The Grand Vision Timeline

The Grand Vision originates from a regional, 34-member Land Use and Transportation Study (LUTS) Coordinating Group with the goal of shaping citizen-led, regional land use and transportation vision

A Federal Highway Association (FHWA) earmark for a Traverse City bypass study is re-authorized by Congress… The Grand Traverse County Board officially appoints the Land Use and Transportation Coordinating Group, known today at TC-TALUS. Its mission: Use a transparent and citizen-led discussion and process to ensure the development of a community vision.

Contracts are finalized with primary Grand Vision consultant Mead & Hunt, Inc. and subcontracts with Fregonese & Associates, Robert Grow, and Kimley-Horn. $261,351 in local matching dollars are raised

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee is formed to get the word out about the process

A series of public information sessions and 10 Grand Vision workshops are held, where hundreds of citizens turn outfor each to share ideas for the future of the region

The Grand Vision’s geographic scope is expanded from Grand Traverse to include a wider, six-county region. Additional public and private funds are secured to accommodate the growth

More than 12,000 local citizens “vote” in the Grand Vision Decision scorecard process, which allows the public to decide on priorities for the region’s future

A final “vision” document is presented to the community in May 2009 describing a village and city-centered growth strategy, with six general priority areas: Growth & Investment, Affordable Housing, Transportation, Food & Farming, Energy and Natural Resources

Collaborative networks are formed around each of the priority areas

The Northwest Michigan Council of Government (NWMCOG) announces six Community Growth Grants - funded by the Kellogg Institute and administered by the NWMCOG – aimed to help implement the Grand Vision in local communities

The Grand Vision event in May turns out community members and leaders interested in learning more, getting involved and starting the work on Grand Vision-inspired projects

Citizen Summits are held by each of the network groups to highlight progress and opportunities to advance the Vision.

The Grand Vision networks enter the action phase, leveraging community growth grant dollars to complete projects throughout the Grand Vision network communities.