Six new Grand Vision working groups invite area stakeholders to represent citizen interests and help advance the regional plan

As the six county regional Grand Vision is being finalized, based on unprecedented input from more than 12,000 residents, TC-TALUS and the Coordinating Group that initiated the project is beginning an implementation strategy to ensure that the Vision results in action.

At their most recent meeting, both TC-TALUS and the Grand Vision Coordinating Group discussed in concept a new structure for taking action on the principles of the Vision. The proposal recognizes “working groups” comprised of representatives from public, private and non-profit organizations that commit to actively develop new policies or funding proposals that will advance the Grand Vision. The working groups of this new “Grand Vision Alliance” will roughly follow the issue areas identified within the draft Grand Vision document.

The next step towards implementing the Grand Vision Decision, which will be released in May, is to recruit organizations and individuals into the Alliance and onto one of the working groups. “Now that the structure for implementation is in place, our attention will shift towards filling key partnership roles in the working groups,” explained Matt McCauley of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. “Just as public participation has been the key for creating the Grand Vision, it will also be critical for ensuring the regional goals are met.”

Each working group will maintain an emphasis on strengthening the region’s economy through sustainable development practices that consider many generations.

The working groups are identified as follows:

• Growth in Investment Areas: This group will work to ensure that both public and private investments are made in cities, villages, and planned growth areas and will give the region the best return on the dollar for strengthening the economy and designing vibrant communities.
• Housing: This group will work to offer a diverse mix of regional housing choices with options that fit in with the small town character of the neighborhoods, villages, and cities as well as rural housing.
• Transportation: This group will work to ensure that transportation projects are designed to maintain and improve the existing road system, increase public transportation services between cities and villages in the region, and expand infrastructure serving pedestrians and bicyclists both in and out of town.
• Food and Farming: This group will work to preserve agriculture as a viable economic practice in the region by protecting farmland, enhancing the affordability of farms, and supporting agricultural infrastructure and markets in the region.
• Natural Resources: This group will work to protect and preserve the open spaces, forests, open waters, wetlands, and other natural areas by ensuring that the consideration of natural resources and the environment is always at the core of decision making in the region.
• Energy: This group will work to create energy options through energy conservation and the development and promotion of alternative energy in the region; all part of a sustainable energy future and a regional economic strategy for Northwest Michigan.

A common theme between each of the working groups is jobs and the economy. Doug Luciani, President and CEO of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce emphasized this point. “There is no better time than right now to take a serious look at integrating the concepts of the Grand Vision with job growth. It is a top priority across the board, and these new working groups will form an alliance that will drive the economic stability our region needs for a healthy future.”

The Coordinating Group, which meets again in April and is open to the general public, is beginning a process of identifying potential organizations, agencies, and individuals that are committed to working within one of the identified issue areas. The group is seeking increased participation from local units of government, non-profit, private, and public parties.

Organizations, groups, agencies and individuals who support the principles of the Grand Vision will be asked to join the Alliance by signing a Statement of Support for The Grand Vision. Alliance members will be identified publicly, be routinely notified of the activities and progress of Grand Vision working groups, and be solicited for support of Grand Vision projects.

The Alliance will convene at least one annual regional public event to provide progress reports and gather input from members and the general public on Grand Vision implementation activities. One or more existing organizations will help staff and coordinate these regional working groups.

John Fregonese of Fregonese and Associates, one of the top consultants for the Grand Vision hailed the Alliance and working group structure as first rate. “The Grand Vision has been such an exciting project for us because of the passion and commitment of the people and groups who are part of it. This structure is a perfect example of how the region is building on the strength of the community and grassroots collaboration to do something truly special and unique in northwest Michigan.”

Organizations who see themselves plugging into one or more of these working groups should contact Matt McCauley at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments: mccauley@nwm.cog.mi.us

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