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Our economy relies on the transportation of goods, and while freight plays a key role in the economic prosperity of our communities, it increases traffic on our highways and railroads. The recently passed FAST Act – Fixing America’s Surface Transportation – has placed emphasis on freight planning. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > FREIGHT All Program Planning Areas Transportation Transportation Improvement Program Metropolitan Transportation Plan Performance Measures Pavement Condition Safety & Operations Non-Motorized Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight Regional Travel Air Quality (Conformity) Freight (Movement of Goods) Our economy relies on the transportation of goods, and while freight plays a key role in the economic prosperity of our communities, it increases traffic on our highways and railroads. The Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) , also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), has placed emphasis on freight planning with a dedicated source of federal dollars for freight projects. The region's 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan analyzes the effects of freight traffic, including economic impacts, and a Regional Freight and Goods Movement Plan will detail projects that will improve truck routes. Tri-County has identified a multimodal Regional Freight Network and identified physical industrial clusters and corridors that are reliant on existing freight infrastructure for continued economic activity. Tri-County will soon develop a Regional Freight Plan to enhance freight movement in the region. The plan will include all modes of freight transportation and identify significant corridors and geographic areas where freight investment could help resolve freight mobility and congestion and safety issues, as well as enhance economic development opportunities for the region’s residents and business community. That planning process will start with a vision for a desired future, and from the vision, goals and performance measures will be created to help achieve it. Check back for updates!

The Executive & Personnel Committee (EPC) reviews contracts, consultant selections, and various committee and Commission policy positions. They may review work programs as proposed by the Tri-County staff and/or committees. Back to Committees Executive Committee The Executive Committee reviews contracts, consultant selections, and various committee and Commission policy positions. The committee is also responsible for supervising and reviewing the agency's budget, finances, and programmatic funding sources and grant opportunities, including evaluating programs and initiatives for long-term financial viability and sustainability, and alignment with Tri-County’s mission. With staff, the committee develops the annual proposed budget for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. They may also review work programs as proposed by the Tri-County staff and/or committees. In accord with established Commission policies, some matters are referred to the full body with recommendations for action, while others are referred for information only. Executive Committee meetings are generally held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted in the calendar . Members Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar

HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS & PUBLICATIONS > ANNUAL REPORTS Document Library Annual Reports With over 60 years of planning for our region's development, Tri-County has assisted local communities and collaborated with public, private, and non-profit organizations to make the Greater Lansing region a stronger place to live, work, and play. Our annual reports provide a snapshot of the work we do across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. View them below!

The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live and play. Recreational activities and greenspace greatly improve the quality of life of our region's residents and they add value to our economy. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > PLANNING AREAS > RECREATIONAL ACCESS & GREENSPACE All Program Planning Areas Recreational Access & Greenspace Community Development Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation Economic Resiliency The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live and play. Recreational activities and greenspace greatly improve the quality of life of our region's residents and visitors, adding value to our economy and benefiting communities with low-cost opportunities to enjoy our natural resources. Tri-County collaborates with community stakeholders to plan for purposeful redevelopment of spaces that will provide access for all, making our region's amenities and assets, like the Grand River and our regional trails system, shared resources with ample placemaking opportunities. As a state and region, our trails, water trails, and parks support tourism, encourage exercise and healthy outdoor activities, promote appreciation and protection of our natural resources, and connect those who walk and bike to community assets and public spaces. With the help of the U.S. National Park Service, we're currently developing a trails plan for Greater Lansing to expand upon our existing system and leverage those assets to bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. Additionally, as the state-designated Regional Clearinghouse for the Greater Lansing area, Tri-County reviews jurisdictions' parks- and recreation-related plans for alignment with best practices and urban and rural development standards set for the region, many of which are outlined in our vision for regional growth . We also partner with organizations across the region to promote and advocate for our region's parks and recreational assets and link healthy community initiatives with non-motorized transportation planning . We actively collaborate with partners like the Michigan Fitness Foundation , Land Use & Health Resource Team, Healthy! Capital Counties , Power of We , Ingham County Parks , Eaton County Parks & Recreation Department , and Clinton County Parks & Greenspace Commission .

The CCC is comprised of community leaders representing public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the region. The Committee provides an opportunity for community partners to discuss and provide feedback on regionally significant projects, planning initiatives, and developments. Back to Committees Community Coordinating Committee The Community Coordinating Committee (CCC) was formed by the TCRPC Board of Commissioners in May 2018 to obtain more diversified input during the planning process and stimulate conversation among community organizations. The CCC is comprised of community leaders representing public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the region. The Committee provides an opportunity for community partners to discuss and provide feedback on regionally significant projects, planning initiatives, and developments. The CCC does not set policy, supervise staff, or lobby any legislative body. The Board may consider recommendations and comments from the CCC. The CCC will meet quarterly and/or as needed. Meetings will be posted on the calendar as they are determined. Members Agendas & Minutes

