaSabre will be among more than 100 vehicles being auctioned. These cars will be sold to the highest bidder.

A minimum $120.00 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold vehicles until the final payment deadline. All final payments will be due by the close of business Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the City Treasurer’s/Customer Service office located at City Hall. Deposits will be taken in advance by the Treasurer of the City of Flint at the impound office.

All minimum bidding will begin at $120.00. The city reserves the right of one bid.

The auction is being sponsored by City of Flint Department of Purchases and Supplies and the Flint Police Department.

City Of Flint Employee Layoff Days Will Begin February 5th

2010-02-03T18:05:00.003-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling provided details of his latest costs savings measure during his weekly press briefing Wednesday afternoon

Mayor Dayne Walling announced today that all non-public safety city employees will take 12 unpaid days off through the remainder of the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.

The City of Flint is facing a tough financial forecast. Last weekend in a 7 hour session auditors presented city officials with a mid-budget year financial update. The audit revealed a projected $8 million dollar budget shortfall in the general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.

“I am committed to fiscal responsibility and ending the budget year with a balanced budget. To achieve this, with a looming projected $8 million dollar deficit, my administration has to consider every cost cutting measure to bring our budget into balance,” said Mayor Walling. “These cost saving measures are going to impact us all, including my administration, city employees and their families as well as the residents and tax payers of this city who deserve a fiscally responsible city hall.”

The city has been working collaboratively with its unions to reach an agreement on how to best meet these financial challenges while preserving jobs. “I am encouraged by the spirit of cooperation our union leadership has taken during these very sensitive and in many ways unprecedented negotiations that have taken place over the past several weeks.”

The city continues to engage in talks with its police and fire unions in hopes of reaching an agreement on immediate cost savings that can be enacted to avert any layoffs of police and fire personnel. Mayor Walling remains optimistic that an agreement will soon be reached.

Mayor Walling announced that the city has reached an agreement of
understanding with ASFCME Local #1799 on an immediate cost saving measure. He expressed optimism that the same agreement of understanding will be reached with the city’s largest union AFSCME Local #1600.

Beginning Friday, February 5, 2010 all non-public safety employees including Mayor Walling, his appointees, and exempt employees will take 12 non paid lay off days during the remainder of this fiscal year. These 12 days are projected to save the city $410,000.

These 12 layoff days will result in the closure of City of Flint Municipal Building Offices,with the exception of the Municipal Building South entrance where the following departments are located: Rental Inspections, Demolitions, Traffic Engineering, and Building Safety Inspections. These departments will remain open.

Also the city’s 24 hour operations: Public Safety, 9-1-1, Water and Sewer will not be affected by the closure. Trash collection will continue as scheduled and the city’s Senior and Recreation Centers will remain open. Cost savings in these departments - not funded by the general fund - are currently being explored.

Flint’s 68th District Court will also not be affected by the 12 layoff days and will remain open. In lieu of lay-off days, the 68th District Court is offering $120,000 in wages and salaries to help close the budget gap.

These two measures will save the city just over a half million dollars. “There is much more that we must do to balance the budget. We are hopeful that we will get an agreement with our public safety unions on concessions for a general fund savings of over $2 million dollars,” said Mayor Walling.

Mayor Walling provided details of other cost savings measures that are being put into place to fill the budget hole.

The city is hoping to achieve an approximate $670,000 savings through adjustments to funds other than the General Fund, which would reduce the burden on the general fund for covering those deficits. These measures include:
• Consolidating golf services to one City of Flint course for a savings of $420,000
• Cutbacks in Parks Millage Fund for a savings of $110,000
• Cutbacks in Building Inspections for a savings of $140,000
A number of cost savings measures were approved in December 2009 that will allow the budget to be adjusted downwards by a total of $2.27 million including:
• Spending conservatively, across the board for a $1 million plus savings
• Health care coverage changes (as allowed by contracts with retirees) in the amount of $750,000
• Indirect cost plan changes in the amount of $220,000.
Other costs savings are also being considered. “These are tough times, but I am committed to meeting this challenge. It will not be easy, but it cannot be business as usual here at city hall. We must live within our means and provide the services of government that we can afford,” said Mayor Walling.

The following dates reflect the days Flint City Hall will be closed due to employee layoff days:
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010

What Is Neighborhood Action?

2010-01-27T21:13:00.002-05:00

Neighborhood Action is about citizens defining Flint’s future and creating a common foundation for economic development, public safety, and other community improvements. Neighborhood Action is designed to allow residents the opportunity to help guide the deployment of limited resources in ways that best meet their needs and desires. It is a citywide initiative that covers every ward and builds on the assets of every area. Phase one is aimed at identifying strategic priorities and discussing assets and challenges. Phase two is centered on turning priorities into projects and assets into action items. Phase three is focused on outlining resources and accountability to ensure the neighborhood plans are implemented.
Neighborhood Action is about partnerships. Joining with Mayor Walling and the City of Flint Department of Community and Economic Development are a number of partners including: Neighborhoods Small Grants Program Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint; The Ruth Mott Foundation Applewood Initiative for Gardening and Community; Resource Genesee; and UM-Flint Outreach.

Neighborhood Action Phase One Sessions
The purpose of the first phase was to introduce Neighborhood Action to every ward. Neighborhood Action sessions were held in each of the city’s 9 wards between October 1, 2009 and December 16, 2009 with the active participation of each ward’s councilperson. Plus a session was held with high school students and another with college students. More than 600 residents participated in the process. Every session started with participants introducing themselves and sharing one thing that they are proud of about Flint. Also as part of every session, Mayor Dayne Walling introduced key members of his administration, who provided brief remarks and answered questions.
The core of the sessions was the discussions among the groups of citizens. Residents were asked to rank their needs according to importance. They were given 7 options, including a box for other, ranging from Public Safety to Parks, Trails, and Recreation. Public Safety and Economic Development emerged as the top two concerns of residents the City of Flint.
Next, residents listed assets and challenges in their ward. Neighborhood schools emerged as assets in many of the nine wards. Closed school buildings, as well as empty lots where business once stood, emerged as opportunities for reuse and redevelopment in most of the wards. A lot of interest was expressed in finding more recreational opportunities for the youth. Included on the following pages is a summary of each of the 9 Neighborhood Action Sessions.

Looking Ahead
The data gathered from these Neighborhood Action sessions is being reviewed by the volunteers for the ward work groups. The information will become the foundation of the neighborhood action plans that will be drafted in phase two. During this next phase, a follow-up session will be held in each of the three areas of every ward plus one for downtown. The purpose is to generate ideas to help build on the assets and identify specific action items that will provide solutions to address the ward by ward challenges.

Neighborhood Action Phase II Begins Thursday In The 3rd Ward

2010-01-27T20:44:00.004-05:00

Residents of Flint's 3rd Ward will kick off the next phase of Neighborhood Action Sessions. The meeting will be held Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 5:30 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on East Stewart Avenue.

In this next phase, the city will hold a session in each of the three areas of every ward plus one for downtown. That's correct, 28 meetings across the city between now and the end of March. The purpose is to generate ideas to help build on the assets and identify specific action items that will provide solutions to address the ward by ward challenges. These assets and challenges were identified by third ward residents during Phase I of Neighborhood Action.

The following is data collected from the Phase I Ward 3 session.

