REGION 8 NOTES

 

 

May/June 2006

 

Michigan’s Planning and Development Regions

Everyone agrees that a regional approach is necessary to address many issues facing Michigan Communities. Regional approaches to improving our communities are touted as the solutions to many of Michigan’s woes – approaches related to economic development, farmland preservation, providing water and sewer, fire and police protection, land use planning, transportation planning, and any other issue that crosses the boundaries of Michigan’s 83 counties, 273 cities, 260 villages, and 1,242 townships.

 

In addition to all of these different units of government, Michigan has 14 designated Planning and Development Regions. Each of these regions is unique not only in the areas they serve, but also in the mix and level of services they provide to the communities within their designated boundaries.

 

Differences between each of the 14 regions are numerous. Many regions cover three counties, but others cover as many as 14 counties. Staff size ranges from one or two people to nearly 100. The size and involvement of Regions’ Boards vary as well as the number and focus of committees. Some regions also serve as an area’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), while others do not serve this role. Funding sources range from two or three primary sources such as the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and dues from member communities – to a lengthy list of federal programs, state programs, and unique programs created by regions. Some regions perform many plans for individual communities, while others perform very few community plans. Since regions are governed by the communities they serve, each has a unique set of goals.

 

While there are many differences, there are also many similarities between all of the regions. All regions are governed by a board made up of representatives of communities within the regions. All have an Executive Director that is responsible for guiding the Regions in the direction established by the 14 individual Boards. All receive funding from a variety of sources that include federal, state, and local resources. All have a staff that includes planners and other professionals. All Regions operate in a very efficient manner with relatively small budgets. Regions all rely on the support of their communities – so target issues that serve their communities. Most importantly, all regions believe that cooperation is essential for Michigan’s communities to thrive.

 

All of Michigan’s 14 regions are members of the Michigan Association of Regions (MAR). MAR is an organization with no full-time staff (Regional Directors share this responsibility) that serves as the body that represents regions and promotes inter-regional sharing of information, projects, potential opportunities, and other information as varied as personnel policies or newsletter articles. MAR meets eight times annually across Michigan and holds an annual conference in partnership with the Michigan Transportation Planning Association (MTPA is the association of Michigan’s MPOs). The 2006 Conference is in Grand Rapids July 19-21.

 

Recently there have been many other regional initiatives created to address issues across Michigan. MAR, and the individual regions, support these initiatives and their goals. While new initiatives are often necessary to address issues, the existing 14 planning and development regions should be the first organizations considered by Michigan and its counties, cities, villages, and townships to develop new programs. Regions’ strong existing roles with federal and state agencies make regions a natural choice, as does regions’ existing link with local government. These same partners recognize that regions are also very efficient organizations that have adapted over the years to working with tight budgets – making regions a cost efficient alternative to providing community development services. Contact your Planning and Development Region to learn more about the services available in your area.

 

The WMRPC, whose mission is "To assist planning efforts in community and economic development, provide a regional forum for sharing information and ideas, and promote cooperative solutions to regional issues" was organized in 1973 under Michigan’s Regional Planning Act (P.A. 281 of 1945, as amended). Members include:

Allegan County

Ionia County

Mecosta County

Montcalm County

Osceola County

Ottawa County

City of Big Rapids

City of Cedar Springs

City of Grand Rapids

City of Wyoming

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update

The WMRPC met with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) on April 19, 2006 to discuss new rules implemented by the EDA. The primary rule change that influences both communities and the WMRPC relates to match requirements – with EDA requiring a 50 percent of total project match from most communities. Additionally, the private sector must represent at least 50 percent of the CEDS Committee. Currently most members of the CEDS Committee represent public sector interests. These changes required staff of the WMRPC that "pull together" information from the CEDS Committee and communities across the seven-county area to move the completion date of the CEDS document from the usual June timeframe to later in the year (to be determined by the CEDS Committee at its regularly scheduled May 31, 2006 meeting). This schedule change provides an opportunity for communities that have not submitted projects to do so. CEDS projects will be accepted from communities until June 30, 2006. If your community wishes to submit a project, contact Dave Bee for information.

 

 

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