FAQ’s

What is the Economic Development Strategic Plan?

A.        The Economic Development Strategic Plan is a roadmap defining specific actions we (our region) should take to prosper and compete into the future. It was written through a community effort, building on the strengths of the region and highlighting the areas we need to invest to ensure success.

Q.        What is the focus of the plan?

A.        The focus of the plan is prosperity.  We believe this can be achieved by maintaining a focus on investments in people and places.  Our citizens and our communities are our most important assets.  By investing in both we can all realize greater prosperity.

Q.        Who developed the Economic Development Strategic Plan?

A.        The plan was developed with input from over 100 local citizens including business and community leaders.  We received guidance and assistance from Wilbur Smith and Associates, a transportation and infrastructure consulting firm.  Financing for their assistance was provided by M-DOT, in conjunction with the bridge expansion project in Port Huron.

Q.        How is this different than past efforts?

A.        This is the first plan where accountability is a key component.  We intend on measuring and actively reporting our progress.  We have made sure that all facets of the community are involved, engaged and are working to build region’s future.

Q.        What are the deliverables? What is the Plan going to provide?

A.        The Plan identifies different focus areas.  Each focus area has an action team built around it. Each action team has responsibilities to achieve to make the plan successful. These actions address the opportunities and challenges highlighted by the plan. Please visit www.BlueMeetsGreen.org for more specific details on the plan. 

Q.        What can I do to help support these activities?

A.        Success depends on you, your neighbors, and your friends. All of us are in this together.  Our success depends on cooperation and partnership by towns, cities, the county, school districts, economic development and tourism organizations, elected officials, civic groups, churches, community organizations, and most importantly each and every citizen.  By staying involved and active, by encouraging and celebrating positive activities, we will be able to help move our region forward.

Q.        How can people get involved in helping the Blue Water Region Economic Development Strategic Plan?

A.        Educate yourself; become aware of what is going on with this effort by visiting our website www.BlueMeetsGreen.org where you can learn more and sign-up for regular updates. Then, consider volunteering to help with one of the committees.

Q.        How do you plan to address the issues that face our region?

A.        Smaller groups have been developed to focus on specific portions of the plan, which all contribute to the greater goal. These are led and coordinated by the Implementation Committee.  The smaller groups (action teams) are:

• Tourism
• Existing Industry
• Downtowns and Quality of Place
• Emerging Business & Industry
• Practical Innovation
• Workforce & Education
• Communications

These committees have members representing a broad spectrum of interests all working together toward a common goal.

Q.        There are a lot of initiatives outlined in the plan, where will the funding for these come from?

A.        The initial funding for the development of the plan came from M-DOT, in relation to the expansion of the bridge project in Port Huron.  In addition, M-DOT will provide an additional $100,000 per year for the next 10 years for implementation of the plan.  This money is “seed money” to help fund projects.  As we move forward with implementing recommendations, we will need to find additional funding sources.  These will come from a variety of places including:  available grant money from foundations, private industry, local residents, available government funds and possibly other sources as well.