Ward 3
The 3rd ward neighborhood action session was held on December 7, 2009 at Berston Field House. More than 40 residents, city staff and facilitators came together to engage in discussion about the direction of the 3rd ward and the City of Flint as a whole.

During the brief introductions everyone was ask to name 1 thing that made them proud in the City of Flint. Many residents in the 3rd ward were proud to be lifelong Flint residents. They were proud of their community’s willingness to stick together during good and bad times. They also echoed the sentiments of residents in wards 1 and 2 by expressing their hopefulness of new opportunities for the city under the leadership of Mayor Walling.

Assets and Opportunities
• Max Brandon Park and Berston Field house emerged as the main assets cited by the 3rd ward residents. They are both viewed as places that provide recreational opportunities, sports and picnic area. Residents also saw an opportunity in Berston Field House to add more outside lighting, senior programs and recreation;
• The one thing 3rd ward residents say their community is missing and so desperately needs is a full service grocery store;
• Residents also want to see Leith Street opened as a way to drive more business development in the area;
• These residents also expressed an interest in the redevelopment of the empty lots for possible community gardens, new housing, or housing for the homeless.
• The churches and the police mini-station were also viewed as assets in the 3rd ward.

Strategic Priorities
The following listed in the order of importance from greatest to least is what 3rd ward residents would like to see city government concentrate its efforts on.
1. Public Safety
2. Economic Development
3. Infrastructure
4. New/Improved Housing Options
5. Human Services (specifically related to senior citizens)
6. Parks, Trails, and Recreation
7. Building and Property Code Enforcement

Hope For Haiti Citywide Gospel Event

2010-01-25T21:37:00.004-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling joined State Representative Woodrow Stanley and others to announce details of Flint's "Hope For Haiti" relief effort. The citywide event will take place Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the House Of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church in Flint. Musical guests include: Antwan Stanley; Sherwood Pea; Uplifted; and the House Of Prayer Mass Choir among others. The community is asked to come out and support this effort to help the Haitian people during their time of crisis. A goodwill offering will be collected and all proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts in Haiti. The following is video from today's press conference.

Mayor Dayne Walling Emcee's 25th Annual Martin Luther King Community Celebration

2010-01-19T07:27:00.003-05:00

Mayor Dayne Walling was the emcee for the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at the Flint Public Library.

It was an overflow crowd Monday afternoon at the library as people of all races gathered to honor the memory and the legacy of Dr. King.

Flint Native and award winning children's Author Paul Christopher Curtis provided the keynote address.

Flint Southwestern High School Senior Terrance Patton-Hill did a very impressive oration of Dr. King's most famous speech "I Have A Dream."

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling In Pittsburgh Discussing Flint's Transformation

2010-01-12T16:22:00.003-05:00

In the city of Pittsburgh, PA Mayor Dayne Walling shares his vision for transforming Flint into a 21st Century sustainable city with new jobs, safe neighborhoods and great schools.

Here is the article on Mayor Walling's visit that appeared in today's edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Flint mayor comes to Pittsburgh to discuss plan for Michigan city
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
If you think your town has it tough, check out Flint, Mich., where one in four people are unemployed and one-third of the land is vacant.

Those grim numbers don't deter Flint's new mayor, Dayne Walling, who will be in Pittsburgh tonight talking about his efforts to transform the town of 114,000 with an audience that would like to make some of the same ideas work here.

Here's one of the 35-year-old mayor's plans: Use sewage to generate electrical power. Mr. Walling is working with a Swedish company to turn methane from human waste into power that will be coursing through municipal buildings' wires soon, then hopefully those of private businesses.

Here's another: Craft a first-in-decades plan for redeveloping Flint. That's one thing members of Pittsburgh Councilman William Peduto's Guyasuta Fellowship will hear about at 6 p.m. in Council Chamber on the 5th floor of the City-County Building.

"Citizens in Flint know that as mayor, I can't change international trade laws or the national economy," Mr. Walling said yesterday. What he can do is end crisis politics that left past mayors "focused on short-term fixes and managing decline. ... My approach is you need to rebuild a foundation for the future."

Flint's history mirrors Pittsburgh's, without, so far, the semi-happy ending. Big steel's collapse foreshadowed the auto industry's blowout, but Pittsburgh became the most livable city, while Forbes magazine in 2008 ranked Flint as the third most miserable. The Flint region's unemployment rate is more than double that of the Pittsburgh region.

Just as Pittsburgh had two quick mayoral transitions in 2006, ending with Luke Ravenstahl, 29, as mayor, Flint had three mayors last year, with Mr. Walling winning an August election.

"This community came out in a special election and voted me into office, 64 to 36 percent," Mr. Walling said. "There are very high expectations for what my new administration will be able to accomplish."

Flint has been buying around 1,000 vacant homes a year. Mr. Walling held meetings in all nine wards to get thoughts on what to do with that land. Next up: development of 10 action items for each of 28 neighborhoods. Then comes a summit leading to a plan for bringing together federal funds, neighborhood ideas and environmental entrepreneurship.

"We will begin, for the first time in over 30 years, the process of developing a new comprehensive master plan for the city of Flint," he said.

Mr. Peduto met Mr. Walling in September and was impressed by his enthusiasm.

"He speaks confidently about how there is this great opportunity to turn things around for Flint," Mr. Peduto said.

The Guyasuta Fellowship, created by Mr. Peduto but funded privately, includes young people who are studying the economics of environmentalism and community recovery, and who will report to council in the spring. Mr. Walling's presentation is free and open to the public.

Congratulations Mark Ingram, Jr.

2010-01-08T00:13:00.002-05:00

Congratulations Mark Ingram, Jr. and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team on your National Championship Victory!

Preliminary Crime Numbers For 2009 Show Small Signs Of Improvement

2010-01-06T15:12:00.005-05:00

The preliminary crime numbers for 2009 reflect a decrease in criminal activity in the City of Flint with the exception of murders and larceny. There were a total of 11,430 crimes committed in the city of Flint in 2009 compared to 12,507 crimes committed in 2008. This reflects an 8% decrease in crime from year to year.

Here are the crime statistics for 2009.

Murder up 5.7%
Rape down 8.8%
Robbery down 13.2%
Aggravated Assault down 15.2%
Burglary down 7.5%
Larceny up 0.1%
Motor Vehicle Theft down 19.6%
Arson down 6.1%
Simple Assaults down 10.2%

Mayor Dayne Walling Unviels His Top 10 Priorities For 2010

2010-01-06T15:04:00.001-05:00

Top Ten Priorities for Mayor Dayne Walling and the City of Flint for 2010

1. Reduce crime by 10 %
The preliminary crime numbers for 2009 reflect a decrease in criminal activity in the City of Flint with the exception of murders and larceny.
Murders up 5.7%; Larceny up .1%; Rapes down 8.8%; Robbery down 13.2%;
Aggravated assaults down 15.2%; Burglary down 7.5%; Arson down 6.1%;
Motor Vehicle Theft down 19.6%; Simple Assaults down 10.2%
The goal is to decrease all crime in the city by 10% in 2010. We will achieve this through the implementation of community policing reforms and targeted neighborhood sweeps.

2. Decrease number of unemployed residents in the City of Flint
Current unemployment rate for the city stands at 26.8% indicating that more than a quarter of our residents are out of work. Our goal is to create opportunities for job growth and economic development in the community. Our hope is that at least 1 unemployed resident a day will become gainfully employed in 2010.

