Planning for a Greener Tomorrow: Counties Request Resident Insights
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2025
NORTHWEST LOWER, MI — Networks Northwest, in partnership with counties across Northwest Lower Michigan, is developing comprehensive Materials Management Plans (MMPs) and is seeking resident input to help shape future policies and programs.
Antrim, Charlevoix, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties are currently engaged in planning processes designed to identify opportunities to reduce the amount of solid waste entering landfills. These efforts follow 2022 amendments to Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which require counties to modernize their approaches to recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable materials management.
Residents living in the participating counties are encouraged to share their insights by completing a brief regional survey. Community feedback will help local leaders better understand recycling habits, access to services, and priorities for improving materials management systems.
The public can respond to the survey at nwm.org/mmpsurvey.
Additional information about the Materials Management Planning process can be found at nwm.org/mmp.
The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix