Regional Prosperity Initiative

A FRAMEWORK FOR OUR FUTURE: A REGIONAL PROSPERITY PLAN FOR NORTHWEST MICHIGAN

Developed as part of Michigan's Regional Prosperity Initiative between 2013 and 2014, the Framework is a regional resource for communities working to meet local goals. It includes information and tools that can help stakeholders address issues related to housing, workforce and economic development, transportation, food and farming, arts and culture, community health, natural resources, and recreation. See the Framework document and related reports.

 

Governor Rick Snyder Discusses Regional Prosperity Initiative

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder created a Regional Prosperity Initiative in 2013 to encourage local private, public and non-profit partners to create vibrant regional economies. Watch the video to find out more.

 

What is the Regional Prosperity Initiative?

Michigan’s “Regional Prosperity Initiative (RPI),”  as initiated by Governor Snyder and signed into law as a part of the FY 2014 budget (59 PA 2013), encourages local private, public and non-profit partners to identify regionally aligned growth and investment strategies for Lansing to support, not the other way around. IT also provides the framework for all state departments to share common service areas and support individual regional prosperity plans. Bottom-line is that the RPI is focused on streamlining state services and highlighting the regionally defined goals and strategies that will further our region’s success. A map of Michigan’s Prosperity Regions and more information about the program can be found at:  https://www.michiganbusiness.org/about-medc/regional-prosperity-initiative/ 

As part of the statewide Regional Prosperity Initiative, Networks Northwest will work with the ten-county region of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties to develop resources and tools for local decision makers as they also work to create more opportunities for investment in their communities. The common denominator for all regions across the state will be the development of a “regional prosperity plan.” Locally, the regional prosperity planning process is being called, “Framework for Our Future: A Regional Prosperity Plan for Northwest Michigan.”  This resource will provide information, tools, and step-by-step action guides for local governments, business leaders, nonprofits, and other organizations seeking resources for communities wishing to connect to larger, more regional goals.

Networks Northwest’s Regional Prosperity Plan is not a state mandate, nor does it supersede any local government decision-making; your community’s participation is 100% voluntary.

Opportunities to participate in the process include:

• Strategy work sessions were held throughout the region in April and May to share information on the Regional Prosperity Plan and to discuss ideas for regional actions and solutions to common issues
• Online discussion groups, surveys, and polls on the Regional Prosperity Plan and related communities issues have been made available via an interactive online public forum, to be unveiled May 1
• A draft of this region’s regional prosperity plan will be made available for review and comment to all stakeholders this summer. 

As your local RPI contact, Networks Northwest will continue to provide updates and announcements to all stakeholders as the project moves forward. If you have questions about the state program or the local process, please contact Terry Vandercook at 231-929-5000, or via email at Contact Form.  

See more information on the State of Michigan Regional Prosperity Initiative, and Frequently Asked Questions.