3. A balanced budget for 2010 and achieve the deficit elimination target of $9.1M

4. Adopt a 2011 budget that is focused on top citizen priorities

5. Spend 100% of the available federal and stimulus funds awarded to the city; these totals are in excess of $10M

6. Negotiate new contracts with all six unions to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements

7. Through Neighborhood Action Sessions phases II and III we plan to involve 1,000 residents in the creation of neighborhood action plans and use their input for the development of comprehensive master planning for the city.

8. Help ensure a complete census count for the City of Flint
As we work to transform the city into a 21st century sustainable city with new jobs, safe neighborhoods and great schools it is critical that all residents are represented in the 2010 Census Count. This administration will work closely with census officials to get a true count of our residents with a goal of 100,000 residing in the city.

9. Continue our conservation efforts
We will work to integrate compost, recycling, sanitation and waste management to reduce our landfill usage

10. Develop partnerships with local school districts to create initiatives that promote positive youth involvement in the community

Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T01:13:00.002-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and his administration wish you the happiest of holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Flint Celebrates Mark Ingram, Jr's. Heisman Trophy Win

2009-12-14T17:41:00.004-05:00

Saturday night Flint native Mark Ingram, Jr. claimed college football's most coveted prize: The Heisman Trophy.

The ceremony was held in New York, but back here in Flint Mayor Dayne Walling hosted a viewing party at Luigis Restaurant and Pizzeria on Davison Road. It was a packed house, filled with Ingram supporters, to watch the announcement.

Congratulations Mark Ingram, Jr. You are the Pride of Flint, Michigan.

Mark Ingram Day In Flint

2009-12-10T09:27:00.008-05:00

Mayor Dayne Walling proclaims Saturday, December 12th as Mark Ingram Jr. Day in the City Of Flint.
In recognition of Ingram's accomplishments, Mayor Walling is inviting the community to join him Saturday night at Luigi's Restaurant and Pizzeria on Davison Rd. at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per person for the pizza and salad bar and you have to purchase your own beverage. The focus of the night will be the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, where Ingram is one of five finalists. We will gather at Luigi's to watch the ceremony, which will be carried live from New York on ESPN. The ceremony begins at 8:00 p.m. The Heisman Trophy is college's most prestigious athletic award. We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to watch this young Flint native be considered for such an honor.

Mark is a 2008 Graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy, and currently plays for Alabama. He has been a role model on and off the field. Mark has made the Deans list at Alabama, and was also an accomplished high school student.

We are a community of producers here in Flint. We have a rich history of athletic excellence in this community. Mark Ingram Jr. is the latest in a long line of accomplished athletes this community has produced.

The Mayor will present Mark Ingram, Jr. and his family with the proclamation upon Ingram's anticipated return to Flint during the holiday season.

Mayor Walling To Host Jobs Growth and Economic Development Forum

2009-12-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

As we continue to work toward transforming Flint into a 21st century sustainable city, we must begin to plan for future job growth and economic development. On Thursday, December 3, President Barack Obama hosted a forum on jobs and economic growth at the White House. The President invited small business owners, CEO’s, labor leaders, economist and everyday Americans to be a part of this discussion.

The President now wants to expand the conversation beyond the nation’s capitol. He has asked mayors from across the country to host a similar forum in their respective cities. The purpose of these forums is to explore every possible avenue for job creation.

Mayor Walling will host a Jobs Growth and Economic Development forum on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor city hall council chambers at 1101 South Saginaw Street.

One Monday, Two Neighborhood Action Sessions

2009-12-07T16:40:00.004-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling is hosting two neighborhood action sessions (today) Monday, December 7, 2009.

The first session was held at Noon today at the Riverfront Residence Hall in downtown Flint. We had about 30 students and college staff who came out to be a part of helping move our great city of Flint forward in a positive direction.

This group identified a number of assets in the community and lots of opportunity as well. The Flint river was identified as both an asset and an opportunity.

This group really had some great ideas about making downtown Flint more appealing to college students. They talked about having more bike and walking trails; a bowling alley; and a movie theatre. Most in the group said they were proud of the city's educational opportunities and the city's student population. It was a small but effective group who showed up and we are grateful for their input.

+++++++++++++++++++++++Neighborhood Action in the 3rd Ward
Tonight at 5:30 Mayor Walling and members of his administration will be in the 3rd ward at Berston Field House for the 8th Neighborhood Action Session. Just one more to go for the first phase. More than 500 residents have come out to share in our discussions about guiding city resources and moving this community forward. The last neighborhood action session for the the year will be in Ward 6 on December 16, 209 at 5:30 at McLaren Regional Medical Center.

New Business In Downtown Flint

2009-12-07T16:32:00.002-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling cuts the ribbon on Garibella's Salon

New businesses are being added to the downtown Flint landscape it seems everyday. This of course is good news for all us. The Mayor often says "Downtown is every body's neighborhood."

Garibella's Salon is located on the South Side of the Wade trim building on Second and Saginaw. It is a full service salon owned by Tammy and Carl Harchick. The couple combined the names of their two children Garrett and Gabrielle to come up with the salon's unique name: Garibella's.

The salon currently employs 5 people and they are looking to hire 7 more stylists.

Magical Night In Downtown Flint

2009-12-01T22:12:00.002-05:00

The Holiday Magic was Unleashed tonight in Downtown Flint. I venture to say nearly 3,000 came out for the first ever Flint Holiday Festival. It was a sight to behold. The event sponsored by the City of Flint and the Downtown Development Authority, exceeded expectations.

400 to 500 people gathered at Flint City Hall for the festivities that began at 5:30p.m. There was a pre-glow sponsored by Tim Hortons inside of city hall with coffee, hot cocoa, and donuts. Just before 6:00 p.m. the program began. Katie O'Mara and Sam Merrill from WNEM TV-5 were the emcees. There was wonderful singing by the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir and Pastor Seon Thompson and the Sanctuary Choir from Refuge Temple. Vida Fisher, from the Blue Light Tree Project spoke on the importance of remembering our fallen law enforcement officers during the holiday season. She and her husband donated the blue lights for a tree at city hall. Pastor Robert Wright, from Court Street United Methodist church gave a wonderful prayer and Pastor Jerry Givens from Prayer Garden COGIC did a reading. Just before 6:20 the Mayor was joined by Santa Clause for the official holiday lights.

Following the lighting ceremony the parade began to Kearsley and Saginaw Streets. There was more excitement there with choirs, bands, people, ice carvings and of course Santa.

A special thanks goes out to all of the wonderful sponsors who saw the potential for an event like this and jumped on board early to be a part of the magic. Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Plus of Michigan, The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gazall, Lewis Architects INC, Tim Hortons, Flint Area Visitor and Convention Bureau and so many others.

We also had great participation from the Flint Community Schools and so many community organizations.

I can't wait for Flint Holiday Festival 2010.

Down To The Last Chair

2009-12-01T21:49:00.002-05:00

Nearly 100 pack the Brennen Center for Neighborhood Action

Residents of the 7th Ward came out in big numbers for Neighborhood Action Monday night. The residents identified many assets and opportunities in their ward and engaged in lively discussion about how to move their ward and this city forward.

The next Neighborhood Action Session is Thursday, December 3, 2009 in the 9th ward at Insight. It begins at 5:30. We hope to see you there.

Real and Raw: Flint Youth Talk About Violence With Mayor Dayne Walling

2009-11-23T07:00:00.004-05:00

Friday afternoon Mayor Dayne Walling sat down with about 25 or 30 youth at Joy Tabernacle Church on Flint's north side. In the group was a grieving son and a grieving daughter-both of whom had lost their mothers to gun violence in a triple homicide that also took the life of another person. These two sat quiet for the most part, not having much to say. But, the rest of the group was very vocal about violence, and why so many youth are committing crimes.

During the conversation it was learned that a lot of the violence has to do with what what "hood" you are from and retaliation. They say more opportunities: recreational and employment is one way to help stem the violence and save their lives. These youth are also crying out for adults that care, and encourage them. Most of of them believe society has written them off and no one cares about their outcomes good or bad.

I left the discussion wanting to do more to help restore and repair, and heal the brokenness that so many of the young people in the community are experiencing.

Join Us For Neighborhood Action

2009-11-16T10:50:00.003-05:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and key members of his staff will host their fifth Neighborhood Action Sessions (NAS) Ward Meeting tonight in the 8th Ward.
More than 200 residents have come out so far for NAS meetings in wards 1, 2, 4, and 5. We hope to see a large number of 8th ward residents tonight at the Zimmerman Center, 2421 Corunna Road at 5:30 p.m.

NAS ward meetings are designed to allow residents the opportunity to help guide the deployment of limited city resources in ways that best meet their needs and desires. In addition, residents will, by ward, help identify ways to build upon our community assets while developing and implementing solutions to address our challenges. Our goal is to work together, city hall and citizens, to create a prosperous and vibrant community. It’s all a part of the Mayor’s vision to create a 21st century sustainable city that includes new jobs, safe neighborhoods, and great schools.

Mayor Walling Marks His 100th Day In Office

2009-11-13T12:12:00.008-05:00

Working Together Toward A 21st Century Sustainable City

The first 100 days of Mayor Dayne Walling
August 6, 2009-November 13, 2009

As I mark my 100th day in office as Mayor of the City of Flint, I reflect back on election night when I promised residents a new direction of positive change for Flint. My success or failure for delivering on this promise cannot be fully measured in 100 days, but 100 days provides a good indication of where we are headed.

We have begun the process of rebuilding our great City of Flint through the cooperation and teamwork of my administration, City council, City employees and our many community partners. There are still many challenges: unemployment is above 25%, public safety threats persist, and blight infests too many of our neighborhoods. Through these toughest of times, however, the City of Flint is moving forward. In this first 100 days of my administration it is clear that transformative change has started. We can present a few highlights of accomplishments:

• Our police have made more than 940 arrests, and we have secured funds for an added 14 officers and opened a police mini-station at Haskell Community Center;
• We have responded to more than 1,000 constituent requests through the Mayor’s Office, Human Relations and other City departments;
• We have demolished more than 100 abandoned houses and an uninhabitable 45-unit apartment structure;
• We received a total of $230 million in local investments from General Motors for Chevy Volt production, retaining hundreds of Flint’s jobs;
• We have saved the City’s taxpayers more than $4 million dollars through financial cost savings and recovery.

In addition to these accomplishments, our City employees continue to deliver high quality, core services to all city residents in the areas of: fire protection and prevention, public safety, weekly garbage pick-up, customer service, community/senior center operation and maintenance, and the delivery of clean and safe drinking water.

We have made significant progress in the first 100 days of my administration, but there are many tough challenges ahead. We are facing a more than $2 million cut in revenue sharing from the state this fiscal year. In effort to balance our budget we have to find cost savings on every front. As my team works through these very difficult decisions our goal remains to balance our budget while preserving jobs and continuing to provide quality services to our residents.

I have assembled a diverse leadership team that is dedicated to the betterment of the community and its residents. This team, including the expert City Administrator Gregory Eason, along with our City workers and City Council, is the new engine driving transformative change in the City of Flint. Together we are working toward a 21st Century Sustainable City with new jobs, safe neighborhoods and great schools.

It is a pleasure to serve such a diverse community of seniors, families, college students, and young professionals. Most are life long residents and have seen this community through its prosperity, its pain, and now it’s potential of a rebirth. With all of us working together we can have the community that we all desire and deserve.

Attached is a full report of my administration’s first 100 days accomplishments. Trust that we will all continue to work every day for you in all of our future days.
This is our Flint: Forever Strong and Proud.

Dayne Walling, Mayor
City of Flint

100 Days: Full Report
Under Mayor Walling’s leadership, every City of Flint department has worked during the past 100 days to provide high quality services to every part of the city while finding cost savings and doing business in new ways. The following are highlights of the accomplishments by the administration’s professional and diverse leadership team, under the supervision of City Administrator Gregory Eason, which has worked with City employees, the union leadership, and members of the Flint City Council. Working together, great progress has been made towards making Flint a 21st Century sustainable city.

Public Safety
• Arrested 941 persons, including 145 juveniles, for crimes committed in the city ranging from homicide to theft
• Secured funding for 14 police officers (8 through U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services COPS grant, 6 through the Community Renewal Task Force grant in partnership with Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton)
• Opened a new police neighborhood station in the 2nd Ward at Haskell Community Center (6 neighborhood stations are now open and operating)
• Organized effort with 150 volunteer crime fighters to reduce Devil’s Night fires and to make arrests resulting in one of the safest Halloween periods in Flint’s recent history

Neighborhood Services
• Over 100 demolitions were performed on residential properties
• Demolition of first commercial property, a 45 unit uninhabitable apartment complex on Pierson Road
• Issued 1425 tickets for weed and /or trash abatement
• Performed 222 rental property inspections
• Removed 97 dead trees throughout the city
• Cleaned up north end mini-station Ward 1 at the corner of MLK Ave. and Bishop

• Completed 56 neighborhood clean-ups
• Resurfaced 6.5 miles of road
• Repaired 426 squares of sidewalks
• Repaired 43 main breaks
• Cleaned approximately 100,000 feet of sewers
• Repaired 88 sewers

Green Initiatives
• Started a pilot scale (55-gallon) sludge digester in conjunction with Kettering University and Swedish Biogas International and produced biogas of 53% methane
• Created central compost conversion at Chevy In the Hole and will save $500,000 a year
• Re-introduced recycling at City Hall
• Engaged local, state and national organizations in new green projects
• Received $1,017,500 in grants to fund the Kettering trail extension which connects Kettering University and UM-Flint
• Utilized $1,147,900 from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and implement a community energy strategy

Open Doors For Business & Development
• 50 new jobs added in downtown Flint with the opening of 501 Bar and Grill
• 84 jobs retained with the new FedEx Intermodal operation at Bishop Airport
• 20+ jobs retained with the opening the new Social Security Office on Carpenter Road
• $230 million in investments from General Motors for the Chevrolet Volt production
• Assisted in the groundbreaking of Witherbees Market in downtown Flint, project expected to create more than a half dozen jobs
• Completed the Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for the construction of the Internal Revenue Services building in Smith Village in spring 2010
• Approximately 75 small business owners attended an Open For Business forum co-hosted with the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce and other partners to learn more about the resources and assistance available to local businesses and entrepreneurs
• Hosted City of Flint Vendor Forum providing information for approximately 90 business owners who are interested in becoming a vendor or supplier
• Initiated performance-based contracts with measurable outcomes for community development programs
• Met with Dr. Edward J. Montgomery, Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, and acquired assistance with remediation of Buick City property
• Hosted U.S. Senator Levin and Assistant Secretary of the Army, and received commitment for the Hamilton Dam and the de-channelization of the Flint River
• Established dialogue with Kettering University, University of Michigan-Flint, Mott Community College, Baker College, Michigan State University and Hurley Hospital regarding economic and community development
• Participated in the Genesee Global Intermodal Corridor Initiative through the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Utilized resources for community enhancements through Michigan’s Cities Of Promise initiative

Financial Cost Savings & Additional Revenues
• Settlement of the 9 year old Driskil sewer suits against the city involving 150 plaintiffs for a savings of approximately $2 million
• Resolved 300 personnel grievance cases, some dating back to 1979, for more than
$1 million in savings
• Hired additional city attorney to help reduce reliance on outside counsel with a cost savings of $100,000 annually for the city
• Obtained Medicare Part D rebates of $860,300
• Initiated 49 recovery claims against third parties for damages to City property has recovered $11,146
• Reorganized Finance and Budget Departments, including elimination of the Budget Director position at a savings of $143,000
• 5 percent pay reduction for Mayor Walling and 13 appointees resulting in a $70,000 savings this budget year
• Implemented federal stimulus and grant funds including:
o $1,763,839 for Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing
o $1,430,012 Justice Assistance Grant for equipment/police cars
o $4,224,621 for Neighborhood Stabilization Program
o $1,153,340 for Community Development Block Grant Recovery

Citizen Engagement
• Mayor’s office has completed more than 350 citizen service requests through response of City departments
• Hosted Neighborhood Action sessions in four wards (1, 2, 4, 5) with more than 150 total residents participating
• Scheduled sessions for remaining wards and will be completed on December 16
• Assisted 66 tenants and landlords in resolving housing disputes
• Assisted 3 residents in resolving conflicts through the Justice Without Walls program
• Assisted 111 families in retaining water service
• Assisted 28 families in retaining electrical/gas service
• Made approximately 200 citizen referrals to other community resource agencies
• Had 185 residents register for People’s Law School including 27 subjects taught by 37 volunteer faculty members

Public and Private Partnerships
• Worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to resolve several outstanding issues dating back to 1999 regarding incomplete projects and potential disallowed costs
• Collaborating with Genesee County and business leaders to produce a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Met with senior staff members of the Obama administration at the White House for discussions about key issues affecting Flint
• Facilitated regular meetings with Congressional and State legislative staff
• Mayor has met personally with our Congressional and State Delegation to discuss Flint’s needs and request support for key projects – Sen. Levin, Sen. Stabenow, Congressman Kildee, Sen. Gleason, Rep. Stanley and Rep. Gonzales
• Mayor has met with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to discuss Flint’s needs and challenges
• Established on-going dialogue with faith leaders in the community
• Utilized grant funds and technical assistance from the C.S. Mott Foundation, Ruth Mott Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint
• Initiated relationship with Flint School’s Superintendent Linda Thompson

Government Transparency
• Mayor provides daily updates on Twitter
• Established standing weekly press briefing
• Implemented City blog
• Implemented once a week Mayor’s Open Door
• Established communication with City employees through frequent e-mail updates
• Holding weekly meetings with members of City Council to discuss reorganization and resolutions

These accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of every city employee, the union leadership, Flint City Council, members of boards and commissions, many dedicated public and private partners, community volunteers, and the administration’s leadership (in alphabetical order):

Dayne Walling, Mayor
Gregory Eason, City Administrator
Tracy Atkinson, DCED/Major Grants
Peter Bade, City Attorney
Doug Bingaman, Treasurer
Arnold Brown, Sanitation Supervisor
Mike Brown, Water Svc. Center Supervisor
Bob Erlenbeck, Risk Management
William Fowler, Assessments
Patrick Gerace, Neighborhood Services Director
Dawn Jones, Communications Director
Derrick Jones, Purchasing Director
Alvern Lock, Public Safety Director & Chief of Police
Cleora Magee, Acting Human Relations Director
Rhoda Matthews, Citizen Services Director
Tom McCabe, Public Works Director
Steve Montle, Green Cities Coordinator
Kay Muhammad, Trans. and Dev. Superintendent
Maxine Murray, Mayor’s Administrative Assistant
Donna Poplar, Human Resources Director
David Solis, Director of Governmental Policy
Stephen Todd, 9-1-1 Administrator
Michael Townsend, Finance and Budget Director
June Urdy, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Dandre Williams, Fire Chief

Veterans Day Flag Ceremony

2009-11-11T06:58:00.003-05:00

Today is Veterans Day, when we pause to recognize the contributions and the sacrifices of America's men and women of the Armed Services.

This year on Veterans Day in the City of Flint, Mayor Walling will have the flags atop the three flagpoles on the lawn of city hall replaced. The worn and tattered flags will be lowered and removed and new flags will be raised and attached to the flagpoles. The city will replace the US Flag, State Flag and City of Flint Flag.

The Flag ceremony will be conducted by Commander Michael Robinson and the NJROTC unit from Flint Northwestern High School.

Flint Is Open For Business

2009-11-09T07:23:00.002-05:00

City Of Flint will host free Vendor Forum for suppliers and vendors interested in contracting with the city.

The City of Flint’s Department of Purchases and Supplies is hosting a Vendor Forum. The forum will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 10 a.m. until Noon in the City Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 1101 South Saginaw Street. The purpose of the forum is to provide information about how to do business with the city.

Participants can expect to learn: the process of submitting an application to do business with the City of Flint, how the purchasing department processes requests for goods and services, what goods and services the city regularly procures, and how to utilize stimulus dollars in the community.

Registration for this event is free. For more information or to pre-register log on to our website at www.cityofflint.com/purchasing or visit the Department of Purchases and Supplies on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 1101 South Saginaw Street. Participants can also register on-site the day of the event.

Leading By Example

2009-11-09T07:16:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, November 4, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling took a bold step toward toward balancing the city's budget. Mayor Walling signed an executive order cutting his salary and the salaries of his 13 appointees by 5 percent.

This 5 percent salary reduction comes in the wake of an 11 percent revenue sharing cut to municipalities in the 2009/2010 state budget.

The Greening Of Chevy In The Hole

2009-11-03T10:56:00.012-05:00

Photo Courtesy of Jean Johnson/Flint Journal

Mayor Walling and son Bennett watch as first leaves are dumped at Chevy In The Hole.

The city begins first phase of brownfield reclamation project at Flint’s Chevy In The Hole.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and City of Flint Green Cities Coordinator Steve Montle announced a new program today involves bringing leaf and yard compost into Chevy In The Hole for brownfield reclamation at the site. The leaf and yard compost will be used to form the cap and green space for a future park.

This new process will provide a significant savings to the city. “We currently pay $300,000.00 a year to have our leaves and compost taken away and an additional $400,000.00 to have top soil brought in to backfill demolition sites,” said Green Cities Coordinator Steve Montle. “By filling in Chevy In The Hole with our leaf and yard compost it is expected to save the city a half million dollars a year, while at the same time moving us one step closer to repurposing that site as a park and green space for the community.”

Last month U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Assistant Secretary of the Army spent the day in Flint discussing Chevy In The Hole and The Hamilton Dam. The two were taken on a tour of both sites to assess their current condition and determine what it would take to move the projects forward.

Mayor Dayne Walling has been notified by the Army Corps that both Chevy In The Hole and The Hamilton Dam are being placed under 216 authority. This designation places the two sites in the Army Corps general budget.

The Army Corps of Engineers will spend a year planning and determining cost of repair of the dam and remediation of Chevy In The Hole. The cost had been previously estimated at $14 million dollars. Under the 216 authority the Army Corps will pay for 75% of the project, and the city will pay 25% of the cost.

The project is expected to take up to 4 years to complete.

Halloween One Of The Safest In Years In The City Of Flint

2009-11-03T10:06:00.004-05:00

The tide is turning in Flint as the city records one of it's safest Halloween periods in recent memory. Flint Firefighters responded to a total of 6 fires from 5 p.m. October 30Th through 3 a.m. November 1st. In 2008 on the night before Halloween the city responded to 14 fires. There were more than 50 percent fewer fires for that same period this year.

Mayor Dayne Walling credits this success to the more than 150 volunteers who manned the city's police mini-stations and helped police patrol the streets.

The night before Halloween fires peaked in 1994 when there were nearly 200 fires.

Mayor Walling and Family Join Hundreds At Annual Halloween Party At Mott Community College

2009-11-03T09:52:00.005-05:00

Mott Community College in Flint hosted it's annual free community Halloween party on Friday, October 30, 2009. The event drew hundreds of children and families from across the greater Flint area. The party included: candy bags for the children, costume contest, haunted house, and many other activities. It was a great family event.

Mayor Walling attended the party with his wife and two sons.

Re-branding Our Image

2009-10-29T17:25:00.008-04:00

We are excited to announce our logo design contest. The contest is open to students in Flint from middle school through college. The winning logo design will reflect the city's diversity, strength, resilience, and pride. The deadline to submit entries is 5:00 p.m December 1, 2009. For complete contest rules please click here.

Nightline In Flint

2009-10-29T17:25:00.004-04:00

ABC News Nightline Reporter John Donvan and his producer Mary Marsh recently spent a couple of days in Flint. They were here to interview Mayor Walling and County Treasurer Dan Kildee about population decline and the shrinking city concept.

Mayor Walling does not support the concept of shrinking Flint, but has a different approach to population decline. The mayor's approach calls for recycling our land and re-purposing it in a way that adds value to our community. The mayor's vision is to establish Flint as a 21st Century sustainable city with new jobs, safe neighborhoods and great schools.

The nightline story in my opinion was disappointing. The reporter and producer spent more time on the discussion of shrinking and little time on sustaining. They failed to get both sides of the story.

Click here to view the report and make your own judgement.

Flint: The Toughest City In America!

2009-10-19T20:05:00.010-04:00

Photo Courtesy of New York Times

New York Times columnist Dan Barry and photographer Fred Conrad spent several days in Flint last week. They were drawn to the city for the same reason many others are focusing on Flint these days; they're trying to capture our resilient spirit and gage how we are surviving in the face of population decline, high unemployment, and major manufacturing job losses. I've been told by more than 1 national reporter that Flint is on the threshold of developing a model of survival that other cities will follow. One thing for sure-Mayor Walling's model is about sustaining, not shrinking. "Amid Ruin of Flint, Seeing Hope in a Garden," click here to read the article.

U.S. Senator Carl Levin Attends Day Long Meeting At City Hall

2009-10-16T17:28:00.002-04:00

U.S. Senator Carl Levin, (D-MI) and Jo-Ellen Darcy the Assistant Secretary of the Army were in Flint for a day long meeting with Mayor Dayne Walling. The closed door meeting took place at City Hall, Friday, October 16, 2009. Flint’s Green Cities Coordinator Steve Montle and representatives from the offices of U.S. Congressman Dale Kildee and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow were also in attendance.

The group discussed Chevy in the Hole and the Hamilton Dam. Sen. Levin and Asst. Secretary Darcy and others were taken on a guided bus tour of both sites to asess their current condition. They will determine what it will take to move these projects forward with the possible assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers. Senator Levin is the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.

“My office has had ongoing dialogue with our federal officials regarding these two projects. Our meeting today was productive and our talks will continue as we work on the most reasonable and cost effective strategy to move these projects forward,” said Mayor Walling. “I am just pleased to know that Chevy in the Hole and the Hamilton Dam are projects the federal government is considering as possible priorities.”

College Student Gets The City Hall Experience

2009-10-14T22:17:00.004-04:00

Last month Jenny Serwach from U of M Flint spent an entire day with me. She wrote about her experience and the article appeared in this week's Michigan Times. In it she writes "it was one of the best days ever." She also writes about the Mayor's sense of humor and my kids. You can read the entire article by clicking here.

Flint's 4th Ward Gets Involved In Neighborhood Action Sessions!

2009-10-14T20:58:00.003-04:00

It was a good turnout tonight at Asbury United Methodist Church for the 4th Ward introductory Neighborhood Action Sessions meeting. This was the second session hosted by Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. He will hold an introductory Neighborhood Action Sessions meeting in each of the city's 9 wards before Christmas.

Those who attended the 4th ward meeting were very engaged in the process. They asked good questions and identified a number of assets and opportunities in their community. Assets are those things in the community that add value. Washington Elementary School was one example several people gave. An opportunity is something in the community that could become an asset with a little TLC. One opportunity that many in the group sited is the vacant parking lots along Dort Highway that once held the cars of the thousands of AC Spark Plug and Delphi employees. One group from tonight's meeting said those lots would make good green spaces or community gardens. Another group thought the area would be great for erecting some basketball hoops for the youth.

That's what these Neighborhood Action Sessions meetings are supposed to do: spark discussion about assets we can build on in the community and opportunities where we can build assets.

One of the things I enjoy most about these sessions is the 15 minutes at the start of the meeting. This is the time we use to personally get to know each other and what in Flint makes us proud. Every person in the room stands up and introduces themselves and says 1 thing that they are proud of in the city of Flint.

I learned tonight that residents in the 4th ward are proud of their neighbors. They are proud of the leadership of Mayor Walling and most expressed pride in the spirit of the city and the residents.

Our next Neighborhood Action Sessions introductory ward meeting is October 28, 2009 in the 5th Ward at Job Corp on North Saginaw Street. It begins at 5:30. It would be great if it was a packed house. This is Our Flint: Strong and Proud, we need everyone to come out and participate in the process of positive change in our community.

Mayor Walling In The Spotlight!

2009-10-11T23:38:00.002-04:00

Photo Courtesy of GOOD

Mayor Dayne Walling is interviewed by Zach Frechette of GOOD an on-line blog. GOOD is a collaboration of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits pushing the world forward.

The Mayor gave great insight into his plans and his vision for the City of Flint. Read the article below.

*****************************

By Zach Frechette

When GM closed its factories in Flint, Michigan, the city was plunged into a period of darkness—famously depicted in the original Michael Moore documentary, Roger and Me—that has lasted for nearly 20 years. Widespread unemployment, plunging property values, and unchecked violence are just a few of the problems that continue plague this troubled town. Mayor Walling spoke to GOOD about how he plans to change all that. To read the complete article click here.

