The Process

Gratiot County is located at the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.  The County is comprised of twenty-three local units of government, including sixteen townships, three villages, three cities, and the County.  Gratiot County is primarily rural with a very active agricultural community.  The cities and villages serve as commercial, industrial, and residential hubs.  Gratiot is also known for being a leader in wind energy; there are currently 345 wind turbines installed, with 72 more under construction.  Gratiot County is also becoming increasingly known for recreational opportunities.
 
The local jurisdictions collaborate at a level that is unprecedented in the State of Michigan.  In 2011, all twenty-three jurisdictions came together to develop a shared Master Plan that encompassed the goals, objectives, and strategies of all units: the GREAT (Gratiot Regional Excellence and Transformation) Plan.  The Plan was individually adopted by each local unit of government in 2012, and was a truly collaborative initiative.  This Plan was reviewed and updated in 2017, and a new plan will begin drafting in 2023.
 
Members from all jurisdictions are involved in the Gratiot Countywide Master Plan Steering Committee (Committee).  Upon review of the current Master Plan, the Committee has determined a new Master Plan is needed to help pave the way for the next twenty years.  Reasons a new plan is needed instead of an update include:
  • New or more accurate information has become available since the creation of the current plan: 2020 US Census data is now available
  • Major developments in the community or in nearby communities have affected the underlying principles, strategies, or land use needs in particular areas: Development of ZFS Ithaca, the state’s largest soybean processing facility, and continued development of renewable energy (wind and solar)
  • There has been a recurring or new issue in the community that is not addressed in the current plan: New issues include
    • Aligning with the Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) expectations set forth by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
    • Upgrades to US Highway 127 for safety and economic development purposes
    • Increased need for broadband access in rural areas stemming from the COVID pandemic
    • Further collaboration efforts in the County, including the Gratiot Area Water Authority, St. Louis, Ithaca, and Pine River Transportation Authority collaborating with the Alma Transit Center, and the need for increased housing
The previous GREAT Plans (2012 and 2017) and the overarching goals and objectives can be viewed by clicking the links to the right.

For additional information or questions, contact us.

Process Timeline

RFP: Summer 2023
Select Consultant: August 2023 (Completed)
Project Kick-off: September 2023 (Completed)
Community Engagement: Sept-Nov 2023 (Completed)
Public Participation: Oct 2023-Jan 2024 (Ongoing)
City Breakout Sessions: TBD
Drafting Plan: Through September 2024
Public Input on Draft: October 2024
Final Plan: November 2024

Upcoming Events

St. Louis Master Plan Public Input Session:
Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 pm
St. Louis City Hall

Breckenridge Master Plan Public Input Session:
Monday, April 22 at 6:30 pm
Breckenridge Village Office

If you'd like to be informed of future events, please contact us. 

Downloads

2023 Survey Results
File Size: 1981 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
Final 2017 Master Plan
File Size: 143625 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
2017 Survey Results
File Size: 141 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
2012 Great Plan - Full Document
File Size: 7721 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
2012 Great Plan - Goals, Objectives and Strategies
File Size: 774 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File