Resources
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Arts & Culture
Americans for the Arts
Up-to-date reports, data, and tools demonstrating the economic, social, and educational benefits of the arts. Resources are intended to be help advance the arts on a local and regional level. Americans for the Arts is a national nonprofit organization that works to advance the arts and arts education on a local, regional, and national level.
Up-to-date reports, data, and tools demonstrating the economic, social, and educational benefits of the arts. Resources are intended to be help advance the arts on a local and regional level. Americans for the Arts is a national nonprofit organization that works to advance the arts and arts education on a local, regional, and national level.
Framework for Our Future Action Guide
To be released December 2014
The state's marketing arm and lead advocate for economic growth across all sectors. The MEDC offers business assistance services and funding programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development.
Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs
A statewide agency dedicated to helping communities cultivate artistic, creative, and cultural activity. The MCACA coordinates grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities that provide support for the operation of arts and cultural organizations, art projects, capital improvement, arts education residencies, and projects or collaborations focused on retaining and engaging young people through arts and culture.
A statewide agency dedicated to helping communities cultivate artistic, creative, and cultural activity. The MCACA coordinates grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities that provide support for the operation of arts and cultural organizations, art projects, capital improvement, arts education residencies, and projects or collaborations focused on retaining and engaging young people through arts and culture.
The Michigan Cultural Data Project
An online database that collects information from arts and cultural organizations and disseminates comprehensive data that helps organizations improve their financial and operational capacity; educates researchers, policymakers, and advocates; and helps funders more effectively plan grantmaking activities.
An online database that collects information from arts and cultural organizations and disseminates comprehensive data that helps organizations improve their financial and operational capacity; educates researchers, policymakers, and advocates; and helps funders more effectively plan grantmaking activities.
Northsky Nonprofit Network
Northsky services nonprofits, governments, and social enterprises in all ten counties with professional development learning opportunities, organizational counseling, consulting services, and other educational resources. Northsky’s online resource center offers an extensive amount of free materials to help organizations become more effective and efficient.
Northsky services nonprofits, governments, and social enterprises in all ten counties with professional development learning opportunities, organizational counseling, consulting services, and other educational resources. Northsky’s online resource center offers an extensive amount of free materials to help organizations become more effective and efficient.
A 10-county public agency providing workforce development, economic development, and regional planning services in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Food & Farming
Acme Township PDR Program
A program for preserving agricultural land. It allows Acme Township to purchase the development rights to working farmland and place it under perpetual conservation easement.
Benchmarks Northwest
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
Conducted every five years, the census covers land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures . It accounts for all U.S. farms and ranches and the people that run them.
Information, tools, and step-by-step worksheets for local governments, community organizations, and others working to develop food innovation districts, or business clusters of food-oriented businesses, services, and community activities.
Framework for Our Future Action Guide
To be released December 2014
To be released December 2014
Grand Traverse Regional Foodshed Alliance
A nonprofit overseeing the development of the food innovation hub. The Alliance brings together stakeholders from the entire food system network such as growers, processors, preparers, packagers, distributors, servers, retailers, and environmental organizations
Grand Traverse Regional Market Feasibility Report
A feasibility study for the creating a “food hub” at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Michigan.
A feasibility study for the creating a “food hub” at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Michigan.
GTRLC Farmability Program
A voluntary program that provides temporary protection of farmland while benefiting farm families economically and offering services to support the future of their farm operations. Funding for the program comes from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
A voluntary program that provides temporary protection of farmland while benefiting farm families economically and offering services to support the future of their farm operations. Funding for the program comes from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
A discussion of why agricultural tourism businesses are important to the communities in which they are located, and what can be done to make an environment in which they can thrive.
Michigan Farm Succession Guide
A report documenting the responses from a survey of farm producers nearing retirement; and a summary of the findings.
A report documenting the responses from a survey of farm producers nearing retirement; and a summary of the findings.
Michigan Farm to School
A program focused around offering more local foods in schools cafeterias. Farm to School encompasses other related initiatives such as school garden programs, farmer visits to school classrooms, and school field trips to nearby farms.
A program focused around offering more local foods in schools cafeterias. Farm to School encompasses other related initiatives such as school garden programs, farmer visits to school classrooms, and school field trips to nearby farms.
Michigan State University Extension
Present all across the state, MSU Extension provides educational services, tools, and expertise to help individuals, communities, and businesses find success in the workplace, at home, and in the community.
Present all across the state, MSU Extension provides educational services, tools, and expertise to help individuals, communities, and businesses find success in the workplace, at home, and in the community.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northwest Michigan Farm and Food 20/20 Fund
Offers farm businesses a continuum of financing tools and products offered by regional lenders through a one-stop application process. Financing options and resource support are tailored to the business stage and scale.
Offers farm businesses a continuum of financing tools and products offered by regional lenders through a one-stop application process. Financing options and resource support are tailored to the business stage and scale.
Dedicated to helping employers and career seekers in Northwest Michigan by offering a variety of no-cost services in our 5 centers, located in Petoskey, Traverse City, Cadillac, Kalkaska and Manistee, Michigan. Work-based learning scholarships, Just-in-Time training, and On-the-Job training programs are available for eligible job seekers.
A program for protecting farmland from development on the Old Mission Peninsula. Tax millages were approved by the Township to generate the funds needed to buy development rights from farm families at the development value of their land. The program protects Peninsula Township's main economy and its prized aesthetic qualities.
Taste the Local Difference
A regional program that connects consumers with local food, farms, restaurants, and businesses. Maps and guides make it easier to make the local connections.
A regional program that connects consumers with local food, farms, restaurants, and businesses. Maps and guides make it easier to make the local connections.
Growth & Investment
American Planning Association
Provides leadership in planning by providing resources, tools and support, and a wide range of educational opportunities including training and workshops, conferences, and online courses.
Benchmarks Northwest
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities
Any city, village, township or county can create a brownfield redevelopment authority (BRA) to facilitate cleaning up contaminated sites for redevelopment projects.
Any city, village, township or county can create a brownfield redevelopment authority (BRA) to facilitate cleaning up contaminated sites for redevelopment projects.
Any city, village, or township can create a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) to help communities with financing improvements in commercial corridors located outside of their main commercial or downtown areas.
Can be created to spur development of a community's downtown district. Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) provide for a variety of funding options for downtown public improvements, offering are a way to promote economic growth in community business districts.
Form-Based Codes in 7 Steps: The Michigan Guidebook to Livability
The Michigan Chapter of Congress for the New Urbanism identifies form-based codes as the answer to Michigan’s need for zoning reform. The guidebook provides information about form-based codes and how communities can develop them.
The Michigan Chapter of Congress for the New Urbanism identifies form-based codes as the answer to Michigan’s need for zoning reform. The guidebook provides information about form-based codes and how communities can develop them.
Framework for Our Future Action Guide
To be released December 2014
To be released December 2014
A community asset inventory was used to identify areas in Northwest Michigan that are best positioned to accommodate future growth patterns that are anticipated for the region over the next 25 years. In order to gauge how these identified areas are growing, attracting economic activity, and implementing policies that maximize growth and investment potential, Networks Northwest prepared the following Growth & Investment Area Studies And Commercial Corridor Inventories:
Benzie County G&I Study and CCI
Charlevoix County G&I Study and CCI
Emmet County G&I Study and CCI
Grand Traverse County G&I Study and CCI
Charlevoix County G&I Study and CCI
Emmet County G&I Study and CCI
Grand Traverse County G&I Study and CCI
Kalkaska County G&I Study and CCI
Leelanau County G&I Study and CCI
Manistee County G&I Study and CCI
Missaukee County G&I Study and CCI
Wexford County G&I Study and CCI
Leelanau County G&I Study and CCI
Manistee County G&I Study and CCI
Missaukee County G&I Study and CCI
Wexford County G&I Study and CCI
Can be created to manage tax-forclosed properties more effectively. A number of planning, financial, and management tools are available to these authorities, allowing them to own property, or transfer, sell, rent, prevent eviction, or demolish; qualify for brownfield status; enter into contract with private, public, or nonprofit agencies for redevelopment; and more.
A website designed to attract talent and businesses to Northwest Michigan.
Michigan Association of Planning
Provides resources, educational content, and training to interested citizen stakeholders and planners. MAP is a chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
Michigan Main Street Program
A revitalization program that utilizes community-driven, comprehensive strategies to encourage economic development. Communities receive technical assistance and services to help with the revitalization of historic down towns and traditional neighborhood commercial districts.
Michigan Municipal League
A nonprofit dedicated to assisting municipalities through advocacy at the state and federal level and by providing services and events to help them sustain themselves.
Michigan Townships Association
A nonprofit dedicated to assisting and advocating for Michigan’s townships.
