The Grand Vision networks have been busy! Here are just a few highlights from a great year of working to realize The Grand Vision's guiding principles. 

Housing Solutions Network

 

> Housing Partnerships:

The Grand Vision Housing Solutions Network hosted five educational workshops with the goal of raising awareness of rental housing programs in the region. The workshops covered information on fair housing law, energy optimization, development, rental, and housing programs. They were held at the Traverse Area Association of Realtors and were sponsored by TAAR and the Grand Traverse Area Continuum of Care. The workshops were attended by realtors, developers, landlords, housing assistance program staff, local government officials, and interested citizens.  

 

 

 

> Resources:

The Housing Solutions Network developed A Citizen's Guide to Housing Solutions to raise awareness of housing issues and provide tools for citizens interested in participating in creating housing choices.  

 

> The network reviewed a Housing Inventory for Grand Traverse County, which gives details on the value, condition, and other characteristics of the county's housing stock.  

  

> Long-time housing advocate Cheryl Naperala was honored with the network's inaugural Grand Vision Housing Leadership Award. Naperala was selected because of positive, significant contributions to housing for all residents.

 

Growth & Investment Network

> The Grand Vision Growth & Investment Network coordinated two Placemaking Summits - one in Traverse City and one in Petoskey - featuring keynote speaker Chris Leinberger and plenary speaker Dan Gilmartin. More than 300 people attended and learned about the economic strengths of placemaking. The story-sharing web site CreateMiPlace.org was launched at the summits, and offered as a means of learning about placemaking initiatives from around the region.

> Community Growth Grants have been very popular for local communities. The purpose of the grants is to support local governments' efforts in realizing The Grand Vision. The Growth & Investment Network selected eight recipients this year. Click here for a complete list.  

> The network is actively leading Community Asset Inventories for growth and investment areas in the six county region. They regularly discuss and share various economic development strategies that will benefit local communities. 

Energy Network

> The Grand Vision Energy Network helped to coordinate several educational programs and forums this year, in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College. One of the highlights was a showing of "Beyond the Light Switch - What Will The Future of Energy Look Like" at the State Theatre.  

> "A Community Leadership Summit: Energy Efficiency and Local Economic Opportunity" was held in June, and presented the strong, positive effects of a comprehensive, community-based energy efficiency campaign.    

> "Solar Energy Works for Northern Michigan" featured former Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth director Skip Pruss, and discussed the important role of solar energy in diversifying energy supply and supporting economic development.

> Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Plugged In? Let's Decide How" regional energy survey. More than 2000 responses were gathered, representing a broad range of individuals from the six Grand Vision counties. Results will be shared at energy-focused "Input Expos" in February and March.

Food & Farming Network

> Videos: The Grand Vision Food & Farming Network created several videos this year. The first was an instructional video on the Double Up Food Bucks program. Kathy Maldonado walks through the process of using the program, and shows the benefits of purchasing fresh, local food at the farmer's market. Other videos feature speakers at an Ag & Food System Sector Alliance event, Food Corps programs, establishment of the network's new goals, and more. For all the videos, go to the network's page:  

thegrandvision.org/food-farming-network  

> The network hosted several workshops, including Farm Transition, Seed Saving, Successful Grazing, and more.  

> The network is actively involved in the development of a local food hub, which will support the aggregation, processing, and distribution of local foods. The group was instrumental in a grant application that was awarded to Northwest Michigan Council of Governments in support of the project. 

Natural Resources Network  

> Several members of the Grand Vision Natural Resources Network have been actively involved in The Boardman River Watershed Prosperity Plan, and have been working to support the restoration of the Boardman River to its natural state through the removal of the upper three dams on the river. The Prosperity Plan was recently awarded a $15,000 Smart Growth Grant from the National Association of Realtors via the Traverse Area Association of Realtors.

> Members of the Network were also actively involved in planning the 5th annual Freshwater Summit in October. 150 people attended the Summit to learn about the latest water quality research and restoration projects ranging from local inland lakes to the entire Great Lakes region.  

Community Action Updates

> Six nights, six communities, lots of activity! The Grand Vision Community Action Updates featured local projects that align with The Grand Vision's six guiding principles, which have collectively leveraged more than $10 million in additional investment for the region.  

> The events were held in Frankfort, Elk Rapids, Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Cadillac, and Kalkaska. Individuals from those communities helped to present project highlights, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the hard work that makes this region a fantastic place.

> A Grand Visionary was selected for each county:

Antrim: Joe Short and Leah Hannan of Short's Brewing Company

Benzie: Benzie Bus 

Grand Traverse: Wayne Kladder, Acme Township Supervisor 

Kalkaska: George and Sally Shetler, Shetler Family Dairy

Leelanau: Ian Plamondon, Suttons Bay High School, 2012 graduate 

Wexford: Baker College of Cadillac 

See what the visionaries have to say.

> The events also presented awards for Community Growth Grants (see Growth & Investment Network) and previewed the next steps in The Grand Vision process.