Eminent Domain Authority in Michigan

About this grant

The Environmental Law and Policy Institute at Georgetown University is working to retain eminent domain authority in Michigan. Local governments, in Michigan and across the United States, rely on eminent domain power to acquire land needed for schools, roads, parks and other public facilities. Recently, the Michigan Supreme Court decided to hear a new case challenging the government’s eminent domain power. The loss of such power would have an immediate, negative effect on local governments’ efforts to promote smart growth.Funding will support the institute’s efforts to educate and persuade the Michigan Supreme Court not to eliminate or restrict the eminent domain power of local governments as a tool for economic development and downtown revitalization. The institute will file an amicus brief with the court to defend the use of eminent domain power to support the development of land for a public purpose; and work with the Governor’s office and advocacy groups in the state to promote positive press coverage and editorial support for the public interest position in this case.Georgetown University, established in 1789, includes four undergraduate schools, various graduate programs, a law school and a medical school.