Grand Vision Update: July 2012

The Grand Vision

Grand Vision in Action

The Grand Vision continues to inspire
change in northwest lower Michigan.
Here's what's been happening lately.

Natural Resources Network

A virtual tour of the Boardman River Watershed will provide website (www.theboardman.org) visitors an opportunity for input on development of a sub-watershed prosperity plan.

The tour represents the same multiple informational panels that were part of a series of public discussions held last month across the watershed. It also asks participants what types of activities the watershed could support, as well as offers sign-up opportunities to become involved in planning or implementation.

"The Boardman River Watershed Prosperity Plan is inspired in large part by The Grand Vision which underscored the critical links between our magnificent natural resources, our regional economy and our quality of life," said Andy Knott, executive director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay and convener of the Natural Resources Network. "Just as The Grand Vision is a roadmap to prosperity for our entire region, the Boardman Prosperity Plan will be a roadmap for the watershed's prosperity."

Once online visitors are at the site, they should key "Prosperity Plan" in the "Current News" section.Prompts will then guide them through the panels. A "We'd like to hear from you" page provides website visitors with a form seeking input on what types of activities and development they would like to see throughout the Watershed.

A final station asks participants about how best to use the watershed to ensure its protection, while addressing the region's economic and recreational needs.

The Boardman River is a significant natural resource to our region, providing 30 percent of the surface flow to Grand Traverse Bay. It's watershed provides numerous recreational opportunities: fishing, boating, bird watching, hunting, hiking, biking and equestrian trails

that support the local economy and raise our quality of life.

The earlier meetings and virtual tour are part of a sub-watershed prosperity planning and implementation process now underway across the 291 square mile watershed.

Information & Events

Save the Dates!

The Grand Vision's annual report to the community has been scheduled for early October. This year, the event will be held on six nights - one in each of the Grand Vision's counties: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. The event will showcase Grand Vision inspired projects from this past year, feature student films, and announce Grand Visionary award winners. Locations are yet to be determined, but dates are scheduled as follows:

October 2, 3, 4, and 9, 10, 11. Events will run from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Food & Farming Network:

Grand Traverse Regional Market

Takes Another Step Forward

The results of the Grand Traverse Regional Market (GTRM) Feasibility Study are in. Six months ago, with funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the GTRM advisory board and Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation hired Market Ventures Inc., a national consultant firm that specializes in Public Markets, to complete a feasibility analysis for creating a "food hub" at Building 58 at the Grand Traverse Commons. MORE.

August 21

Food & Farming Network Meeting

2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

3860 N. Long Lake Road, Suite D

Transportation Network:

July 26

Transit Subcommittee Meeting

4:00 p.m., BATA Transfer Center

Hall Street, Traverse City

August 7

Transportation Network Meeting

3:30 p.m., NWMCOG second floor conference room

600 East Front Street, Traverse City

Growth & Investment Network:

The Growth & Investment committee is currently procuring a Community Asset Inventory (CAI) that will be integrated into the HUD's Northwest Michigan Regional Plan. The CAI will allow communities to self-identify crucial economic development characteristics and strategies. This assessment will document needs and assist in securing additional revenue sources for our region. Additionally, the self-assessment will allow communities to inventory existing community qualities for their own use. Unlike many planning assessments, this inventory focuses on current attributes, NOT future plans. This will allow for a true picture of existing community assets and policies. Additionally, questions reaching beyond jurisdictional boundaries will show the relationships between northern Michigan communities.

August 13

Growth & Investment Network Meeting

10 a.m., NWMCOG second floor conference room

600 East Front Street, Traverse City

Natural Resources Network:

August 15

Natural Resources Network Meeting

9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Steelcase Room

Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

202 East Grandview Parkway

Housing Solutions Network:

Grand Traverse County

Housing Inventory Now Available

The Housing Inventory, which provides details on the value, condition, and other characteristics of the County's housing stock, was prepared for Grand Traverse County by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. The inventory will be used to provide a foundation for community planning and strategy development.

Housing Inventory

September 11

Housing Solutions Network Meeting

9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Conference Room

Traverse City Michigan Works!

1209 S. Garfield

July 2012

Grand Vision Guiding Principles

Based on intensive research and input from thousands of citizens from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties, a vision that will lead to prosperity for people throughout northwest lower Michigan was created founded on these guiding principles:

A coordinated regional transportation network

Unique and vibrant communities

Housing choices

Sustainable-energy uses in construction, transportation and economic development

Protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas

Viable regional farms and local food systems

thegrandvision.org

The Grand Vision � PO Box 506 � Traverse City, MI 49685 � 231.929.5038