We are 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. 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. News & Events Tri-County Seeking Economic Development Planner Tri-County Seeking Finance Manager Join Us! Public Invited to Virtual Town Hall for the Draft 2050 MTP 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 a Regional Planning Commission? Regional planning commissions have been around in some parts of the country since near the start of the last century. State Planning & Development Regions (https://www.miregions.com/aboutregions.asp)(SPDRs) look at planning issues from a larger geography than that examined by counties or local units of government in the region. That allows them to identify issues and opportunities that are not apparent at a smaller geography. They also can help local governments resolve issues of overlapping services, help fill gaps in services through service sharing arrangements, and help find resources from the federal and state governments to address unmet needs. Over the past 65 years the Michigan Legislature has created three separate, but different statutory approaches to addressing regional planning through voluntary sub-state units of government known variously as state planning and development regions, regional planning commissions, regional planning and development commissions, and councils of government. These acts are: • Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945(https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-281-of-1945) • The regional planning portion of the County or Regional Economic Development Commission Act, PA 46 of 1966(https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-46-of-1966&highlight=project,entity) • The regional planning portion of Metropolitan Councils Act, PA 292 of 1989(https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-292-of-1989&highlight=legislature,pa) SPDRs are voluntary organizations comprised of local governments dedicated to serving the regional planning needs of multi-county areas in all parts of Michigan. They are a form of local government voluntarily created by their members, which are largely representative of local governments in the region; although membership also includes road authorities, nonprofit organizations and representatives of the business community in many regions. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization? The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was designated by the Governor as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/transportation-planning/metropolitan-planning-organization-mpo)(MPO) in 1973, responsible for fulfilling all federally required transportation planning requirements in the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties in the state of Michigan. Federal funding for transportation projects throughout the three counties are channeled through Tri-County. MPOs are policy-making and planning bodies formed under federal legislation (23 USC 134 & 49 USC 1603, 1605, and 1607). Specifically, an MPO is the policy board of an organization created and designated to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process. They are required to represent localities in all urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations over 50,000, as determined by the U.S. Census, to ensure federal spending on transportation planning projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is called a Transportation Management Area (TMA). As described in 49 U.S.C. 5303(k), and in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation issues in large urban areas, an MPO in a TMA has a stronger voice in setting priorities for implementing projects listed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (https://www.mitcrpc.org/tip)and is responsible for additional planning products. The planning processes in MPOs in TMAs also must be certified by the Secretary of DOT as being in compliance with federal requirements. MPOs are designated by agreement between the governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable state or local law. When submitting a TIP to the state for inclusion in the statewide program, MPOs self-certify that they have met all federal requirements. In accordance with federal regulations, Tri-County is required to carry out metropolitan transportation planning in cooperation with the state and operators of publicly owned transit services. View MPO policies and procedures that address these regulations and requirements here.(https://www.mitcrpc.org/mpo-policies) 66.37% of Michigan’s population are represented by MPOs; nationally, 85% of the population lives inside a MPO. What is an Economic Development District? Economic Development Districts (https://www.eda.gov/edd/)(EDDs) are multi-jurisdictional entities, commonly composed of multiple counties and in certain cases, cross-state borders. They help lead the locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process that leverages the involvement of the public, private, and non-profit sectors to establish a strategic blueprint (known as a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy)(https://www.mitcrpc.org/ceds) for regional collaboration. Since 1986, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has been an EDD, as designated by the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation allows Tri-County to receive planning grant dollars from the EDA and provides every municipality within the three-county region eligibility for the EDA's different investment programs. These programs include: • 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 Clearinghouse & Intergovernmental Review? As of July 1, 2018, the State of Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments,(https://semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review) 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. As a local government organization engaged in promoting intergovernmental coordination, we encourage applicants for federal financial assistance to coordinate with other governments and organizations impacted by their work. We continue to maintain a regional inventory of land use and master plans for better coordination and collaboration across jurisdictional boundary lines. For more information on the Michigan Federal Project Review System and Regional Clearinghouse process, visit semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review.(https://semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review) 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. Public planning looks at the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, particularly transportation networks. We formulate plans for the development and management of the region's urban, suburban, and rural areas, analyzing land use compatability and economic, environmental, travel demand, and social trends. These plans provide guidance for elected officials, planners, and local units of government to make informed decisions about how to best use our communities' land, maintain our infrastructure, and responsibility utilize our resources and assets. MPO EDD Clearinghouse History&Designations

Tri-County maintains an interactive map gallery to help planners, decision-makers, and the public visualize real-world trends happening in the Greater Lansing region. Maps help tell the story of our region and its needs by using a variety of both static and interactive maps and applications. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > DATA & MAPPING > MAPPING & INTERACTIVE DATA Data & Mapping Request a Map Data & Tools Technical Services Mapping & Interactive Data Tri-County maintains an interactive map gallery to help planners, decision-makers, and the public visualize real-world trends happening in the Greater Lansing region. Maps help tell the story of our region and its needs by using a variety of both static and interactive maps, applications, story maps, and mapping and forecasting tools. Explore our gallery below to learn about topics impacting our region, including our transportation system performance and infrastructure, accessibility to essential services and recreational facilities, and our natural resources. Maps and datasets are created for planning purposes from a variety of sources. They are neither an official survey nor a legal document. Information provided by other agencies should be verified with sources where appropriate. Mapping Request Don't see a map you're looking for? Request one using the form below. Type of Map Submit Map Request Form

Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PERFORMANCE MEASURES Measuring Our Progress Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which was signed into law in 2012, included several provisions that have shifted the focus of the Federal surface transportation program toward the achievement of performance outcomes. The current surface transportation bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed in 2021 and continues MAP-21’s overall performance approach and ensures investments in projects that collectively make progress toward the national goals. In accordance with the surface transportation legislation, Tri-County is coordinating with our local, state, and federal partners to implement performance based planning and programming in our region. This page will be updated regularly to reflect developments in the process.

