Title:

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies

When Completed:

Full Report every five years, interim reports annually

Communities Involved:

Member Communities within Region 8

Category:

Economic Development

Funding Sources:

U.S. Economic Development Administration, Local (primary purpose of dues)

Description

A comprehensive look at the past year and compilation of potential economic development projects that communities want to complete.

Title:

Village of Howard City and Reynolds Township Joint Master Plan

When Completed:

In progress.  Anticipated 2011 completion date.

Communities Involved:

The Village of Howard City and Reynolds Township.  Surrounding Townships have opportunities for reviewing plan.

Category:

Community Planning

Funding Sources:

Village and Township

Description

The WMRPC is leading this joint planning effort to develop a plan for both the Village and the Township.  A variety of public input is being used to solicit input.  The WMRPC is also developing maps for the planning project.  The timeframe is extended over a longer period than usual to allow for information from the 2010 U.S. Census to be incorporated and to spread the cost of the project over several years.

Title:

Village of Hubbardston Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2010

Communities Involved:

Village of Hubbardston

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Village of Hubbardston, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC is leading a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Village to allow the community to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  The WMRPC is using draft criteria for developing plans to test the Michigan Department of Natural Resource and Environment’s new planning criteria.  The new criteria call for more public participation, so a survey and workshops are incorporated into the planning process.   

Title:

Linking Wind Turbine Generators, Economic Development, and Farmland Preservation in the Shoreline Communities of Allegan and Ottawa Counties

When Completed:

2010

Communities Involved:

14 shoreline communities in Allegan and Ottawa Counties

Category:

Community Planning

Funding Sources:

Michigan’s Coastal Management Program/Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Description

This study provides a lot of information about wind turbine generators and land distribution in the shoreline communities of Allegan and Ottawa Counties.  The final analysis of the study relies on many assumptions about the number of turbines that can be placed in the area’s farmland areas to demonstrate the financial impacts of locating wind turbines in farmland areas. 

Title:

Village of Pewamo Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2010

Communities Involved:

Village of Pewamo

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Village of Pewamo, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Village to allow the community to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. 

Title:

Morton Township Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2010

Communities Involved:

Morton Township

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Morton Township, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Township to allow the community to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. 

Title:

City of Allegan Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2009

Communities Involved:

City of Allegan

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

City of Allegan

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the City to allow the community to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  The plan led to the successful application for funds to build a skate park and other improvements in one of the City’s parks.

Title:

Allegan Township Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2009

Communities Involved:

Allegan Township

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Allegan Township

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Township to allow it to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Title:

2009 City of Big Rapids, Michigan Master Plan

When Completed:

2009

Communities Involved:

City of Big Rapids (neighboring communities and County reviewed plan)

Category:

Community Planning

Funding Sources:

City of Big Rapids

Description

The WMRPC coordinated a planning process that involved the City, Ferris State University, Leadership Mecosta, and others.  Public participation was key and included a survey, focus groups, workshops, interviews, dozens of working committee meetings, and public hearings at the end of the planning process.  A detailed implementation process was included in the planning process.  

Title:

Montcalm County Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2008

Communities Involved:

Montcalm County

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Montcalm County, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process with the Montcalm County Parks and Recreation Commission to update the County’s five year recreation and apply for funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to construct an accessible fishing pier in one of the County’s parks and to develop a new natural park with access to the Flat River near Gowen. 

Title:

Sherman Township, Michigan Master Plan

When Completed:

2007

Communities Involved:

Sherman Township, with reviews by surrounding communities.

Category:

Community Planning

Funding Sources:

Sherman Township, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC worked with Sherman Township’s Planning Commission to develop a master plan for the rural township.  Various forms of public participation were utilized to develop the plan. 

Title:

Crystal Township Recreation Plan Update

When Completed:

2007

Communities Involved:

Crystal Township

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Crystal Township

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Township to allow it to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  Over the years the Township has been successful in acquiring Trust Fund grants.  

Title:

Village of Lyons Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2007

Communities Involved:

Village of Lyons

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Village of Lyons

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Village to allow it to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. 

Title:

Casco Township Parks and Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2007

Communities Involved:

Casco Township

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Casco Township

Description

The WMRPC led a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Township to allow it to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  The plan led to a successful grant application for $2 million to acquire land along Lake Michigan.

Title:

Hopkins Area Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2006

Communities Involved:

Hopkins Township

Category:

Recreation Planning

Funding Sources:

Hopkins Township, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC assisted with a planning process for developing a five year recreation plan for the Township to allow it to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. 

Title:

Economic Development Resource Inventory and Analysis

When Completed:

2006

Communities Involved:

199 Communities within Region 8

Category:

Economic Development

Funding Sources:

U.S. Economic Development Administration, WMRPC

Description

The Inventory and Analysis provides a comprehensive list of economic development resources across the seven county area, includes a “SWOT” analysis, and a survey of each community that provides a snapshot of goals, resources, status of plans, and much more information. 

Title:

Level of Need Study for Transit Services in Mecosta and Osceola Counties

When Completed:

2006

Communities Involved:

Mecosta and Osceola Counties

Category:

Public Transit

Funding Sources:

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Transit Authority (FTA)

Description

The WMRPC worked with MDOT and the Mecosta-Osceola Transportation Authority to determine the desires and needs of the two-county area related to transit.  The study included community descriptions of the entire area, a community-wide survey, and many meetings to determine if additional transit services could be supported in the area.   

Title:

Allegan and Ottawa Counties Shoreline Communities Land Use Study

When Completed:

2006

Communities Involved:

Cities of Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, and Ferrysburg; Villages of Spring Lake and Douglas; and townships of Saugatuck, Laketown, Ganges, Casco, Spring Lake, Grand Haven, Port Sheldon, and Park

Category:

Land Use

Funding Sources:

MDEQ Coastal Management Program, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

Description

This was the fourth and final study .  The process developed a uniform set of existing and future land use categories and maps to allow each of the 14 shoreline communities to compare their planned futures with the neighboring communities. 

Title:

Big Rapids Township Land Use Plan

When Completed:

2005

Communities Involved:

Big Rapids Township

Category:

Land Use

Funding Sources:

Big Rapids Township, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC worked with the Township and MSU to develop a land use plan based on a variety of community input and analysis of information.

Title:

Allegan and Ottawa County Shoreline Study

When Completed:

2005

Communities Involved:

Cities of Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, and Ferrysburg; Villages of Spring Lake and Douglas; and townships of Saugatuck, Laketown, Ganges, Casco, Spring Lake, Grand Haven, Port Sheldon, and Park

Category:

Land Use

Funding Sources:

MDEQ Coastal Management Program, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

Description

A continuation of the first two studies.  Created a comprehensive set of joint community goals based on dozens of interviews, a series of workshops and a community survey distributed to each of the 14 communities.

Title:

Mecosta County Hazard Mitigation Plan

When Completed:

2005

Communities Involved:

Mecosta County and the 16 townships, one city, and four villages within the county

Category:

Hazard Mitigation

Funding Sources:

FEMA, Local Match

Description

A comprehensive plan that describes the County’s physical features, social features, and potential hazards.  The plan involved extensive community involvement to develop a list of potential projects that should be initiated to mitigate future hazards such as flooding, forest fires, etc.

Title:

Ionia County Hazard Mitigation Plan

When Completed:

2005

Communities Involved:

Ionia County and the 16 townships, three cities, and six villages within the county

Category:

Hazard Mitigation

Funding Sources:

FEMA, Local Match

Description

A comprehensive plan that describes the County’s physical features, social features, and potential hazards.  The plan involved extensive community involvement to develop a list of potential projects that should be initiated to mitigate future hazards such as flooding, forest fires, etc.

Title:

Sheridan Area Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2004

Communities Involved:

Village of Sheridan and four surrounding Townships

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Village of Sheridan and four surrounding Townships

Description

The WMRPC worked with the area to develop an MDNR approved recreation plan.

Title:

Osceola County Hazard Mitigation Plan

When Completed:

2004

Communities Involved:

Osceola County and the 16 townships, 2 cities, and 4 villages within the county

Category:

Hazard Mitigation

Funding Sources:

FEMA, Local Match

Description

A comprehensive plan that describes the County’s physical features, social features, and potential hazards.  The plan involved extensive community involvement to develop a list of potential projects that should be initiated to mitigate future hazards such as flooding, forest fires, etc.

Title:

Montcalm County Hazard Mitigation Plan

When Completed:

2004

Communities Involved:

Montcalm County and the 20 townships, three cities, and six villages

Category:

Hazard Mitigation

Funding Sources:

FEMA, Local Match

Description

A comprehensive plan that describes the County’s physical features, social features, and potential hazards.  The plan involved extensive community involvement to develop a list of potential projects that should be initiated to mitigate future hazards such as flooding, forest fires, etc. Received Michigan Association of Regions Innovative Award in 2004

Title:

M-104 Corridor Study

When Completed:

2004

Communities Involved:

4 Communities in Ottawa County

Category:

Land Use, Transportation

Funding Sources:

MDOT, County, Local, Road Commission

Description

A comprehensive and ongoing process that looks at land use, access management, transportation improvements, and other techniques to make the corridor viable into the future.  The WMRPC administered the grant funds and sat on the review committee.  The project was completed by an outside consultant.

