WHO IS TRI-COUNTY?

Who We Are
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy, reliable transportation, and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources.
We are dedicated leaders and innovators, connecting local organizations and governments to funding, technical assistance, data resources, and opportunities to discuss trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area.
Our Mission & Vision
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission leads innovative public planning for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties to foster prosperity in Mid-Michigan's communities.
We believe in developing a sustainable future for our region's economy, natural resources, and transportation system and infrastructure.
Leadership
Tri-County is directed by a board of 19 commissioners representing the three counties, City of Lansing, and public transportation agencies. They come together to resolve problems and guide development of the Greater Lansing area with a regional perspective, looking past county and municipal boundaries for the greatest good of our region’s citizens.
History & Designations
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was formed under the Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945. It was established pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Boards of Supervisors of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties on July 18, 1956. Membership was expanded to include the City of Lansing in 1974. Tri-County serves 75 jurisdictions within the three-county region.
Tri-County is designated as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to coordinate federally funded transportation projects. The Commission is also certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the Economic Development District (EDD) to facilitate federally funded economic development programs and initiatives, particularly in public infrastructure, in support of business locations and expansions. Learn more about our federal and state designations and legal responsibilities below.
What is an Economic Development District?
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Public Works and Economic Development -
Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) -
Research and National Technical Assistance -
Local Technical Assistance -
Planning Program -
University Center Economic Development -
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms
What is a Regional Planning Commission?
These acts are:
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Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945 -
The regional planning portion of the County or Regional Economic Development Commission Act, PA 46 of 1966 -
The regional planning portion of Metropolitan Councils Act, PA 292 of 1989
What is a Regional Clearinghouse & Intergovernmental Review?
As of July 1, 2018, the State of Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, acting on behalf of the State as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for regional coordination, no longer participate in the clearinghouse review process for federal grants. Therefore, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission no longer reviews proposed projects subject to Executive Order 12372 of 1982 requesting federal funds.
What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization?
What is Public Planning?
Public planning is just that - planning for our region's future needs and making a plan to tackle them. It aims to optimize the effectiveness of how our community uses land and develops infrastructure to improve the connectivity, quality of life, safety, economic success, and sustainability of our communities.