HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 - TCRPC TRI- County Regional Planning Commision, Annual Report ANNUAL REPORT
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MISSION TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) is a voluntary 1 Commissioners
organization of the local governments and agencies of Clinton, Eaton,
and Ingham counties in mid-Michigan. We are organized to foster a 2 Letter from the Director
cooperative effort in resolving problems, policies, and plans that are
common and regional with the greatest benefit to citizens of the Tri-
County area while maximizing the efficient use of resources. and TCRPC staff
The TCRPC facilitates participation in regionally significant planning 3 TCRPC by the Numbers
and development with a strong core commitment to concepts,
education, and practices that support regional sustainability, wise 4 TCRPC Structure & Function
growth, and community resilience.
PURPOSES 5 & 6 Economic Development Planning
To prepare and/or coordinate the development of plans and aid in 7 & 8 Environmental Protection Planning
the implementation of agreed upon plans and services within the
mid-Michigan tri-county region. 9 & 10 Land Use Planning
To furnish general and technical aid to member governments and 11 & 12 Transportation Planning
organizations relative to regional issues and opportunities.
To encourage and assist in the development of region-wide 13 TCRPC Celebrates 60 years
policies for coordinating land use, transportation, environmental
protection, human services, and other related physical planning
programs among area local governments.
To review and coordinate federal, state, and local programs of
regional importance. To assist local governments, agencies and
individuals in securing federal and state funding programs that
would have regional significance.
To encourage region wide cooperation between the public
and private sectors that can enhance economic opportunity in TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL
development, expansion, attraction, and retention of business and
industry. PLANNING COMMISSION
Planning Mid-Michigan's Future Together Since 1956
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2016 COMMISSIONERS
CLINTON COUNTY CITY OF LANSING CAPITAL AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY
David Pohl Judi Brown Clark Robin Lewis, Vice-Chairperson
Adam Stacey Shirley M. Rogers
Gail Watkins, Secretary Chris Swope
Jessica Yorko MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
EATON COUNTY Denise B. Jones
KentAustin CITY OF EAST LANSING
Roger A. Eakin Shanna Draheim
Howard Spence EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darrell Tennis Susan M.C. Pigg, CEcD
DELTA TOWNSHIP
Kenneth Fletcher, Chairperson
INGHAM COUNTY
Teri Banas
Robin Case-Nayert MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP
Brian McGrain, Treasurer John Veenstra
TRI COUNTY REGIONAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
Planning Mid-Michigan's Future Together Since 1956
1
A Letter from the
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
Executive Director
STAFF
Dear Commissioners, Partners, & Friends:
•• CEcD., Executive Director
Thank you to all of our members, partners,clients,and friends Paul Dionne, •• •
for a great year! 2016 was full of opportunities for success Rachel •, Economic
and we accomplished much. This report offers a glimpse Ken _
Planner
of our many activites this year. We maintained a strong •
financial position. We secured and leveraged public funding Greg Hoffman, Finance & Personnel •• • - •
for many regional projects. We finished some projects and MeghanOutreach & Communications .• • •
started new ones. We held dynamic dialog about the issues Transportation
that face our region. And we continued planning for a more Jim Snell, Chief
sustainable regional future. AndreaTIPCoordinator
SeniorLaura Tschirhart, •• • Planner
Vietnamese spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "We Linda Thomas-Boyd Administrative Assistant/Clerk
have more possibilities available in each moment than we
realize." Helping the municipalities and citizen's groups in
our region to realize their many possibilities is one of the
most rewarding aspects of working with the TCRPC. And, in
a world of possibilities, sustainable regional success requires
good planning. Whether it is sharing a regional profile of
water protection programs, funding entrepreneurship and Tri-County Regional ' Commission
education projects, or sharing data across agencies to 3135 Pine TreeRoad,
coordinate transportation improvements, the leadership and
commitment of the TCRPC board and its staff make our Lansing, '
911
region a better place. • - 517.393.0342
We look forward to 2017 with excitement. We anticipate Fax: 517.393.4424
many new opportunities. The joint vision of TCRPC Toll Free: 800.619.6676
Commissioners combined with the expertise of staff carries
our region forward to realize more possibilities. We look • • •
forward to planning for a more sustainable future with youwww.facebook.Com/TriCou •
in the coming year.
Sudan M.C.Trigg, Exeuctiire.�ucectoa
2
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TCRPC by the Numbers 2016 Finances
Revenue by Funding Source
TCRPC has a mission to actively engage local governments, citizens, and stakeholder
groups to plan projects that guide the growth and development of our region. By Other sources,
convening collaboration, TCRPC supports implementation of regionally shared visions $3,030 and goals. TCRPC facilitates many standing committees, project work groups, and
task forces. It also hosts some region-wide events each year Member
104 and partners with other area organizations to faciliate such such Allocation,
events. In addition to convening the full board ofthe Commission $383,517 Federal,
hosted & each month, TCRPC committees, work groups, and task forces $796,964
meet regularly to plan actions that address issues in our lead
facilitated program areas of Transportation, Economic Development, Local, $487,841 f
atherin S Environmental Protection, and Land Use planning. For some
g g committees, the membership is prescribed with reprentatives
& work of member municipalities assigned by their community. In other
cases, TCRPC staff faciliate meetings that seek and encourage
sessions input from concerned or impacted stakeholders. The public and
any interested people are welcome to attend and comment at any state,$175,881
meeting of the TCRPC or its committees and work groups.
TCRPC in 2017 Expenditures by Program
The TCRPC Agency Wide Annual Work Plan summarizes key initiatives and activities
for the coming year. The 2017 Plan includes the many ongoing activities and projects Adminstration,�
required by our funding and recommended by our role in the $139,338
region. In transportation, we will update long and short term plans
and seek federal recertification.The new Land Use Committee will 15807 put feet under regional recreation and green space projects. The Other,
Economic Development program continues forward momentum 192,,677
in its many projects to acheive regional prosperity. With new estimated
staff coming onboard, our Environmental programs will re-boot people in Economic
pp
and reinvigorate. They will continue technical assistance to area Development, Transportation,
municipal stormwater managers and well head protection plans. meeting $287,626 $951,960
And, TCRPC will take on administration of the Greater Lansing & event
Area Clean Air Coalition. Administratively, we continue to tighten '46.
and streamline our procedures while we expand our digital access. attendance
And, in 2017, while we employ our new logo and brand, we will
increase our effective communications to be more educational. Environmental,
We continue to expand and improve our role as a resource for regional data including $299,542
current contacts for the region's municipalities and public works authorities.
STRUCTURE AND Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
Serving to the communities in Clinton, Eaton, and
FUNCTIONS OF Ingham counties of mid-Michigan
THE TRI-COUNTY Commissioners
Appointed & Elected Officials (19)
REGIONAL
PLANNING Community Organizations Administration State & Federal Agencies
&Agencies Executive Director& Staff
COMMISSION I
Data, Communications, Outreach, & Facilitation
Transportation Land Use Planning Economic Environmental
Planning Development Protection
Planning Planning
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
Regional Land Use Comprehensive Groundwater
Long Range Committee Economic Management Board
Transportation Plan Development Plan
Land Use Greater Lansing
Transportation Health Resource Greater Lansing Regional Committee
Improvement Committee Regional Prosperity for Stormwater
Program Initiative Management
(� � Bening Mid- rY
REGIO �JAuthority
gData i C i YYl�lichi an Water
Counts, o
& Sharing) Mid-Michigan
Program for Greater Middle Grand River
Safe Ryv, !n-ANI Sustainability I S S ` Organization of
Motorized, & other Watersheds
Plans
Childrens Water
Festival
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Economic
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NG�R�E -� Development
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The TCRPC supports and fosters sustainable economic
development planning. As an Economic Designated District,
appointed and certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration (EDA), TCRPC receives
a planning grant which provides planning services and technical
"When it comes to placemaking, J assistance to municipalities in the region.
understanding individualTCRPC Planners provide data and analysis; coordinate regional
meetings of development professionals; host national speakers and
• needs share best practices to improve and support economic developers'
practice in the region; and facilitate regional planning for economic
in
gredient
development.
TCRPC maintains the Comprehensive Economic Development
NeighborhoodJoan Nelson, Director, Allen Strategy (CEDS) that provides eligibility for communities to apply
for funds from the EDA to support infrastructure and programs that
enhance business attraction and job creation.
Arts Council of Greater Lansing and funded by TCRPC`s Regional Prosperity Initiative gran'l
A poster at Grace Boutique in Old Town Lansing for the Arts Night Out project,'ho�ie*d7y'k--
Economic Development in 2016
The Economic Development Program focused on extending economic development planning throughout _
the region by building effective partnerships for region-wide economic development success, bringing in
expert resources, and funding initiatives to further economic prosperity.
