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Citizen Input Sought for
Regional Energy Planning 
While the 2012 election is history, conversations about Michigan's energy future continue. "It illustrates that electrical generation is a critical and complex topic," said Ed Bailey, director of technical academics at Northwest Michigan College (NMC) and convener of The Grand Vision Energy Network. Bailey and other members of the network are counting on the topic's recent visibility to spur citizen participation in an online regional energy survey. Residents in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford counties are encouraged to voice their opinions prior to December 7 at thegrandvision.org.
Participants in The Grand Vision's Energy Network range from utility companies to environmental groups. "It's pretty safe to say members have different opinions on how we should address the region's energy needs," said Bailey. "We do agree, however, that the residents of the region need to be informed about options and weigh in on solutions."
The survey is one step in the development of a regional "blueprint for action" that will outline options for regional energy generation. In addition to the survey, Energy Network member-organization SEEDS is compiling baseline information on regional consumption. "Currently, 65% of our electricity comes from large coal-burning plants," said SEEDS Executive Director Sarna Salzman. "A lot of coal plants are aging and being taken off line, so we need to plan for the future."
Rather than assume solutions that will likely polarize the region, the diverse members of the Energy Network want to gauge the public's knowledge and perspective. The survey will provide a foundation for continued conversations among all those with a stake in the future of energy.
Funded through a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, "blueprints" are also being developed for housing and transportation. Planners at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments are facilitating the planning process in conjunction with The Grand Vision networks, including county-specific meetings to gain insight into the unique needs and assets of each community.
Kimberly Pontius, Executive Director of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR) and current chairman of The Grand Vision's Communications and Outreach committee, said the survey brings The Grand Vision back to its roots. "This is, and always has been the citizen's Grand Vision, looking at what people want in their communities 50 years from now."
More than 12,000 people participated and voted in 2008 under the moniker, "Growth Happens. Let's Decide How." The effort resulted in citizen-defined preferences for housing, transportation, growth and investment, natural resources, and food and farming. It was during those input sessions that many noted the need for citizen-defined preferences in the area of energy. "The Grand Vision was initiated as a transportation and land use study but people quickly realized how interconnected energy was with the region's future," noted Marsha Smith, Executive Director of Rotary Charities and leader of The Grand Vision's original citizen outreach efforts.
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Freshwater Summit Attracts
Nearly 150 Participants 
"Our Changing Great Lakes" was the theme for the 5th Annual Freshwater Summit held October 26 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Nearly 150 people attended the event which included information about the Boardman River dam removals, inland lake fish shelters, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and clean boating.
"Every year we bring together citizens and experts on water quality issues from around Michigan and the Great Lakes," said Andy Knott, executive director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay. "Folks from all over share their expertise and it's an opportunity for people to get an update on the latest information on the work that's happening."
The Freshwater Summit was co-hosted by the Watershed Center, NMC Water Studies Institute, Michigan Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Resource Alliance, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Inland Seas Education Association, Network of Lake Associations, Rotary Water Committee, and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
"We live in freshwater community," said Knott. "A lot of residents in our region take ownership of our water, they have a sense of pride in our water resources. It's the backbone of the regional economy."
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Complete Streets Coalition Holds Discussion Forum and Schedules
Walking Audit of Lafranier Road 
The Complete Streets Coalition of The Grand Vision Transportation Network held a discussion forum November 13 in Traverse City to share information and talk about the complete streets concept. The event was geared toward elected officials responsible for creating and directing land use and transportation policies. Participants also viewed two new public service announcements in support of complete streets. Information presented at the discussion forum and the PSAs are available on the Complete Streets section of The Grand Vision website. Complete Streets.
The Complete Streets Coalition is also inviting the public to attend a walking audit of the Lafranier Road corridor in Grand Traverse County on Wednesday, November 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The future design of that street is complicated by terrain and rights of way limitations, but it is also clear that the current street underserves King's Court, Tendercare, and other residents. It is difficult for people to access homes, businesses, and services along Lafrainer Road by any means other than a car.
Anyone interested in taking part in the November 28 walking audit should meet at the County Office Building at 2650 Lafranier Road at 11 a.m.
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Regional Market Receives $200,000 Grant 
The Record-Eagle recently ran a brief article about a $200,000 award from MDARD to support the Grand Traverse Regional Market. This is a project of The Grand Vision Food & Farming Network, in collaboration with many partners, including Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (the grant recipient) through its Ag & Food System Sector Alliance, MSU Extension, Black Star Farms, the Minervini Group, Michigan Land Use Institute, and more. This award is an essential piece for moving the project forward, a project that will support both the Growth & Investment and the Food & Farming Guiding Principles of The Grand Vision.
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Information and Events
Transportation Network:
November 28
Complete Streets Coalition
Lafranier Road Walking Audit
11 a.m., Grand Traverse County Office Building
2650 Lafranier Road
December 4
Transportation Network Meeting
3:30 p.m., NWMCOG office
600 East Front St., Traverse City
Second floor conference room
December 13
Transit Subcommittee Meeting
4:00 p.m., BATA Transfer Center
Hall St., Traverse City
Natural Resources Network:
December 5
Natural Resources Network Meeting
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Steelcase Room, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
202 E. Grandview Parkway
Growth & Investment Network:
December 10
Growth & Investment Network Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Conference Room, Traverse City Michigan Works!
1209 South Garfield
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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
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