City Hall Week In Review

2009-10-11T22:15:00.015-04:00

Monday, October 5, 2009

The week started with Flint Mayor Dayne Walling presenting the Key To The City to Former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson and Screenwriter/Producer Fredrick Foote. Foote and Thompson are a part of an all-star ensemble filming the movie “Alleged” in Genesee County. Filming began September 14, 2009 at the Historic Stockton house in Flint and continued at Crossroads Village in Flint Township. Mayor Walling presented the keys at crossroads. Both Foote and Thompson were gracious recipients and told the crowd that gathered what a wonderful time they have had in Flint and Genesee County. We’ve known all along how great we are-it appears the rest of the world is getting the message.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Williams Elementary School Students

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling was up an at 'em bright and early Wednesday Morning. He started his day greeting the students of Williams Elementary School in Flint. Students and school administrators were celebrating their "Safe Routes To School" program.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling Announces Commitment to a Drug Free Workplace During Weekly Press Briefing.

The City of Flint has a Zero Tolerance position on drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Drug testing of city employees began in late September with employees of the fire department. Five firefighters were tested and two were positive for either drugs or alcohol. Two firefighters were let go. Right now the focus is on the city's public safety force. The mayor says "we want a force we can all trust and respect." Mayor Walling says more city employees will be tested.

Mayor Walling Hangs Out With Flint's Hall Of Fame Athletes

Mayor Walling attended the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall Of Fame awards ceremony at the Genesys Banquet Center in Grand Blanc Township. The Mayor dined with new inductees Jeff Grayer and Andre Rison(pictured above), Flint Northwestern Class of 1984 and 1985 respectively.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Mayor Walling and City Officials Announce A 9.3 Million Dollar Settlement In A Nearly Decade Old Case Against The City

The Plaintiff's Attorney, Dean Yeotis praised Mayor Dayne Walling and City Attorney Pete Bade for doing what no other city administration was willing to do: end the "Driskill" lawsuit against the city. Nearly 10 years ago more than 300 Flint homeowners filed suit against the city of Flint after their homes were damaged when raw sewage spilled into their basements from a sewer back-up. Eventually the number of plaintiffs was pared down to 187 and a small number of them settled, leaving 150 active in the suit. More than a dozen separate trials were conducted in Genesee County Circuit Court. The city had substantial awards entered against them in every trial. Total judgments exceeded 11 million dollars.

The city of filed an appeal - the case remains before the Michigan Court of Appeals with interest accruing daily at the rate of $1,000 to $1,400 dollars a day. With a decision by the appeals court still 6 to 9 months away, both sides agreed to have a facilitator hear the cases. After two days of talks the two sides agreed to settle for 9.3 million dollars saving the city 2 million dollars.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling says he is committed to getting some of these old cases, many years old, settled and off the books, so Flint can move forward. ·

The "Driskill" settlement offer is now headed to the Flint City Council for their approval.

A Community Covenant Agreement

2009-10-06T16:51:00.004-04:00

Mayor Dayne Walling signed the community covenant agreement tonight. It is believed to be the first time ever a Flint mayor has signed an agreement with the community. A few dozen people packed Damascus Holy Life church in Flint to witness the signing. The Covenant covers three areas of community engagement: neighborhood revitalization, neighborhood safety and education reform.

Following the covenant signing Mayor Walling participated in a town hall meeting. He shared with the audience the steps that have already been taken to address the three areas of the community engagement covered in the covenant.

The signing of the Community Covenant Agreement and Town Hall meeting was sponsored by Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), a member of People Improving Community through Organizing (PICO).

Here are the details of the covenant

Community Covenant Agreement
with
Mayor Dayne Walling

I, Dayne Walling, the Mayor of the City of Flint, responded to questions on housing, safety, and education issues affecting the city that were posed to me by Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT) during its Mayoral Forum on Tuesday, July 20, 2009. I, hereby, reaffirm the following responses:

· Housing:
1. I will continue to work on a Master Community Plan and at the same time, seek expanded participation from all segments of the community in the planning process, including members of FACT. I will ensure that the process will have a fresh and more inclusive start by having an open meeting on the planning process in each ward by Thanksgiving 2009. (This date was amended-to December 16, 2009.)
2. I will share and discuss with the community at an open meeting in late September or early October the framework of my administration’s 21st Century Action Plan.
3. I will report to the community by December 31, 2009, the timeline for completing the components of the Master Plan. As the plan is being designed, I further pledge to pursue efforts to address abandoned housing and blight in Flint neighborhoods. One component of the plan will provide one mini-police station in each ward.

· Safety:
1. I will work with the community to pursue comprehensive reform in the Police Department to address criminal activities, gun violence, and other forms of violence in our city, ensuring that officers are assigned to do more block-by-block patrolling of neighborhoods to provide a more preventive presence. The Chief of Police will provide oversight on reform strategies and report to me regularly on departmental progress on meeting challenges and identifying opportunities. This reporting will be compiled on a ward and city-wide basis.
2. I will lead regular town hall meetings to gain citizens input and feedback on our progress regarding neighborhood safety concerns. I will also use the internet and other media to receive citizens’ input and feedback.

· Education:
1. I will seek a new level of cooperation between the city and Flint Schools with a central aim of creating a liaison with Flint families on their needs for change and reform.
2. In concert with the office of Inter-governmental Relations, I will personally lead efforts towards improving city government’s levels of cooperation with and support of the Flint School System so that all Flint children will have an equal opportunity for success.
3. I will provide quarterly updates on collaborative school reform strategies and their outcomes in a town hall meeting in different locations throughout the city.

Moving Flint Forward

2009-10-02T10:16:00.003-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling hosted his first Neighborhood Action Session Thursday night at the Hasselbring Center in Flint’s 1st ward. It was exciting to see the 50 or so residents who came out to talk, to listen, to learn, and to contribute to the process of moving Flint forward.

Often people focus on the negative and fail to see the tangible and intangible positive assets we have in the city; assets that add value to our community and enrich our lives. So, at the start of the Neighborhood Action Session, everyone in attendance stood, introduced themselves and shared 1 thing that makes them proud in the city of Flint.

We discovered there is a lot to be proud of in our city. People expressed pride in the leadership of Mayor Dayne Walling. Some were proud to have a city facilitated forum allowing them the opportunity to help shape the city’s future. Several people expressed pride in the unquenchable spirit of the city and its residents. Most said they are proud to call Flint their home. Our Flint: Strong and Proud.

Our next Neighborhood Action Sessions ward meeting will be held in Ward 4 on October 14, 2009 from 5:30PM – 7:00PM.

We need your input-come out an be a part of positive change in the city of Flint.

We Need Your Input

2009-09-30T15:57:00.009-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling To Begin A Series Of Neighborhood Meetings

The Mayor will begin hosting a series of Neighborhood Action Sessions in each of the city's 9 Wards. The first session is scheduled for October 1, 2009 in Ward 1 at the Hasselbring Center.

The Neighborhood Action process is designed to allow residents the opportunity to help guide the deployment of limited city resources in ways that best meet their needs and desires. In addition, residents will, by ward, help identify ways to build upon our community assets while developing and implementing solutions to address our challenges. Our goal is to work together with citizens to create a prosperous and vibrant community. It’s all a part of the Mayor’s vision to create a 21st century city that includes New Jobs, Safe Neighborhoods, and Great Schools.
Neighborhood Action Sessions Meeting Schedule

Ward 1

October 1, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM

Hasselbring Center - 1002 Home Avenue

Ward 2

November 11, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM
Urban League of Flint – 5005 Cloverlawn

Ward 3 December, 7, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM

Berston Field House – 3300 N. Saginaw Street

Ward 4

October 14, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM
Asbury United Methodist Church -1653 Davison Road

Ward 5
October 28, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM

Job Corp Center – 2400 North Saginaw Street

Ward 6

December 16, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM
McLaren Regional Medical Center
Ballenger Auditorium
401 South Ballenger Highway

Ward 7

November 30, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM

Brennan Center – 1301 Pingree

Ward 8
November 16, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM
Zimmerman Center Room 109
2421 Corunna Road

Ward 9
December 3, 2009 5:30PM-7:00PM
Insight – 1110 Eldon Baker Drive

The Neighborhood Action Sessions are sponsored by the City of Flint Mayor’s Office and the Department of Community and Economic Development in partnership with the Neighborhoods Small Grants Program Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, The Ruth Mott Foundation Applewood Initiative for Gardening and Community, Resource Genesee, and UM-Flint Outreach.

Bikes On The Bricks In Downtown Flint

2009-09-30T15:41:00.003-04:00

Thousands of Motorcycles lined Saginaw Street in Downtown Flint this past weekend for the 3rd Annual Bikes On The Bricks event. Flint Mayor Dayne Walling welcomed the bikers on Friday night, before they took off on a 30 mile ride around the greater Flint area.

A $5.00 entry fee was charged for each bike. The Proceeds from the event help support the Flint Police Activities League (PAL). They work with the Flint Public School system to help provide positive activities for the youth.

City Of Flint Recognized By Back To The Bricks Organizers

2009-09-25T12:21:00.009-04:00

2009 marked the 5th year for the "Back To The Bricks" car show. This year the event was expanded to 5 days. It included a rolling cruise, an outdoor concert with the Contours and the Flint Symphony Orchestra and a drive-in movie. By all accounts this year's Back To The Bricks was bigger and better than ever. It's estimated that more than 250,000 people attended and pumped nearly 20 Million dollars into our local economy.

The event touched down in several communities along a 10 mile stretch of South Saginaw Street, with Flint being the largest community. The City's Public Safety Department along with the Parks and Recreation department were instrumental to the success of this event.

Al Hatch, founder of Back To The Bricks, recognized the city's contribution and awarded the Parks and Rec department a Gold Level Sponsor plaque. Mayor Dayne Walling accepted the award during the Back To The Bricks awards ceremony Thursday night.

An Afternoon With Political "Powerhouse" Donna Brazile

2009-09-24T15:11:00.006-04:00

Tuesday afternoon Mayor Walling and I had the opportunity to hear a dynamic presentation from Political Strategist Donna Brazile. Ms. Brazile was the keynote speaker for The Foundation for Mott Community College Women in Education Fellowship Program.

I, like most people, had only heard Ms. Brazile speak on television. While I enjoy her television political commentary, I was really impressed by her live presentation. Ms. Brazile delivered a smart, inspiring, motivating speech.

She shared some personal stories about growing up as 1 of 9 children in Louisiana, and beginning her political career at the tender age of 9. She charged those who stood for change and voted for change to now fight for change. " The sidelines are full, we need people on the field," she said.

Great Pie In Downtown Flint!

2009-09-24T14:19:00.008-04:00

Thursday afternoon when the Mayor and I left the WNEM studios we headed over to Rolls R Ready, a bakery shop in Downtown Flint. TV-5 Reporter Tia Ewing was telling us about the "White Potato Pie" and just how delicious it is. Never being one to turn down a good piece of pie, I suggested to the Mayor that we check it out. Evelyn is the very enthusiastic owner, she greeted us with her usual level of excitement and then-she served up the pie. It was pure delight for my taste buds! I think everybody should try a slice of "White Potato Pie" from Rolls R Ready at least once. Click here for location and menu options for Rolls R Ready.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling Begins "Ask The Mayor" Segment on WNEM TV-5

2009-09-24T13:43:00.003-04:00

Thursday, September 24th Flint Mayor Dayne Walling began his new "Ask The Mayor" segment on WNEM-TV-5. The segment will run every Thursday-Live in the Noon news. The Mayor will answer viewer questions on any topic about Flint and City Hall. This is just another opportunity for the Mayor to connect with the residents of Flint. Today Mayor Walling answered questions about the plans for Chevy in the hole and the status of the redevelopment of the Buick City property. To watch today's "Ask The Mayor" click here.

If you would like to submit a question a link has been provided on this site to WNEM-TV5's question form.

Nearly 100 People Turn Out For The Open For Business: Small Business Neighborhood Forum

2009-09-23T16:04:00.008-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling hosted his first Small Business Neighborhood Forum Tuesday Night at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. It was a great success with nearly 100 people in attendance. The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) joined with the City of Flint in this effort. Presenters included: Derrick Jones, City Of Flint Purchasing Director; Stan Blood, VP GRCC; Nell Taylor, Business Manager GRCC; Robert Goodman, Director of Flint Enterprise Community; and Dustin Frigy, Director of Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the GRCC.

Those in attendance received information on how to start and grow a business, how to secure government contracts, how to find funding sources, and they learned of the benefits of being a member of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Dayne Walling Talks Public Safety on SuperTalk 1570

2009-09-20T23:05:00.006-04:00

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling was a guest on this week's "Conversations From The Well" hosted by David Galbraith on SuperTalk 1570am radio. The Mayor discussed his public safety agenda, which includes a return to community policing and the opening of a police mini-station in every ward of the city. "Conversations From The Well" airs Sunday's at 10 a.m.

Mayor Dayne Walling Welcomes The Cast And Crew of "Alleged"

2009-09-20T11:10:00.010-04:00

Lights, Camera, Action: Filming begins in Flint on a new Hollywood feature. Flint Mayor Dayne Walling was there to welcome the all-star cast and crew of the new feature film "Alleged." Filming began September 14th at the Historic Stockton House in Flint.

Nathan West and Ashely Johnson co-star in the movie about the historic Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925.

Dr. Ed Montgomery Talks Redevelopment With Flint Mayor Dayne Walling

2009-09-20T10:33:00.009-04:00

Dr. Ed Montgomery, President Barack Obama's auto recovery chief, made a brief stop at Flint City Hall Friday, September 18, 2009. The auto recovery czar spent 2 hours meeting with Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. This was the first face to face meeting between the two.

There were many items of discussion on the agenda, including the proposed redevelopment of Buick City. Mayor Walling and Dr. Montgomery talked about ways the city and the federal government can work together to move the project to the next phase. Future development of the site is pending as environmental concerns are worked out.

Mayor Walling and Dr. Montgomery are scheduled to meet again later this month.

Rebuilding The Local Economy One Small Business At A Time

2009-09-17T12:55:00.005-04:00

Flint is Open For Business!

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling will host an Open For Business: Small Business Neighborhood Forum, September 22, 2009 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1083 East Stewart Avenue.

The purpose of the Small Business Neighborhood Forum is to provide resources and information that can help small businesses grow and prosper in our community. It also provides an opportunity for business owners to share their challenges, concerns and needs as it relates to operating a business in the City of Flint.

The Mayor will discuss how his administration is working to get rid of some of the red tape, making it easier to own a business in the city. The Genesee County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the city of Flint’s Purchasing Department and the Flint Area Enterprise Community are among the agencies that will be represented.

Please R.S.V.P. by Noon September 22nd to Rhoda Matthews, Director of Citizen Services at (810) 766-7346 or e-mail rmatthews@cityofflint.com