New Designs for Growth Guidebook
The Guidebook demonstrates how thoughtful, quality design can improve our rural, suburban, and urban environments by creating sustainable developments of economic value that protect our natural resources. It includes proactive approaches to development in the region, and the techniques are applicable to both new development and to redevelopment projects.
The Guidebook demonstrates how thoughtful, quality design can improve our rural, suburban, and urban environments by creating sustainable developments of economic value that protect our natural resources. It includes proactive approaches to development in the region, and the techniques are applicable to both new development and to redevelopment projects.
A 10-county public agency providing workforce development, economic development, and regional planning services in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northern Michgian Community Placemaking Guidebook
A resource to help communities implement placemaking. It includes general and planning specific placemaking information, resources, and case studies from northwest Michigan.
A resource to help communities implement placemaking. It includes general and planning specific placemaking information, resources, and case studies from northwest Michigan.
Northwest Michigan Guides to Permitting and Zoning
Contact information, maps, and flow charts outline the development process in each community in Northwest Michigan. The guides are intended as an educational reference to assist individuals and businesses involved with construction and development projects.
Contact information, maps, and flow charts outline the development process in each community in Northwest Michigan. The guides are intended as an educational reference to assist individuals and businesses involved with construction and development projects.
Northwest Michigan Housing Target Market Analysis
To be released November 2014.
To be released November 2014.
The purpose of the Analysis is to provide a reasonably accurate estimate of the 2012 seasonal population—that is, the number of permanent, seasonal and transient residents by calendar month—for the Northwest Michigan counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.
Visual preference surveys were conducted over the course of 2013 and 2014 for Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. Results from the survey were used to develop the land use elements and activities of the Framework for Our Future. Information included in the reports identifies preferred development and design elements for commercial corridors. Reports for individual counties are available upon request.
Redevelopment Ready Communities
A statewide certification program that encourages communities to work towards becoming development ready and competitive in the new economy. Participating municipalities receive evaluation support, expertise and consultation, training, and marketing assistance from the MEDC.
A statewide certification program that encourages communities to work towards becoming development ready and competitive in the new economy. Participating municipalities receive evaluation support, expertise and consultation, training, and marketing assistance from the MEDC.
Small Business Development Center
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
Healthy Communities
The nation’s federal health protection agency. Provides up-to-date research, public health information, and educational resources for the public health community.
Community Health Needs Assessments
An introduction to Community Health Needs Assessments with links to reports, plans, and data concerning health issues from Charlevoix Area Hospital, Kalkaska Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Cadillac, and Munson Medical Center.
An introduction to Community Health Needs Assessments with links to reports, plans, and data concerning health issues from Charlevoix Area Hospital, Kalkaska Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Cadillac, and Munson Medical Center.
Facilitating Adoption of a Smoke Free Housing Policy for a Tribal Housing Authority
Developed by the Sault Tribe Strategic Alliance for Health Program to provide information on the resources and process of developing, adopting, and implementing a policy for smoke-free housing with a Tribal Housing Authority. The guide is intended to be applicable to public and affordable housing, and may also be useful when implementing a smoke-free policy with market-rate housing.
Developed by the Sault Tribe Strategic Alliance for Health Program to provide information on the resources and process of developing, adopting, and implementing a policy for smoke-free housing with a Tribal Housing Authority. The guide is intended to be applicable to public and affordable housing, and may also be useful when implementing a smoke-free policy with market-rate housing.
Information, tools, and step-by-step worksheets for local governments, community organizations, and others working to develop food innovation districts, or business clusters of food-oriented businesses, services, and community activities.
The Health Communicators Social Media Toolkit
A guide from the CDC to help health organizations get started using social media. Introduces a wide range of social tools that can be useful for health communications, promotions, emergency responses, campaigns, and other media efforts.
A guide from the CDC to help health organizations get started using social media. Introduces a wide range of social tools that can be useful for health communications, promotions, emergency responses, campaigns, and other media efforts.
Healthy Community Design Toolkit
A tool to encourage citizens to think about land use decisions that would make a happier and healthier community. The Planning and Health Resource Guide for Designing and Building Healthy Neighborhoods provides resources to go along with the toolkit.
A tool to encourage citizens to think about land use decisions that would make a happier and healthier community. The Planning and Health Resource Guide for Designing and Building Healthy Neighborhoods provides resources to go along with the toolkit.
A source of information and research linking public health to the built environment. The site offers tools to help integrate health into the community planning process.
Information on initiating and growing healthy media relationships.
Munson Community Health Dashboard
A list of community health indicators that illustrate how Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties are performing on key health measures compared to national, state, and local levels.
A list of community health indicators that illustrate how Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties are performing on key health measures compared to national, state, and local levels.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Links to other guides, checklists, audit tools, websites, pamphlets, etc. to help planners, local officials, and citizens address healthy community design and create vibrant neighborhoods. This resource was designed to go with the Healthy Community Design Checklist Toolkit.
The New Designs for Growth Guidebook recognizes that pathways are increasingly important features in new development and site design, and encourages the creation of pathways as an integral component of communities' transportation networks. This publication was developed to help implement the policies included in the New Designs for Growth Guidebook.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings
An interactive map of health rankings supported by extensive data that can help communities identify where they could improve. Tools and resources offer guidance to help improve a community’s health.
An interactive map of health rankings supported by extensive data that can help communities identify where they could improve. Tools and resources offer guidance to help improve a community’s health.
Housing
Goodwill Housing Resource Guide
List of resources available to people in need of housing assistance. Contacts are listed by the type of assistance they can offer.
List of resources available to people in need of housing assistance. Contacts are listed by the type of assistance they can offer.
The Framework for Our Future includes a broad range of community-identified solutions for meeting Northwest Michigan's housing needs. But in order to take action and improve housing choices, suport is needed from all parts of the community--including employers. Without quality housing choices that are affordable to our workforce, our region will struggle to attract the skilled workers that are needed to build our economy
The Network's goal is to help in the development of a diverse mix of regional housing choices with affordable options that fit in with the small town character of the countryside, neighborhoods, villages, and cities of our region.
This guide is designed to inform tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities in rental relationships. It includes in-depth discussions about rental housing law, important timelines that outline the eviction process and security deposits, sample leases and other legal documents, sample letters regarding common rental issues, and approved court forms.
The City of Manistee requires that all residential rental units be registered and inspected in order to protect public safety and ensure the quality of the city's rental properties.
National Housing Conference Messaging and Framing toolkit
A guide to help advocates communicate more effectively about housing issues. Each of the ten suggested strategies comes with a detailed explanation, tips, exercises, additional steps, and resources.
A guide to help advocates communicate more effectively about housing issues. Each of the ten suggested strategies comes with a detailed explanation, tips, exercises, additional steps, and resources.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northwest Michigan Housing Target Market Analysis
Housing market studies for each county in the region include analysis of existing and emerging demographic trends to identify future demand for various housing types.
Housing market studies for each county in the region include analysis of existing and emerging demographic trends to identify future demand for various housing types.
NWMCOG Citizen’s Guide to Housing Solutions
A guide intended to raise awareness and encourage citizen engagement around housing issues. It provides information and resources on the issues, policies and programs, and grassroots advocacy.
A guide intended to raise awareness and encourage citizen engagement around housing issues. It provides information and resources on the issues, policies and programs, and grassroots advocacy.
NWMCOG Housing Affordability Strategies & Resources: Best Practice Guides for Northwest Michigan
A series of best-practice resources that summarize proactive housing policies and programs that could be effective in Northwest Michigan. Taken singly, these strategies won’t act as stand-alone solutions; but they can be a valuable set of tools for local officials, planners, businesses, developers, nonprofits, and the public as they work together to improve the supply of affordable housing in their communities.
Housing Choices for Northwest Michigan
Accessory Dwelling Units
Cottage Zoning
Employer Assisted Housing
Housing Trust Funds
Inclusionary Incentive Zoning
Land Bank Authorities
Zoning for Housing Affordability
Accessory Dwelling Units
Cottage Zoning
Employer Assisted Housing
Housing Trust Funds
Inclusionary Incentive Zoning
Land Bank Authorities
Zoning for Housing Affordability
NWMCOG Housing Inventories
Housing reports were prepared by NWMCOG for Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties, to provide the information foundation for a regional housing strategy, an element of the Framework for Our Future. The inventories provide an overview of housing affordability, type, and condition, as well as information on related factors such as energy and transportation costs, vacancies and foreclosures, and homelessness. Draft documents are available below.
The Grand Traverse County Housing Inventory, and the Grand Traverse County Housing Strategy, were completed with assistance from NWMCOG in 2012 and are available online here.
