About Us

Background

The roots of the East Central Michigan Planning and Development Regional Commission (ECMPDRC) reach back to the formal establishment of the East Central Michigan Economic Development District (ECMEDD) in March of 1968. The office operations began with the receipt of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.

The ECMEDD originally operated as a Economic Development District until January of 1973 when it became a regional planning agency, the East Central Michigan Planning and Development Regional Commission (ECMPDRC).

The ECMEDD was originally drawn together for the purpose of creating a voluntary organization of county representatives to discuss mutual problems, and together, seek solutions to these problems. The purpose of ECMPDRC encompasses the original purpose of the ECMEDD, and, it's primary goal is to promote intergovernmental cooperation, and to protect local government through our assistance so they may better govern themselves.

ECMPDRC has been instrumental in the orderly growth of our 14 county region. We've been involved in a diverse range of planning activities, ranging from Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice planning to 208 Water Quality Planning, and, many more planning activities in between. We develop state, federal, regional and local plans and studies to provide vision for the region's future. We also work with local member communities on a range of planning activities, and, in accordance to their needs.

ECMPDRC provides data and comprehensive planning and consultation services to many public and private sector organizations. Our financial support comes primarily from federal, state, and from local member units of government.

Contact us to find out what we can do for you!

The Regional Commission Today

The regional commission is governed by a 48 member full commission board that establishes regional policy, defines committee duties, and adopts the annual work program. A 23 member executive committee oversees general operations and fiscal matters. A 15 member committee comprises the RED Team (Regional Economic Development) which deals specifically with economic development within the region.

The purpose of the organization remains true to its original intent - to promote intergovernmental cooperation and to retain local governmental control - despite many new issues facing the region today. Issues such as utility deregulation, telecommunications and technology issues, urban sprawl, environmental concerns and regulations; all of these issues, and many more, reinforce the need and stress the importance of this organization for the future of our region.

Because the founding basis of the ECMPDRC retains its stronghold, the future of the region depends upon intergovernmental cooperation and sound planning. While there will always be new issues, regulations and concerns to deal with, ECMPDRC knows that the region's future is truly in the hands of the people who live here today.

For more information regarding current issues and news, click here.

ECMPDR Encourages Public Participation

Do you live within the region? Are you interested in local government? Do you have an issue that is of regional concern? We encourage you to attend a meeting, check here for our meeting schedule.

Please note: All of our meetings are open to the general public. However, due to space limitations and seats taken by our committee memberships, we'd appreciate notification from individuals planning to attend a meeting one week in advance, if at all possible. This is not to discourage you, but will allow us to obtain an alternative meeting site if necessary.

We look forward to meeting you!