In addition to the regions, there are a variety of other organizations in West Michigan with a regional focus.

The Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) is a planning agency that serves the Greater Grand Rapids Area and portions of the surrounding counties. GVMC is the Grand Rapids/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that works closely with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to plan for transportation improvements. GVMC also has a major land use planning effort called "Blueprint." Blueprint, and Blueprint II, serve as a guide for development in Kent County. GVMC also maintains the Regional Geographic Information System (REGIS). The GVMC is governed by a 43-member board of elected and appointed officials. GVMC is involved in many additional programs including the Clean Air Coalition and the recently completed Form-Based Code Study. GVMC also organizes the annual Growing Communities Conference that includes national speakers and brings people from across the region together for a one-day learning and recognition session. Go to www.GVMC.org for additional information.

The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC) is the MPO that serves the Holland Area. The mission of the MACC is to encourage cooperation among neighboring units of government on area wide issues. "The MACC" is governed by a 19-member Policy Committee, comprised of representatives of the Cities of Holland and Zeeland, the Townships of Holland, Zeeland, Park, Port Sheldon, Laketown, and Fillmore, the Counties of Ottawa and Allegan, the County Road Commissions of Ottawa and Allegan, and MDOT. The 14 year history of the MACC has included cooperation on transportation planning, water quality initiatives including the Macatawa Watershed Project, and a wide variety of other projects ranging from community access television coverage of all local governmental meetings to crime prevention. Go to www.the-macc.org for additional information.

The West Michigan Strategic Alliance was established in 2000. In August of 2002, the Alliance published The Common Framework—A Region in Transition, that provides information and maps for community decision makers. The Alliance is governed by a board of directors that includes both private and public representatives from across the region, which is roughly defined as the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland Area. In 2006 the Alliance received a Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to assist in transforming the Regional Economy. Go to www.wm-alliance.org for additional information.

The West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC) serves communities in Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Osceola, and Ottawa counties. The WMRPC is governed by a 33-member board of elected and appointed public officials, and appointed private sector representatives, from across the seven-county area. The WMRPC performs a variety of functions including (see January Newsletter for a more complete list):

● Maintain Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

● Promote economic development projects across Region 8.

● Maintain MDOT Transportation Planning program and the Transportation Asset Management program.

● Serve as the Regional Clearinghouse Review Agency.

● Work with individual communities and counties on a variety of planning projects (land use, economic development, recreation, transportation, etc.).

● Maintain GIS (Geographic Information System) capabilities.

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

● Provide out-reach efforts. Publish six WMRPC newsletters. Support and participate in local initiatives.

● Maintain and update our website (www.wmrpc.org).

In addition to the organizations listed, there are many others that approach issues at a regional level. This newsletter is not meant to provide an exhaustive review of every organization, but is meant to provide a brief summary of some organizations that promote a regional approach to planning in West Michigan.