NWMHousingSearch
A housing search portal for renters and homebuyers. The site features a searchable database of housing assistance programs, rentals, and homes for sale.
A housing search portal for renters and homebuyers. The site features a searchable database of housing assistance programs, rentals, and homes for sale.
Restoring Michigan Communities, Building by Building
A Michigan Municipal League guide to overcoming community problems and taking action with basic municipal tools and enforcement procedures.
A Michigan Municipal League guide to overcoming community problems and taking action with basic municipal tools and enforcement procedures.
Natural Resources
Benchmarks Northwest
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
Boardman River Townships Action Plans
A process designed to protect water resources by helping townships and villages assess their stormwater management. Project partners include the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Conservation District, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
A process designed to protect water resources by helping townships and villages assess their stormwater management. Project partners include the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Conservation District, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Designed to help municipalities improve lighting ordinances by developing standards that reduce glare, light trespass, and skyglow.
This zoning district was established to protect the scenic resources along rivers, highways and streets, lake shores and impounding waters.
Emmet County Viewshed Protection Overlay
In order to protect the many viewsheds and natural vistas that Emmet’s topography provides for, the County requires a number of construction and development standards. Planning for development requires a balance between preservation and construction practicality.
In order to protect the many viewsheds and natural vistas that Emmet’s topography provides for, the County requires a number of construction and development standards. Planning for development requires a balance between preservation and construction practicality.
Filling the Gaps: Environmental Protection Options for Local Governments, Part I, the Big Picture
Because the environmental protection afforded by state and federal regulations is limited and local governments are the first line of defense , this guide provides information to assist local officials in making sound decisions for their communities when creating local land use plans, adopting new environmentally focused regulations, or reviewing proposed development. Part I frames the case for protecting the environment and what the government's role is.
Because the environmental protection afforded by state and federal regulations is limited and local governments are the first line of defense , this guide provides information to assist local officials in making sound decisions for their communities when creating local land use plans, adopting new environmentally focused regulations, or reviewing proposed development. Part I frames the case for protecting the environment and what the government's role is.
Filling the Gaps: Environmental Protection Options for Local Governments, Part II, the Law of the Land
Part II discusses the natural resources that need protecting and how they are and are not regulated.
Part II discusses the natural resources that need protecting and how they are and are not regulated.
Filling the Gaps: Environmental Protection Options for Local Governments, Part III, Local Planning and Zoning
Part III discusses local planning and zoning. It covers many options and includes model ordinances.
Part III discusses local planning and zoning. It covers many options and includes model ordinances.
The guiding principle and mission of the Natural Resources Network is to protect and enhance the water resources, forest, natural areas and scenic beauty that preserve our quality of life and sustain our regional economy.
In an effort to protect scenic views, the Township created an ordinance to govern the placement of houses and other buildings along ridgelines.
Low Impact Development: A Design Guide for Implements and Reviews (SEMCOG)
A guide to implementing low impact development (LID) to new, existing, and redevelopment sites in an effort to control runoff.
A guide to implementing low impact development (LID) to new, existing, and redevelopment sites in an effort to control runoff.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
The state agency responsible for protecting Michigan’s environment and public health. The DEQ is in charge of maintaining compliance with statutes that protect human health and the environment, and implementing air and water quality control programs. Services also include pollution prevention, permit coordination, incentive programs, environmental education, outreach, restoration activities and coordination, and more.
The state agency responsible for protecting Michigan’s environment and public health. The DEQ is in charge of maintaining compliance with statutes that protect human health and the environment, and implementing air and water quality control programs. Services also include pollution prevention, permit coordination, incentive programs, environmental education, outreach, restoration activities and coordination, and more.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for the conservation, protection, management, and the sustained use enjoyment of natural and cultural resources throughout the state. The DNR manages state parks, recreation areas, boat launches, state forest, fisheries, wildlife, and more. The agency also supports and facilitates natural resource-based economies.
The state agency responsible for the conservation, protection, management, and the sustained use enjoyment of natural and cultural resources throughout the state. The DNR manages state parks, recreation areas, boat launches, state forest, fisheries, wildlife, and more. The agency also supports and facilitates natural resource-based economies.
New Designs for Growth Guidebook
The Guidebook demonstrates how thoughtful, quality design can improve our rural, suburban, and urban environments by creating sustainable developments of economic value that protect our natural resources. It includes proactive approaches to development in the region, and the techniques are applicable to both new development and to redevelopment projects.