TCRPC staff and partners worked together to update our region's Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS). Discussions of our region's vision for economic prosperity focused on
talent, education, regional revitalization, transit services, and placemaking.We renewed our Partnership
Planning Program with the Economic Development Administration and were awarded a three-year grant
$157,884 for regional economic development planning programs.TCRPC hosted nationally-recognized
urban strategist Michele Reeves for work sessions with Downtown Development Authorities. She
emphasized revitalizing commercial districts.TCRPC organized a bus tour for development professionals f� _
and local elected officials to explore urban infill and density impacts.The day trip to Marshall and Battle
Creek included guided walking tours and sit-down discussions with community leaders, development
professionals, and local business owners in those communities.In 2016, Economic Development Planner Rachel Elsinga facilitated the Greater Lansing Regional
Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI), our regional partnership of community and economic development Imagine Mid-Michigan Bus Tour:
professionals. Local development officials joined members of area development firms, non-profit Presentation from City of Marshall(Above)
organizations, community groups, and businesses.We expanded public and private partnerships though walking tour through Battle Creek(Below)
monthly gatherings held throughout the region.
With support from GLRPI leaders, particularly LEAP, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Michigan State
University, and Lansing Community College, we secured a
third round of Initiative funding from the State of Michigan
(DTMB) and applied for year 4.The grant of $185,500 was
immediately implemented to support regional initiatives in
talent and education with funding for Capital Area Michigan
Works! Teach, Talent, Thrive (T3) program that is creating
a network of STEAM opportunities. We funded a regional
Youth Entrepreneurship program hosted by LEAP and were
the title sponsor for a Talent Summit led by the IT Council
and the Capital Area Manufacturers Council.We initiated a / =�
study of latent demand for transit and the economic impact - --
i I t of transit access in the region.TCRPC's GLRPI group was a
title sponsor of the Creative Placemaking Summit II and Greater Lansing's Arts Night Out events hosted by the Greater
I Lansing Arts Council.And, to continue outreach and revitalization efforts, funding supported purchase of a site selection
mapping tool hosted on the LEAP website to attract business locations.maintenance of a regional ddashboard of progress
toward regional prosperity (at www.micapitalregion.com).
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Environmental
Protection Planning
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The TCRPC Environmental Planning Programs develop technical
resources; facilitate work groups and committees, and offer
outreach and education to protect our region's groundwater and
municipality • island. surface water resources. They focus on protecting the quality
and health of our region's ground and surface waters. Through
We have a place in the region and the Groundwater Management Board, the Greater Lansing
Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC), the Middle of
" actions that we take, impact our the Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) and the
Mid-Michigan Water Authority, TCRPC helps develop watershed
neighbors. and wellhead protection plans and offers education programs
for residents and schoolchildren. TCPRC staff members assist
-Mmi municipalities and non-profit groups to meet permit requirements,
to identify challenges and opportunities and to coordinate regional
Julie Brixie water protection efforts.
TownshipTreasurer, Meridian
Campbellin
Environmental Planner Erin . ...ut to ogra .runoff at the 2016
Environmental Protection Planning in 2016
The TCRPC environmental staff provided direct technical assistance to area municipalities on groundwater protection.They made presentations to area municipalities
on an environmental permits checklist, an audit tool to evaluate their water protection practices. They shared a regionally specific water protection program and
policy guide that summarizes the region's water protection programs and practices. They conducted audits of municipal practices to recommend sustainable
water protection actions. And, they worked with municipal staff to draft, revise, and submit grant funding applications to support wellhead protection, watershed
management, and a special study of the potential impacts of memorial gardens on nearby water quality.
Environmental staff, along with the rest of TCRPC staff, installed a rain garden at the edge of our parking lot with funds from the Great Lakes Communities Network.
TCRPC Environmental planning staff worked with the Alliance for the Great Lakes on a policy guide for elected officials and participated in an advisory group on
integrated watershed management at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute. The resulting final report addresses some the Michigan
Drain code. They offered sessions on water resources during the Michigan
State University Science Week to educate middle school youth. They worked
with area watershed protection groups to develop implementation activities for (Right)A topography lesson at a 2016
watershed protection plans covering the Middle Grand River watershed (Eaton Arbor Day celebration.
County area)and the Red Cedar River watershed (Ingham County area). (Below) TCRPC's Rain Garden,installed
in 2016,by TCRPC staff and friends.
