• Legal

  Opportunities for legal revenue?

  Posted by DrRon Suarez on May 13, 2025 at 5:22 pm

  @carol do you have any thoughts as to whether these might be revenue opportunities? I asked ChatGPT for ideas that would align with our mission. Here is the answer. Also, I am friends with Brian Chambers, who has been involved with research related to community land trusts and I am sure that you have heard the name Peter Alan.

  AI:

  In Michigan, several legal and community initiatives are actively promoting community ownership of infrastructure networks, particularly in the realms of renewable energy and broadband access. These efforts aim to empower local communities, foster sustainable development, and build regenerative economies.

  ⚖️ Legal Frameworks Supporting Community Ownership

  1. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): CLTs are nonprofit organizations that acquire and hold land to ensure long-term affordable housing and community development. In Michigan, CLTs separate land ownership from housing, allowing homeowners to purchase homes at reduced prices while the land remains under the trust’s ownership. This model promotes community stewardship and prevents displacement due to rising property values. For example, Dream of Detroit combines community organizing with strategic housing and land development to revitalize neighborhoods .

  2. Community Solar Legislation: Michigan lawmakers have introduced bipartisan bills to enable community solar projects, allowing residents to subscribe to offsite solar arrays and receive bill credits for the energy produced. These initiatives aim to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, especially for those who cannot install solar panels on their properties .

  3. Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act: Effective April 1, 2025, this act limits the ability of homeowners’ associations to restrict the installation of solar energy systems, thereby encouraging the adoption of renewable energy solutions within communities .

  4. Broadband Expansion Efforts: The Michigan Infrastructure Council has established Regional Infrastructure Coordination Hubs to facilitate local forums where asset management professionals can discuss infrastructure issues and integrated solutions. These hubs aim to improve planning for infrastructure projects, including broadband expansion, by collecting data and assessing current infrastructure states .

  👩‍⚖️ Legal Advocates and Organizations

  • Varnum LLP: This law firm specializes in renewable energy projects, assisting developers with navigating land use, zoning regulations, and community outreach for wind and solar projects across Michigan .

  • The Law Office of Scott M. Aaronson, PLLC: Focusing on solar land leases and renewable energy, this firm provides legal services for community solar projects, including negotiating land leases and ensuring compliance with state regulations .

  • Michigan Community Land Trust Network: This network supports the development of CLTs across the state, offering resources and technical assistance to communities aiming to establish land trusts for affordable housing and community development .

  🌱 Community Initiatives and Support

  • NextCycle Michigan: An initiative by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), NextCycle Michigan accelerates the development of recycling and recovery infrastructure, promoting a circular economy through partnerships and innovation .

  • West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum: This organization supports the creation of a circular and low-carbon economy by engaging businesses and communities in sustainable practices and infrastructure development .

  • Michigan Climate Action Network: Advocating for community solar projects, this network works to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, supporting local initiatives that align with climate and environmental justice goals .

  These legal frameworks, advocates, and community initiatives collectively contribute to the advancement of community-owned infrastructure networks in Michigan, fostering sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative local economies.

  DrRon Suarez replied 8 months, 4 weeks ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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