Current Goals

The following goals, needs, and opportunities have been selected so far as focus areas for the upcoming Master Plan.  These goals stem from the Master Planning Steering Committee and Public Officials/Planning Commissioners Meeting in June.  They will be continuously updated, refined, and modified throughout the Master Planning process.  For a complete listing of goals, objectives, and strategies, click here.
  1. Preserve the County's quality rural character: Keep productive farms, beautiful natural features, and a healthy environment
         Objective 1.1: Direct growth toward existing urban areas
         Objective 1.2: Support the ability of farmers to continue to actively engage in farming and sustainable agricultural practices
         Objective 1.3: Protect natural features and foster a healthier environment
  2. Strengthen existing cities, villages, and hamlets: "Placemake" Gratiot's downtowns to serve as quality community centers
         Objective 2.1: Make downtowns into destinations
         Objective 2.2: Stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods in and around downtowns
  3. Provide and maintain quality public services and infrastructure: Carefully coordinate and plan services to ensure quality and cost effectiveness
         Objective 3.1: Maintain existing infrastructure
         Objective 3.2: Provide high quality public safety services
         Objective 3.3: Provide a variety of mobility options
  4. Generate and sustain economic opportunities: Retain, attract, and grow quality employers and workforce
         Objective 4.1: Promote development and redevelopment of vacant commercial/industrial properties
         Objective 4.2: Help residents to develop necessary skills for employment opportunities
         Objective 4.3: Build and capitalize on Gratiot County's assets to attract economic activity
  5. Provide premier cultural and recreational resources: Develop Gratiot as a cultural and recreational destination that serves people of all generations
         Objective 5.1: Provide more public access to the waterfront
         Objective 5.2: Provide a robust system of parks, trailways, and other recreational opportunities
         *The clean-up of the Pine River is necessary to achieve these objectives.
  6. Continue and increase good governance and inter-jurisdictional collaboration: Cultivate strong leadership and countywide cooperation
          Objective 6.1: Retain and attract quality local officials and committee members
          Objective 6.2: Ensure ongoing collaboration between jurisdictions

Identified Needs

  • Transportation services throughout the County are needed for medical, legal, and quality of life reasons
  • Clean-up of the Pine River
  • Small towns and rural areas need improvement
  • Sumner Township is looking at a new sewer system
  • Commission on Aging has a lack of volunteers
  • Much progress has been made on recycling, but this is not available in all areas of the County
  • Increased wireless service
  • Avoid sprawl issues

Identified Opportunities

  • Brownfield Redevelopment
  • Expansion of wind farms (or other forms of alternative energy)
  • Partnership between Greater Gratiot Development and the Gratiot Area Chamber in marketing Gratiot County
  • Potential demand for a community college in Gratiot County
  • Increasing recreational assets to attract people