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Planning Assistance for Communities

The Council provides resources and planning assistance to communities throughout the region to support coordinated, cost-effective growth.

Local Planning Assistance

Cities, townships and counties in the seven-county area prepare comprehensive plans as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. Council staff

• coordinate review of local comprehensive land use plans and environmental documents
• provide professional planning and technical assistance
• offer cities assistance for implementing local plans and programs, and help in resolving issues.

The Council provides a wide range of resources to support communities, including staff expertise, handbooks, planning worksheets, and a wide variety of information resources. For details, see the local planning assistance resources.

Livable Communities Program

Through funds provided by the Livable Communities Act (pdf), the Council awards grants to participating communities in the seven-county area to help them:

• Clean up polluted land for redevelopment and new jobs
• Create development or redevelopment that demonstrates efficient and cost-effective use of land and infrastructure, a range of housing types and costs, commercial and community uses, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to transit and open space
• Create affordable housing opportunities

Communities that apply for funding must participate in a housing incentives program and work toward housing goals developed with the Council. More on the Livable Communities program.

Research, statistics and geographic data

The Council's research and Geographic Information System (GIS) groups compile and provide a wide variety of useful planning data about the region's demographics, economy, development trends and geographic data. More about regional statistics and data, and GIS services.

Environmental Services

The Council's environmental services group assists communities throughout the region by coordinating watershed planning and pollution prevention efforts, providing cost-effective wastewater treatment services, and much more. More about Environmental Services.