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The Grand Vision: Community
Action Updates 2012
Connecting Communities to $10 million and Counting...
The schedule has been finalized for The Grand Vision: Community Action Updates 2012. Learn how The Grand Vision has helped communities to bring in millions of dollars of additional investment.
This year, the event will be held on six nights - one in each of The Grand Vision counties.
October 2, Kalkaska at the Kaliseum
October 3, Cadillac at the Cadillac Wexford Public Library
October 4, Elk Rapids at the Elk Rapids Cinema
October 9, Suttons Bay at the Inland Seas Education Center
October 10, Frankfort at the Garden Theater
October 11, Traverse City at the State Theatre
Each of the events will run from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and will showcase Grand Vision inspired projects from this past year, feature student films, and announce Grand Visionary award winners. These events are made possible by the generous contribution of the National Association of REALTORS� and the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS�.
 Community Growth Grants:
Where are they
Now?
Another round of Community Growth Grants was recently announced, giving local units of government an incentive to implement Grand Vision principles. Projects should be aligned with The Grand Vision's Growth & Investment Guiding Principle - "Unique and Vibrant Communities that Strengthen the Local Economy." Alignment with additional principles is encouraged.
This is the third offering of the grants, so it seems a good time to review past winners and see their progress and results.
2010-2011
The Village of Elk Rapids received $20,000 to conduct a commercial and agricultural wastewater treatment feasibility study. They brought in an additional investment of almost $20,000 from the MEDC. The study was completed in November of 2011. The Village Council is now considering expansion of the wastewater treatment facility and is beginning to look for financing. See a video about the project.
The Village of Beulah received $20,000 to create a streetscape plan. The streetscape plan has been completed. The Village recently received a $60,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to complete the work on the waterfront part of the plan and will start work in the downtown next year. See a video about the project.
The Village of Elberta received technical assistance to create a master plan. The plan has been completed and approved and the Village is working on implementing the plan.
Green Lake Township received $20,000 to create its Interlochen Gateway and Circulation Plan. The completed plan was used to create a Special Area Plan to be incorporated under the Master Plan to help guide future development in the corridor. The plan has also been used as a tool to apply for additional grants. See a video about the project.
The Village of Kalkaska received technical assistance to develop a master plan. They brought in additional investment of $14,500 from Rotary Charities, $7,500 from the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp, and $20,000 from the Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority. The Master Plan has been completed and approved and is being implemented through work on Wayfinding and Placemaking. See a video about the project.
The Village of Empire received $20,000 to establish village-wide Wi-Fi service. That service is up and running and in the summer of 2012 use was double what it was in 2011. There is currently an offer of $20,000 from a private investor to expand the service. See a video about the project.
The Village of Suttons Bay received $20,000 to create its Front Street Strategic Plan. They brought in additional investment of $987,128 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the Watershed Center, $313,000 from MDOT, and $240,000 from the DNR Trust Fund. Design work is well underway on the stormwater, street, and trail parts of the plan. See a video about the project.
The City of Cadillac received $20,000 to conduct a Market Diversification Feasibility Study. The city held focus groups and forums and conducted research to determine diversification of its manufacturing-reliant economy. The completed study helped the city get a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture to conduct an Industrial Incubator Feasibility Study. The Market Study is also being used to help prepare a strategic plan for development of the core downtown. See a video about the project.
2011-2012
Acme Township received $10,000 to create its Shoreline/Gateway Plan. They brought in additional investment of $20,000 via a Coastal Zone Management grant and $5,000 from a Rotary Charities Planning Grant. A draft design/plan is being developed and the community is providing feedback on that plan. Once the plan is finalized an implementation plan and budget will be developed.
Elmwood Township received $10,000 to create its Greilickville Corridor Plan. A recent purchase of key property along the corridor was a significant step towards implementing the plan.
The Village of Elk Rapids received $7,000 to create a Bech's Building Re-use Plan. The buildings were demolished this summer and 22 new docks have been installed at the site. An irrigation system was installed and grass was planted. The Village hopes to apply for additional grants in the future.
The Village of Kalkaska received $10,000 for Village Branding and Wayfinding. This was implementation of the one important piece of the plan created with the first grant.
The Village of Honor received $10,000 to develop a Recreation and Implementation plan. The Village held a Community Forum to gather input and set priorities. A consultant is working on a final plan which will be used to seek funding to implement the recommendations in the plan.
The Village of Mesick received technical assistance to develop a Master Plan. The DRAFT Plan was completed in August, 2012. Once the final plan is approved work will begin on implementation.
The Village of Ellsworth received $5,000 to operate its Farmer's Market. The money was used to hire a Market Master, buy a canopy, banners, and signage, and to do marketing and advertising. The Village is in the process of trying to get additional grants.
The total dollars and technical assistance awarded through Community Growth Grants is $200,000. An additional $1.73 million was brought into these communities through other sources.
The 2012-2013 New Designs for Growth: Community Growth Grants program will award grants of up to $15,000, provided as cash or technical assistance, available on a competitive basis to city, village, township, and county governments within the six-county Grand Vision region. The grant deadline is September 7, 2012.
Click here for more information
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nominations for the 2012 Grand Visionary Awards. A Grand Visionary is someone who exemplifies The Grand Vision by engaging his or her community in activities that further Grand Vision principles. He or she is dedicated to the resiliency of the region and shows passion for successful implementation of Grand Vision-inspired projects.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved the final permit needed for the dam's removal. When the work at Brown Bridge is completed, 1.5 miles of river will be restored and 145 miles of high-quality river habitat will be reconnected. The project also will restore 150 acres of upland and wetland as well as riparian forest habitat contiguous to the Boardman River.
workshops on the topic of Placemaking and Historic Preservation. The workshops will be held September 17 in Manistee, September 18 in Traverse City, and September 19 in Petoskey. 
