Knowing the status of local projects and obtaining economic and demographic information is important to local government officials and business persons. Many hours can be spent on the internet searching for information, but your time could be better spent reviewing instead of gathering. That is why the Regional Commission performs the following information and communications services.

"Commission Communications" Newsletter and Annual Report

The "Commission Communications" bi-monthly newsletter is the Regional Commission's main tool of communicating the status of current activities and projects. The annual report is an overview of the programs and activities of the Regional Commission.

Regional Forums

A series of regional forums are held each year by the Regional Commission to help local communities learn more about pertinent planning subjects. Past topics include Muskegon County's air quality status and workshops on planning and zoning.

Website

The Regional Commission also maintains this comprehensive website. Visitors to the website can learn more about the Regional Commission's programs, history, and also view and print frequently requested demographics on each of the region's local units of government.

West Michigan Information Center (WeMIC)

The data center is the area's most extensive source for planning and development purposes. The Commission has acquired and generated a large volume of data and is a local affiliate of the Michigan Information Center, part of the larger U.S. Census Bureau's nationwide State Data Center Program.

The following are examples of the types of information available:

Demographics

• Population figures
• Labor force statistics
• Age breakdowns
• Race breakdowns
• Gender breakdowns
• Population estimates and projections

Environmental

• Land use/land cover
• Topographic
• Soils
• Aerial photographs
• Septic suitability
• Ground and surface water quality

Transportation

• Traffic counts
• Transit system routes and information
• Programmed road improvements
• Accident data
• Corridor studies

Economic

• Major employers
• Income statistics
• Labor force statistics
• Poverty status
• Industrial site availability

Housing

• Number and type of units
• Building permit data
• Occupancy status
• Median rent and home value
• Year structure built

Maps

• Land use/land cover maps
• Base maps
• Census maps
• General soils maps
• Topographic maps
• Some custom mapping is also available

For more information concerning Information and Communications, please call (231) 722-7878 ext. 19 or contact: