The basis for this opportunity was the formal recommendation from the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council in 2003 to the Governor to promote joint planning. From the Council’s recommendation, the Michigan Legislature approved and Governor Granholm signed into law, Michigan Public Act 226 of 2003. This Joint Municipal Planning Act provides for joint land use planning by cities, villages, and townships. The Act allows two or more municipalities’ legislative bodies to create a single joint planning commission to address planning issues. This new tool now helps with the planning for the “big picture” issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries.