Governmental Planning for Southeast Michigan

Instructors: Trevor Layton and others

This class will first orient the audience to the scope and purpose of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) including key roles and priorities for this regional planning organization. SEMCOG leads collaborative regional planning efforts on key issues that transcend local boundaries. In addition to data resources, community and economic development, and environmental plans, the presentation will highlight SEMCOG’s efforts in regional transportation issues. The RTA will specifically focus on public transit infrastructure and policies. With important community leaders such as Dan Gilbert advocating for improved regional transit, this presentation is very timely and important for many MORE attendees.

About the Presenters: The SEMCOG region is made up of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. SEMCOG supports local planning through its technical, data, and intergovernmental resources to improve the quality of the region’s water; makes the transportation system safer and more efficient; revitalizes communities; and helps spur economic development. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is led by a 10-member board appointed for three-year terms by the county executives of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the chair of the Washtenaw County board of commissioners, the mayor of Detroit, and the governor of Michigan. The RTA’s mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that significantly enhance mobility options, to improve quality of life for the residents and to increase economic viability for the region.