Economic & Community Development

Communities in northern Michigan continue to grapple with growth and development issues. NWMCOG develops tools that assist communities in local decision-making and offers technical assistance to local governments and non-profit agencies working on community planning and development issues.

 

• Benchmarks Northwest
  Benchmarks Northwest reports assess quality of life in Northwest Michigan and are a useful resource for community strategic planning, grant writing, and community benchmarking.

 

• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  This annual report assess the economic condition of the region and provides a strategy for building on strengths and for overcoming challenges.

 

• Regional Economic Forecast
  This report identifies current economic conditions in the five-county Traverse Bay area and forecasts future economic trends. It was completed by Regional Planning and Community Development staff for Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

• EnVision Manistee
  Manistee County stakeholders are working hard to develop a community-driven vision and action plan for their future. Staff are supporting their efforts by serving as the consultants for the visioning process.

 

• Knowledge Economy
  Northwest Michigan's Transition to the Knowledge Economy Workshop was held on January 27, 2009 in Traverse City. Over 130 people gathered at the Hagerty Conference Center to better understand how Northwest Michigan can compete in the new, global economy.