Title:

Allegan County Shoreline Study

When Completed:

2004

Communities Involved:

City of Saugatuck, Village of Douglas, and townships of Saugatuck, Laketown, Ganges, and Casco

Category:

Land Use

Funding Sources:

MDEQ Coastal Management Program, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

Description

A comprehensive study of the communities' land use plans and description of communities that includes a build-out analysis and comprehensive look at each community’s goals. 

Title:

Ottawa County Shoreline Study

When Completed:

2003

Communities Involved:

Cities of Holland, Grand Haven, and Ferrysburg; Village of Spring Lake; and townships of Spring Lake, Grand Haven, Port Sheldon, and Park

Category:

Land Use

Funding Sources:

MDEQ Coastal Management Program, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

Description

A comprehensive study of the communities' land use plans and description of communities that includes a build-out analysis and comprehensive look at each community’s goals. Received Michigan Association of Regions Innovative Award in 2003.

Title:

Pierson Township Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2003

Communities Involved:

Pierson Township and Village

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Pierson Township

Description

The WMRPC worked with the Township to develop a five-year recreation plan to allow the Township to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Title:

Montcalm County Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2003

Communities Involved:

Montcalm County

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Local, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC worked with the County to develop a five-year recreation plan to allow the County to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Title:

Ionia County Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2003

Communities Involved:

Ionia County

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Local, WMRPC

Description

The WMRPC worked with the County to develop a five-year recreation plan to allow the County to seek funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Title:

Osceola County Master Plan

When Completed:

2003

Communities Involved:

Osceola County and the 16 townships, 2 cities, and 4 villages within the county

Category:

Land Use, Economic Development, Transportation, Environment, Recreation, Other

Funding Sources:

Osceola County, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

Description

A comprehensive plan that included a variety of forms of public input including dozens of interviews, a series of workshops across the county, and a community survey.  The plan identifies the County’s preferred future.

Title:

Tourism Assessment Program:  Community Description and Inventory for Barry , Ionia, and Montcalm Counties

When Completed:

2002

Communities Involved:

Barry, Ionia, and Montcalm counties

Category:

Tourism

Funding Sources:

EDA & local

Description

The WMRPC partnered with MSU Travel and Tourism to determine the potential for expanding tourism as an economic development tool in a three county area.

Title:

M-66 Corridor Study

When Completed:

This project was completed in 2002, but the Committee continues to meet semi-annually to identify current issues.

Communities Involved:

8 Communities in Ionia County

Category:

Land Use, Transportation

Funding Sources:

Michigan Department of Transportation

Description

A comprehensive and ongoing process that looks at land use, access management, transportation improvements, and other techniques to make the corridor viable into the future.

Title:

Village of Lyons Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2002

Communities Involved:

Village of Lyons

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Village of Lyons

Description

The WMRPC worked with the Village to develop an MDNR approved recreation plan.

Title:

Crystal Township Recreation Plan

When Completed:

2001

Communities Involved:

Crystal Township

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Crystal Township

Description

The WMRPC worked with the Township to develop an MDNR approved recreation plan.

Title:

Montcalm County Recreation Survey

When Completed:

2001

Communities Involved:

Montcalm County

Category:

Recreation

Funding Sources:

Montcalm County

Description

The WMRPC worked with Montcalm County to develop a survey tool to determine the opinions of residents related to the County’s parks. 

Title:

Job Access Study

When Completed:

2001

Communities Involved:

199 Communities within Region 8

Category:

Economic Development, Transportation,

Funding Sources:

Michigan Department of Transportation

Description

A geographic information systems (GIS) project that identified population centers, transit opportunities, day cares, and job centers to show gaps that exist related to linking people with jobs.

Title:

M-40/M-89 Corridor Studies

When Completed:

1999 (Phase I), 2001 (Phase II), 2003 (Phase III), Continue to meet quarterly to identify current issues

Communities Involved:

14 communities in Allegan County

Category:

Land Use, Transportation

Funding Sources:

Michigan Department of Transportation

Description

A comprehensive and ongoing process that looks at land use, access management, transportation improvements, and other techniques to make the corridor viable into the future.