The Guidebook demonstrates how thoughtful, quality design can improve our rural, suburban, and urban environments by creating sustainable developments of economic value that protect our natural resources. It includes proactive approaches to development in the region, and the techniques are applicable to both new development and to redevelopment projects.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network
The network works to protect natural communities in Northwest Michigan by managing and educating about terrestrial invasive plant species.
The network works to protect natural communities in Northwest Michigan by managing and educating about terrestrial invasive plant species.
Planners Moments
An educational video-series for planning and zoning officials. The series offers practical planning information and techniques for topics that are most relevant to the region. Michigan State University Extension and NWMCOG are responsible for the series.
An educational video-series for planning and zoning officials. The series offers practical planning information and techniques for topics that are most relevant to the region. Michigan State University Extension and NWMCOG are responsible for the series.
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Local Ordinance Gap Analyses
A personalized guide for water protection that provides local government with a comprehensive look at water protection throughout the entire county. The analysis reviews all existing water resource protections at the county and township levels, offers recommendations for local approaches to protecting water, and makes suggestions for improvement. Copies of the Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet County (its service area) reports are available online.
A personalized guide for water protection that provides local government with a comprehensive look at water protection throughout the entire county. The analysis reviews all existing water resource protections at the county and township levels, offers recommendations for local approaches to protecting water, and makes suggestions for improvement. Copies of the Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet County (its service area) reports are available online.
Recreation
Experience231
A guide to outdoor experiences for recreation enthusiasts in northern Michigan.
A guide to outdoor experiences for recreation enthusiasts in northern Michigan.
Land Information Access Association Trail Towns: Capturing Trail-Based Tourism—A Manual for Communities in Northern Michigan
A resource for communities interested in exploring the trail town concept. The manual covers design concepts, economic considerations, planning recommendations, and more.
A resource for communities interested in exploring the trail town concept. The manual covers design concepts, economic considerations, planning recommendations, and more.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans
A booklet describing what a recreation plan must include in order to be approved by the MDNR. Communities must have an approved five-year recreation plan to be eligible to apply for grants available through the State of Michigan for acquiring land for parks or open spaces and developing recreation facilities.
A booklet describing what a recreation plan must include in order to be approved by the MDNR. Communities must have an approved five-year recreation plan to be eligible to apply for grants available through the State of Michigan for acquiring land for parks or open spaces and developing recreation facilities.
MyNorth.com
A website featuring writing and photography about northern Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities, food and wine, events, history, and more. The website is the home of several regional print publications, including Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.
A website featuring writing and photography about northern Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities, food and wine, events, history, and more. The website is the home of several regional print publications, including Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northern Michgian Community Placemaking Guidebook
Information and resources on creating vibrant communities through placemaking. The guide includes a number of case studies from northwest Michigan.
Information and resources on creating vibrant communities through placemaking. The guide includes a number of case studies from northwest Michigan.
Planning with Green Infrastructure: An Implementation Resource of the New Designs for Growth Guidebook
This publication was developed to aid local governments in their efforts to implement policies included in the New Designs for Growth Guidebook.
This publication was developed to aid local governments in their efforts to implement policies included in the New Designs for Growth Guidebook.
The New Designs for Growth Guidebook recognizes that pathways are increasingly important features in new development and site design, and encourages the creation of pathways as an integral component of communities' transportation networks. This publication was developed to help implement the policies included in the New Designs for Growth Guidebook.
US Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails
A guide to help integrate accessibility into planning, design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities and trails.
A guide to help integrate accessibility into planning, design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities and trails.
UpNorthTrails.org
An online source of trail information for all of Northern Lower Michigan. An interactive map allows users to explore over 5,300 miles of trails, with trail details available for every trail and trail segment.
An online source of trail information for all of Northern Lower Michigan. An interactive map allows users to explore over 5,300 miles of trails, with trail details available for every trail and trail segment.
Talent
A publication providing data about the effectiveness of adult education in Michigan; from the State of Michigan Workforce Development Agency’s Office of Adult Education.
Information and resources on starting a business, relocating to the area, and community development initiatives.
Benchmarks Northwest
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
The Northwest Michigan Business Atlas website is designed to connect entrepreneurs to local supportive resources, financial and otherwise. It has a searchable database of business support services and organizations in the region.
A promotional program for in-demand occupations. It is produced by NWMCOG under the direction of the Education Advisory Group.
