REGION 8 NOTES
January/February 2007
2007 FOCUS AREAS
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.
Economic Development
● Maintain and improve the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) program and continue CEDS Committee activities.
● Create three-year approach to address EDA’s new multi-year planning grant.
● Implement EDA rule changes and determine best approach for maintaining the interest of public and private sector Board Members and CEDS Committee Members.
● 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 can encourage economic vitality in communities.
● Work with CEDS Committee to identify new EDA planning project for 2007/08.
● Recruit new at-large members and private sector members for the CEDS Committee with assistance from members and CEDS Committee.
● Review and strengthen relationship between communities, the private sector, the CEDS Committee, and the WMRPC Board.
Transportation
● 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 M40/M89 and M66 Corridor Committees.
● Expand rural opportunities with MDOT through Asset Management, Traffic Count program, and other transportation-related initiatives.
● Work with MDOT and Region 14 to complete a map of non-motorized facilities in MDOT’s Grand Region.
● With the assistance of members, identify, and seek funding for, a 2007/2008 transportation planning project.
Coastal Management
● Work with Coastal Management Program to identify planning opportunities in Region 8. Submit grant application in April 2007 for 2008 funding cycle.
Hazard Mitigation
● Work with Montcalm County, Osceola County, Mecosta County, Ionia County, and the City of Ionia to close grant with the Michigan State Police.
Land Use
● Continue to follow 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.
● Complete Sherman Township’s Master Plan.
● Seek communities interested in performing land use plans in partnership with the WMRPC.
Associations and Outside Organizations
● Participate with Michigan Association of Regions (MAR) on activities to increase the visibility of regions statewide.
● Attend (staff and members of the Board) the annual MAR Conference in Bay City. Serve on Conference Planning Committee (Director).
● Attend the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) Conference (Director/Planner)
● Serve on MAP’s Government Cooperation Committee (Director).
● Continue to support MSU’s United Growth for Kent County (Director).
Cooperation and Coordination
● Continue to function as the Regional Clearinghouse Review Agency for federal funding programs.
● Maintain "Information Center" to meet the needs of our local units of government.
● 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.
Capacity Building
● Continue to build our GIS (Geographic Information System) capabilities.
● Expand Technical Assistance to Local Entities in the areas of planning, project development, grants, and implementation. Pursue funding to support these activities.
● Bring information to the Board using speakers and other resources.
● Continue to upgrade website.
● Update "Grant and Loan Opportunities" publication.
Administration
● Upgrade accounting system/software.
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