Legislation introduced by Rep. Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor) would give townships, counties and cities the explicit authority to allow for mixed use development in their respective zoning ordinances. This could have a powerful long-term benefit for land conservation.

Currently, local zoning is predominantly done within a district-by-district framework, which separates land uses such as residential and commercial. This spreads development across large areas of land and reduces the opportunity to preserve land. Increasing urban density is an integral component of building accessible cities and promoting sensible growth.

The Kolb legislation (HBs 5565-5567) would empower municipalities to grow more compact, pedestrian-friendly communities, effectively reducing auto-dependency and promoting an active lifestyle. It would also be good for developers: mixed-use zoning is about expanding consumer choice, allowing for adept response to market forces and creating greater opportunity for wise investment.

All three bills were reported to the House with a favorable recommendation on March 16.