The RTF reviews and establishes priorities for Federally Funded Rural Transportation projects in the rural areas of the Lansing tri-county region. Back to Committees Rural Task Force (RTF) This task force meets as needed, usually 4-6 times a year, to review and establish priorities for Federally Funded Rural Transportation projects in the rural areas of the Lansing tri-county region, specifically, communities within State of Michigan Region 6. Members of the task force include representatives of the region's county road and rural transit agencies and others. The Rural Task Force, also known as RTF 6, is advisory and makes recommendations through CARTS to Tri-County's Board of Commissioners regarding rural transportation issues, needs, and programs. Meeting dates are set as needed at the will of the Chair and will be posted when available. Members Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar Operating Procedures

We operate a variety of committees to discuss transportation, environmental, and community development trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Join us for a meeting! COMMITTEES Learn More Executive Committee Leadership team of the Board of Commissioners. Coming Soon! Community Coordinating Committee Discusses regionally significant developments and projects. Learn More Board of Commissioners 19 Commissioners representing the region's communities. Learn More Capital Area Regional Transportation Study Planning for our regional transportation needs. Learn More GLRC on Stormwater Management Working with municipalities to keep our surface waters clean. Learn More Rural Task Force Addressing our region's rural transportation needs. Learn More Groundwater Management Board Protecting and preserving our region's drinking water. Learn More Regional Economic Collaborative Community leaders discussing regional economic growth. Learn More Mid-Michigan Water Authority Improving our regional public water supply systems.

Tri-County partnered with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) to create a water trail development plan to improve the connectivity, accessibility, and quality of our region's main water trail, the Middle Grand River. The state selected the river as one of the first state-designated water trails. HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES > WATER TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Document Library Middle Grand River Water Trail Development Plan On December 20, 2018, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the selection of the Middle Grand River Water Trail , which has 33 access sites that provide a variety of experiences for paddlers of all experience levels, as one of the first waterways in Michigan to be a state-designated water trail. The Middle Grand River Water Trail, which extends 87 miles throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties, was included in the first round of designations made by the DNR and the Office of the Great Lakes. The granting of this designation signifies our region's water trail provides a quality trail experience, offers clear information for users, and enjoys broad community support. To become designated, the DNR’s new water trails program requires local water trail organizations to have established water trail plans that address components such as safety, stewardship, historic and cultural resources, education opportunities, funding, signage, management and development, local land and water use laws, and marketing and promotion. Tri-County partnered with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) to create this water trail development plan to improve the connectivity, accessibility, and quality of our region's main water trail, the Middle Grand River. Quality recreational amenities greatly improve the quality of life of Greater Lansing’s residents and visitors and make our region a more competitive place to live and play. Tri-County and MGROW are continuing to explore options for improved signage, kiosks, guidebooks, and other resources for the Middle Grand River. View additional publications below: Middle Grand River Heritage Water Trail MDNR Map - First State-Designated Water Trails Middle Grand River Water Trail Map

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE All Program Planning Areas Environment & Natural Resources Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of greenspace that conserves our natural ecosystems and serves as an ecological framework for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Green Infrastructure differs from other conservation approaches because it works in concert with land development, growth management, recreational planning, and built infrastructure planning, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to improve our communities' quality of life. Green infrastructure practices offer sustainable approaches to managing trails and rivers, farms and markets, parks, and waterways, and is also an approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle. With support from the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability HUD grant funding, Tri-County led Greening Mid-Michigan , a regional vision for green infrastructure planning for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. We collaborated with regional groups over a three-year period, including the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management, Clinton and Eaton Conservation Districts, the Land Use and Health Resource Team, local and county park and recreation departments, Ingham and Clinton Agricultural and Open Space Preservation Programs, and others. Eaton County, Clinton County, Ingham County, the City of Lansing, the City of East Lansing, Meridian Charter Township, Williamstown Township, Delta Charter Township, Eaton Rapids, Delhi Charter Township, Watertown Township, and Lansing Charter Township have all adopted our Greening Mid-Michigan Poster Plan . Greening Mid-Michigan: A Vision for Green Infrastructure released a video highlighting green infrastructure success stories in the region. The video is available at www.youtube.com/user/GreeningMidMichigan . You can view our four audience-tailored videos on green infrastructure in our Projects & Documents Library 's environment section. For ideas on green stormwater infrastructure, visit our Greater Lansing Regional Committee on Stormwater Management's resource page .