Also in 2016, environmental staff coordinated the MidMichi an Buying The Rain Garden will serve as a natural a
Consortium. The Consortium is in the process of accepting bids for chemicals filter for run-off fromour parking lot.
p p g This project was funded by a grant from
and lime removal for water and wastewater utilities for FY 2018. It continues to the Great Lakes Clean Communities
grow, adding members from the mid-Michigan area. It saves utilities thousands Network.
of dollars annually through group purchasing power.The Lansing Board of Water
and Light continues to coordinate the bidding and award process,while TCPRC
and the East Lansing Meridian Water & Sewer Authority facilitate the overall
process, guiding the Consortium's goals and answering member questions.
The Consortium continues to be an excellent example of regional cooperation i..:
resulting in economies of scale.
, �. -
- -_ . Land Use
S
. Planning
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TCRPC's Land Use Planning Program provides land use planning
• - • - • • • - and education focused on implementing regional goals of
_ sustainable development.The Program encourages the integration
• • ' • • • of sustainable development approaches into municipal planning
• • - • , - - , • - - policies and procedures.The TCRPC Land Use Planner introduces
best practices for developing green infrastructure, promotes
• • • - our regional parks and recreation resources, and links healthy
• , • • • • , • • • • community initiatives with non-motorized transportation planning.
• • • To accomplish program goals, the Land Use Planner actively
• • engages citizens, agencies, and local governments to examine
the implications of regional land use and growth trends on the
region's future.TCRPC is formulating consensus on a shared vision
that assures a regional quality of life, economic competitiveness,
resilience, and sustainability.
9
Land Use Planning in 2016
The Land Use Program took on new energies this year under the direction of Ken Hall, '
land use planner, who joined us in April. He continued some program initiatives alread
underway and geared up to start some new projects. Imagine Mid-Michigan is our name fo
the peer exchange program facilitated by Portland State University's Sustainable Planning
Program in Oregon. Through that effort, we took teams of regional leaders on intensivelnsv�� °I o
■ -fE o�is .
tours to learn about sustainable land use practices, infrastructure investment, housing, and L.ght rHre_
economic development approaches. Local municipal officials, private sector developers,
public health workers, and local land use planning staff joined TCRPC commissioners and
staff on trips to Sacramento, CA and Portland OR.We also held a Michigan exchange with
leaders in Marshall and Battle Creek. And, via phone, skype, and emails, TCRPC staf
shared program materials and techniques with Portland State leaders and our 2016 cohor
partner, the Truckee Meadows region of Sparks/Reno NV.
Efforts continue to improve and expand the use of a web-based health impact assessmen
tool. Building on the technical geographic information system tool released in 2015, Ken ® t'. 36z
has been working to collect and insert updated data into the tool. Data about land parcels, —
public infrastructure, natural resources and the built environment along with proposed
development characteristics such as sidewalks or green spaces, are assessed togethe
to evaluate the potential public health impacts of development.When data gaps are filled
and the functionality improved, the HIA tool will offer a helpful perspective on the impacts
of proposed developments.When fully employed, the tool can guide locations and design
of development projects to offer the greatest positive impact on public health.
In October 2016, the Land Use program renewed and refreshed its commitment to enhance regional land use planning
by holding a Summit. Over forty area land use related agencies and organizations were represented in this half day
discussion about shared goals and opportunities.The Regional Land Use Summit brought together a diverse crowd to
give valuable input on how we can work together. Private and public leaders, parks and recreation and land use zoning
staff and stakeholder groups of cyclists, walkers, and paddlers all participated in identifying shared goals for the region.
With the Summit results,the TCRPC Commission established the Regional Land Use Project and Programs group to plan
and implement land use enhancements and conduct sustainability planning programs for the region.
With the monthly Tri-County Brown Bag Lunch Series,TCRPC continued offering a forum for working land use professionals
to share resources and best practices amongst their peers. At the 2016 lunches, participants discussed topics ranging
from medical marijuana and land use regulations to food trucks to aging-in-place planning. In late 2016, the TCRPC Land
Use Planning program joined with the Transportation program to launch the development of a regional non-motorized
transportation plan.TCRPC staff are integrating land use planning focused on a healthy environment with development of IMAGINE
a non-motorized transportation plan.
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TCRPC is the federal and state designated center for Transportation
• 1 / / 1 Planning in the region's urbanized and non-urbanized areas.In Certified by the Federal Highways Administration and the Federal
Transit Administration, TCRPC is the Metropolitan Planning
like the 1 . . a1
Organization for the greater Lansing region. The TCRPC staff
work closely with MDOT also. We are often the bridge that links
1 • all thedata work, • local roads and transit agencies with state and federal funding for
transportation improvements and operations. Federal and state-
information, we collect funded transportation projects are coordinated through TCRPC.
because thesedays, how TCRPC transportation planning staff members facilitate regular
public meetings and work closely with area roads and transit
1 1 funding. agencies to identify and plan for roads, public transit services,
and non-motorized pathways. TCRPC coordinates and facilitates
regional planning for federal and state investments in surface
Shirley M. Rodgers, City of • transportation.
regionIn 2016, TCRPC staff set up unters around the
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11
Transportation Planning in 2016
In 2016, Transportation planning staff began implementing goals set out in the _ TRI-COUNTY REGION
raEuo..,
m \ TRAFFIC COUNT --.---
2040 regional transportation plan. They worked with MDOT technical support , -. m —i- - - STATION LOCATIONS
and the region's road agencies to develop a Local Road Safety Plan.Considered
Phase I of a regional safety plan process, the plan document outlines safety - �r
related issues specific to our region along with possible solutions.TCRPC staff
also completed work on an MDOT University Region Bicycle Map. A guide to w..-RAN°4°�®
bike paths and routes in 7 Michigan counties, it will go to print and distribution
in early 2017. - •�
TCRPC s transportation planning committees and staff completed on scheduleVI EOFI
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L2 r�f1 „0„0 I
the regions new three-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a of 1r Jr� ilr __
coordinated program of transportation projects of $544 Million of transportation ,_.. "' ""
investments for the region.
TCRPC's transportation staff made notable improvements to regional data -
collection and reporting that improved its timeliness and accuracy.They initiated -
reliable, weekly reports on road construction activity. They established an A"Tr"AP,'�s,.
electronic portal with a new project management software to streamline entering
projects into regional plans. And, they adjusted the region's Metropolitan Area k,
s
Boundary to account for US Census findings to reflect population density that
impacts regional planning. TCRPC invested in equipment so that staff could (Above):A TCRPC-produced ,GEN
begin to supplement traffic counting in the region. TCRPC staff are gathering map of areas where TCRPC staff
traffic volume and speed information at up to 320 locations region-wide to collected traffic counts in 2016.
supplement and enhance real transportation data to inform good planning. (Right):Executive Director Pigg
introduces the Study of Transit
TCRPC secures funding for regional transportation planning through the Michigan Demand and Economic Prosperity
Department of Transportation and the Federal Transportation agencies-FHWA at the October Kick-Off Meeting.
and FTA. The scope of work for those funds was re-established with more
accountability measures.As in past years,TCRPC developed and successfully implemented the annual Unified _
Planning Work and Regional Planning Work Programs to cover required planning activities and budgets.This
year, the TCRPC adopted a Fiscal Constraint Policy which will help assure that our region accesses the most
possible transportation funding while meeting federal and state fiscal constraint requirements. The policy
addresses how to ease uncertainty in programming of projects in a given fiscal year without creating delays
caused by projects with higher than anticipated costs.
The Economic Development Program and Transportation Program staff joined to undertake a Transit Demand and Economic Prosperity Study. Research began in
2016 to identify transit needs and gaps particularly focused on getting employees to employers region-wide.
12
TCRPC Celebrates 60 Years
1956
• • • , . .
Designated a federal
Metropolitan Planning Organization
• Director Pigg greets guests at the 60th Anniversary Gala at the Eli
• • • Range I• • &Edythe Broad Art Museum in East Lansing.
Plan completed
"Since the time of TCRPC's founding, they've taken on leadership
98. around environmental planning, land use planning, transportation
• •:•: Designated an • • planning, as well as assisting local municipalities in using best
Development District by US EDApractices to make their communities stronger, safer, and more
vibrant."Julie Powers, Greater Lansing Housing Coalition Director
1996: Designated a national
• Groundwater GuardianI I
the Groundwater Foundation
00 Adopted R'I • Growth:
Choices for our Future Regional vision
2006 plan
Y •/ nleq�.y
2012: Designated
• Sustainable
Communityby US HUD
• Guests of the TCRPC 60th a Anniversary Gala gather to reflect
on 60 years of regionl facilitation and coope do
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
E.O.E. Publicly Supported.
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
3135 Pine Tree Road, Suite 2C
Lansing, Michigan 48911
Phone: 517.393.0342
Toll Free: 800.619.6676
www.mitcrpc.org
www.facebook.com/TriCountyPianning