When it comes to creating 21st century communities, we often know what a successful community looks like, but communities can face many hurdles to creating the actual places they want to be, whether those challenges are financial or the result of poor public policy.

On this month’s Prosperity Agenda radio show on News/Talk 760 WJR we’re discussing some of those hurdles and what can be done to eliminate them so Michigan residents and visitors can enjoy communities that are unique and interesting places to live. Cities are striving to embrace the amenities residents want today, whether that’s walkability, better schools, arts and culture programs, good access to high-speed Internet, or an openness to entrepreneurs.

My co-host for this show is the Michigan Municipal League’s Luke Forrest, program manager and placemaking expert. We are joined by Robert Kleine, partner with Great Lakes Economic Consulting and former Michigan treasurer; Steve Maun, a developer working in Detroit on the Wurlitzer Hotel development; Fenton Mayor Sue Osborn and Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland.

The Michigan Prosperity Agenda is a monthly radio show that challenges listeners to help make Michigan a better place to live, work and play by creating vibrant and prosperous local communities. It has aired on News/Talk 760 WJR since 2010. The hour-long radio program is hosted by me, Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the League. The show is sponsored by the League and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The League’s next show airs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, on News/Talk 760 WJR, but you can listen anytime at the League’s website or by subscribing to the FREE iTunes podcast. Learn more about the League’s placemaking work here on this blog.