Each year the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC) sets the course for the following year by establishing a list of focus areas. This makes the best use of our Board, staff, and resources – and is a great way to set the overall policies for the year. The following list identifies the focus areas. While it is a fairly comprehensive list, it is not intended to indicate that the WMRPC will not take on additional programs or projects during the year if opportunities arise. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help your community.

● Maintain and improve the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) program and continue CEDS Committee activities.

● Follow changes to EDA and keep members up-to-date on issues related to changes.

● Work closely with communities, the CEDS Committee, entrepreneurs, and EDA to identify and promote EDA projects within Region 8.

● Work closely with EDA to develop a process that addresses EDA’s vision of how regional planning organizations promote economic development.

● Work with the CEDS Committee and EDA to evaluate economic development facilities, programs, and opportunities across the region.

● Recruit new at-large members for the CEDS Committee with assistance from members and the CEDS Committee, and encourage member participation.

● Review and strengthen relationship between communities, businesses, CEDS Committee, and the WMRPC Board.

● Maintain and improve our Transportation Planning program under MDOT.

● Continue Transportation Asset Management Program in Region 8.

● Continue to serve on the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council.

● Continue to participate in the M-40/M-89 and M-66 Corridor Committees.

● Expand rural opportunities with MDOT Regions through Asset Management, Traffic Count program, and other MDOT initiatives.

● Work with MDOT and Region 14 to develop a map of non-motorized facilities in MDOT’s Grand Region.

● With the assistance of members, identify a 2007 transportation project.

Work with Allegan County and Ottawa County to complete "Phase IV" of the Shoreline Study and continue to work with MDEQ’s Coastal Management Program to identify planning opportunities in Region 8.

Work with the Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police to finish Hazard Mitigation Plans for Montcalm County, Osceola County, Mecosta County, Ionia County, and the City of Ionia.

● Complete Big Rapids Township Land Use Plan.

● Continue to serve on the Grand Rapids Pattern Book Advisory Committee.

● Continue to follow the progress of the implementation of the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council’s recommendations and strive to inform members of the recommendations and progress towards implementation.  Actively participate whenever possible.

● Assist with Montcalm County’s Land Use Plan whenever appropriate.

● Participate with Michigan Association of Regions (MAR) on activities to increase the visibility of regions statewide. Perform duties associated with secretariat of MAR.

● Attend (staff and members of the Board) the annual MAR Conference. Assist in organizing MAR Conference since it is in Grand Rapids this year. Attend the Michigan Association of Planning Conference (Director/Planner).

● Continue to support MSU’s United Growth for Kent County.

● Continue to function as the Regional Clearinghouse Review Agency for federal funding programs.

● Maintain our "Information Center" to meet the needs of local units of government in Region 8.

● Continue our out-reach efforts. Publish six WMRPC newsletters and prepare press releases on projects and successes. Conduct site visits on a regular basis. Support and participate in local initiatives. Maintain our website.

● Host Regional Event(s): Transportation Forum, recreation workshops, and others.

● Promote membership to additional Kent County Communities.

● Continue to build our GIS (Geographic Information System) capabilities.

● Continue to expand Technical Assistance to Local Entities in the areas of planning, project development, grants, and implementation.

● Bring information to the Board using speakers and other resources.

● Continue to upgrade website and include additional reports.

Cities, Villages, and County Road Commissions should receive instructions related to new reporting requirements for road improvements from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC). This is a new process and we will try to keep everybody up-to-date as more information becomes available. Also, the TAMC is sponsoring a one-day conference on May 10, 2006 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing – so save the date if your community is interested in finding out more about Asset Management.