In 2005, five townships located in north central Muskegon County approached the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) asking for assistance in establishing a joint planning commission as allowed for under Michigan’s Planning Act 226 of 2003 (Joint Planning Act).  The WMSRDC, on behalf of the townships, received a grant from the Michigan Department of Coastal Zone Management to assist in the establishment of the North Central Muskegon County Joint Planning Commission (JPC), as well as to prepare a master plan of the designated JPC area consisting of a portion of each of the five townships. 

The JPC was officially formed by resolution in 2006 and included the townships of Blue Lake, Dalton, Fruitland, Laketon, and Muskegon.    A ten-member committee was assembled consisting of one elected official from each township board and one appointed official from each township planning commission.  The committee was established as an advisory committee to focus on issues such as land use, economic development, environmental management, recreation, and other issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries along major transportation corridors in the area including M120, Whitehall Road, and US 31.  The JPC Master Plan was completed in 2007 with assistance from the WMSRDC.

Upon completion of the plan, the JPC member townships agreed to continue meeting to share information and address common issues across jurisdictional boundaries within the JPC area.  At the request of the JPC committee, the WMSRDC has continued to act as staff to the JPC to assist in their efforts.

In 2010, in response to legal concerns associated with PA 226, the JPC reorganized under Michigan’s Planning Act 281 of 1945 (Regional Planning Act) and removed all reference to PA 226.  The concern was that PA 226 required local planning and zoning authority to be transferred from the townships to the JPC.  The reorganization has guaranteed that each township will retain its own planning and zoning powers, while still allowing the existence of the JPC as a legally formed entity.

The JPC continues to meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 P.M. at the Laketon Township Hall and continues to be staffed by the WMSRDC.  All meetings are open to the public.