The Regional Commission also undertakes specialized planning and development plans and projects in different program areas, from time to time, depending on the needs and priorities of our local governments. Some of these special projects are highlighted below.

The Muskegon Area-wide Plan (MAP) is a unique partnership of local governments, citizens, business leaders, and policy-makers working together to create a vision and strategy to guide future growth and development in Muskegon County. The MAP provides a forum for consensus on a common vision and the policies necessary to reach that vision.

Click here to learn more about the MAP.

For further information regarding the Muskegon Area-wide Plan, please contact Erin Kuhn, Program Manager, at (231) 722-7878 ext. 18.

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Lake Michigan Academy

The Lake Michigan Academy is an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded multi-state regional collaborative involving several regional planning agencies that border Lake Michigan. The goal is to enhance awareness of critical Lake wide issues and improve the capacity and support for community-level water quality and habitat restoration and protection efforts. This strategy is built around a Lake Michigan Watershed Academy for regional and community leaders.

In its first year of operation, the Regional Commission hosted a very successful and well attended Regional Water Quality Workshop.

For further information regarding the Lake Michigan Academy, please contact Nan Emmer, Planning Director, at (231) 722-7878 ext. 14.

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Hazard Mitigation Planning

The purpose of the County Hazard Mitigation Plans is to protect the health, safety, and economic interests of residents by reducing the impacts of natural and technologicial hazards through hazard mitigation planning, awareness, and implementation. Hazard mitigation is any action taken to permanently eliminate or reduce the long-term risk to human life and property from natural and technological hazards. It is an essential element of emergency management along with preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 states that after November 1, 2003 (later changed to November 1, 2004) local governments applying for pre-disaster mitigation funds must have an approved local mitigation plan. After November 1, 2004, a plan will also be needed for post-disaster mitigation funds under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The Regional Commission has prepared, and maintains, hazard mitigation plans for all five counties in our region. For additional information regarding hazard mitigation, go to the following link: What is Hazard Mitigation?

Also available are County Hazard Maps for Lake County, Mason County, Muskegon County, Newaygo County,and Oceana County.

Please go to the Products and Publications section of this website to download Hazard Mitigation Plans for Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.

For further information, please contact Nan Emmer, Planning Director, at (231) 722-7878 ext. 14.

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West Michigan Industrial Parks and Sites Study

This is the first ever, comprehensive analysis of West Michigan's industrial parks and sites. The Industrial Parks and Sites Study is also the first study to present a set of recommendations for future economic development infrastructure, in the two to seven year time frame, for West Michigan communities based on a comprehensive analysis and in consultation with local communities and county level economic development organizations.

For further information regarding the West Michigan Industrial Parks and Sites Study, please contact Erin Kuhn, Program Manager, at (231) 722-7878 ext. 18.

West Michigan Shoreline Brownfields Inventory and Implementation Plan

The West Michigan Shoreline Brownfields Inventory and Plan for Implementation identifies brownfields in five counties: Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana. Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or under-used industrial and commercial properties, where expansion or redevelopment is hindered or complicated by real or perceived environmental conditions. The study consists of a threefold process: inventory of brownfield sites, an assessment of selected sites, and an inventory of tools that are available for redevelopment.

The sites were categorized and assigned priority ratings with respect to contamination and redevelopment potential. Five brownfield sites were selected for more in-depth assessments for redevelopment and development. A comprehensive listing of tools for implementation was developed. In addition, various federal and state laws and programs that exist for brownfield redevelopment were researched and compiled for local officials to review and identify as a source for implementation funds.

For further information regarding the West Michigan Shoreline Brownfields Inventory and Implementation Plan, please contact Nan Emmer, Planning Director, at (231) 722-7878 ext. 14.

Products and Publications

Click here to go to the a full list of recent downloadable WMSRDC publications and products.

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