The guide is intended to provide basic information to citizens that have not been closely involved in the planning process, but would like to play a role in shaping the future in their community. It is a supplement to the New Designs for Growth Guidebook.
Michigan State University Extension provides workshops to help local officials better understand planning and zoning policies and to provide up-to-date approaches to local planning.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has created 14 video modules to provide universally accessible employability skills training online.
a survey of area employers conducted by the Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
Framework for Our Future Action Guide
To be released December 2014
Offers hands-on training in a variety of sectors.
A website designed to attract talent and businesses to Northwest Michigan
An MEDC program that alternates classroom and work-based learning. Employers hire/sponsor students.
Offers parents, childcare providers, educators, and communities information on the importance of early childhood education and its connection to a strong workforce
Indicates a person’s ability to apply academic knowledge in a workplace environment
Prioritizes good customer service in economic development: “Provide stronger economic development services than competitor states”
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Resources for financial planning and local lenders – three county area
Dedicated to helping employers and career seekers in Northwest Michigan by offering a variety of no-cost services in our 5 centers, located in Petoskey, Traverse City, Cadillac, Kalkaska and Manistee, Michigan. Work-based learning scholarships, Just-in-Time training, and On-the-Job training programs are available for eligible job seekers.
Northwest Michigan Apprenticeship Program
Coordinated by Northwest Michigan Works! with local employers; apprenticeships available in a variety of occupations, including IT and manufacturing.
Small Business Development Center
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
Northwest regional list of lenders and their programs.
Information and education about starting a new business from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Coordinated by the Education Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the Northwest Michigan Workforce Development Board, highlighted training programs in manufacturing.
Small Business Development Center
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
The center provides startups, existing small businesses, and high-tech companies with no cost business counseling, training, and market research. Small business consultants are available in every county.
Transportation
Reports detailing road conditions and maintenance priorities for each county in Northwest Michigan.
Benchmarks Northwest
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A collaborative site designed to provide access to relevant, timely data to communities, the public, stakeholders in Northwest Michigan.
A Citizen’s Guide to Transportation Planning
Explains the transportation planning process and transportation issues in our region. Glossaries, contact information, regional transportation-related statistics, and other information to help citizens get involved in the transportation planning process.
Explains the transportation planning process and transportation issues in our region. Glossaries, contact information, regional transportation-related statistics, and other information to help citizens get involved in the transportation planning process.
Framework for Our Future Action Guide
To be released December 2014
To be released December 2014
Getting Back on Track: Uncovering the Potential for Trains in Traverse City
A report exploring the potential for passenger rail in Traverse City. It explains why and how the 11-miles of old freight tracks could be repaired for a seasonal tourist-focused shuttle.
A report exploring the potential for passenger rail in Traverse City. It explains why and how the 11-miles of old freight tracks could be repaired for a seasonal tourist-focused shuttle.
Grand Vision Mobility Management Plan & Coordination Strategies
It provides an assessment of the region's existing local infrastructure and opportunities, and develops an action strategy for implementation of alternative approaches.
It provides an assessment of the region's existing local infrastructure and opportunities, and develops an action strategy for implementation of alternative approaches.
Land Information Access Association Trail Towns: Capturing Trail Based Tourism – A Manual for Communities in Northern Michigan
A resource for communities interested in exploring the trail town concept. The manual covers design concepts, economic considerations, planning recommendations, and more.
A resource for communities interested in exploring the trail town concept. The manual covers design concepts, economic considerations, planning recommendations, and more.
Michigan Association of Planning
Provides resources, educational content, and training to interested citizen stakeholders and planners. MAP is a chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
Provides resources, educational content, and training to interested citizen stakeholders and planners. MAP is a chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
Michigan Department of Transportation
MDOT is responsible for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the state highway system, transportation planning for the state, and administering state and federal transportation programs.
MDOT is responsible for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the state highway system, transportation planning for the state, and administering state and federal transportation programs.
A needs assessment was developed in 2013-2014 to identify challenges for nonprofit organizations in the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, relative to resources, capacity, leadership, revenue, and other issues. The report identifies potential opportunities for addressing challenges experienced by the region's nonprofits in order to better adapt to changing trends and complex communitiy issues.
Northwest Michigan Ride Share Connection
Northern Michigan Ride connects commuters for ride sharing to work, activities, and more throughout the Northwest Michigan region.
Northern Michigan Ride connects commuters for ride sharing to work, activities, and more throughout the Northwest Michigan region.
Testimonial
Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission