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The Mid-Michigan Water Authority (MMWA) was created as a result of Act No. 292 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1989 to plan, finance, or contract for public improvements and services of regional public water supply systems. Back to Committees Mid-Michigan Water Authority The Mid-Michigan Water Authority (MMWA) was created as a result of Act No. 292 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1989. Its purpose is to plan, finance, or contract for public improvements and services of regional public water supply systems; to contract with participating or non-participating entities; to provide or receive services; to promote educational activities related to services provided; and to facilitate planning for the protection of regional water sources. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings of the MMWA. Delegates Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar Bylaws

Tri-County recognizes that walking and biking are a critical tool in moving people, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for the residents of our region, so we're developing a regional non-motorized plan for the region. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > NON-MOTORIZED All Program Planning Areas Non-Motorized (Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning) 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) In addition to getting us to and from work, school, or shopping, walking and bicycling provide a great outlet for exercise and recreation. There's been a push to recognize and support bicycling as an inexpensive, quick, and eco-friendly form of non-motorized travel. Tri-County recognizes that these various modes are a critical tool in moving people, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for the residents of our region. Interested in the road and trail biking paths our region has to offer? Check out our Road and Trail Bicycling Guide developed in partnership with MDOT. The map shows road surface type, traffic volume ranges, paved/unpaved shared use paths with regional significance, recreational facilities, points of interest, plus other facilities and amenities which help make cycling across Michigan an enjoyable tourism experience. If you're looking to explore our trails and waterways more closely before you travel, our Virtual Trail Explorer offers a 360° visual tour of a selection of regional trails that can be viewed from the comfort of your home, including information about public access points, amenities, and more along the way! Current Non-motorized Planning Activities In July 2023, the Tri-County Board of Commissioners adopted a Regional Trails Feasibility Plan for the Greater Lansing region. The goal of this plan is to expand our current network and take advantage of our region’s central geographic location by identifying feasible non-motorized routes to connect the existing Lansing River Trail system with the statewide trails that pass through our region (i.e., the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee (CIS) Trail, the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail, and the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail). Developing a true regional trail system would bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. Learn more about the Regional Trails Feasibility Plan. The trails the plan will be used to inform bicycle and pedestrian planning in the region. In addition, non-motorized planning is incorporated into all of our long-range planning efforts. This includes the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan adopted in December of 2020, which provides a long-range vision for all modes of transportation over the next 25+ years for our region.

The Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI) was formed to collaborate and pursue a vibrant, prosperous vision for the tri-county region's economy. Partners come together to brainstorm and plan for talent, education, transportation, health and environment, and placemaking initiatives. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > GREATER LANSING REGIONAL PROSPERITY INITIATIVE Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative What is the Regional Prosperity Initiative? Governor Snyder's Regional Prosperity Initiative (RPI) is a voluntary competitive grant process established to encourage local private, public, and non-profit partners to create vibrant regional economies. The Regional Prosperity Initiative was signed into law as PA 59 of 2013, which created South Central Prosperity Region 7, our tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. As the State Designated Planning Region and Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Lansing area, Tri-County receives and manages the grant funds from the State RPI. Together with higher education, economic development, and workforce development partners, the Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI) was formed to collaborate and pursue a vibrant, prosperous vision for the tri-county region's economy. These partners come together to brainstorm and plan for talent, education, transportation, health and environment, and placemaking initiatives. To date, GLRPI has invested nearly $1 million to advance community development efforts throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Economic Performance Dashboard Section 822f of 2016 Public Act 268 guides the Regional Prosperity Initiative for the State of Michigan's prosperity regions. One of the requirements of the program includes the management of a performance dashboard of data, detailing the economic progress and status of our region. Snapshots of our region's key indicators are captured throughout the dashboard, titled MI Capital Region , providing stakeholders a foundational map that measures success, opportunities, and assets. This coordinated measurement tool tracks critical economic, educational, workforce, health, environmental, and social metrics, and empowers communities in our region to pursue strategic change, together. Since the sunset of the State's RPI program in recent years, Tri-County launched a new, expanded dashboard in 2024. How Can You Get Involved? Tri-County convenes regular meetings that are open to the public with stakeholders like LEAP, Inc. to consider and discuss issues leading to a common vision of economic prosperity for the region. Regional stakeholders and community leaders from all sectors are welcome to join in the conversation! Connection and networking are at the forefront, with topic-focused discussion centering on broad regional themes (the economy, regionalism, housing, talent, transportation, education, infrastructure, just to name a few). Learn more at mitcrpc.org/committees . Key GLRPI Partners

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > PLANNING AREAS > TALENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT All Program Planning Areas Talent & Workforce Development Community Development Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation Economic Resiliency Tri-County collaborates with educators, workforce development agencies, and economic development professionals to develop strategies that support talent needs for region now and into the future. Continued education, training, and professional development opportunities, and talent attraction and retention initiatives, play a critical role in making the Greater Lansing region competitive in the global workforce. Organizations like Capital Area Michigan Works! , LEAP , Lansing Community College , and Michigan State University connect employers and job seekers to resources needed to be successful. Other organizations, like Lansing 5:01 and Grand River Connection , work to encourage external Michiganders to move to the region, bring former Greater Lansing residents back, and motivate existing and emerging young professional to stay. We have supported a number of initiatives, events, and programs throughout the region with state GLRPI and federal funding, including: Teach. Talent. Thrive. (T3) LEAP Youth Entrepreneurship Program Capital Comeback Lansing 5:01 Events & Programming LEAP's ZoomProspector Tool East Lansing Robotics Festivals Transit Needs and Economic Prosperity Study Lansing PROTO Accelerator CATALYST Capital Region Prosperity Project

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 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

Check out Tri-County's 360-degree virtual tour of over 87 miles of waterways and 49 miles of regional trails, perfect for planning outdoor excursions from the comfort of home! HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > DATA & MAPPING > TRI-COUNTY VIRTUAL TRAIL VIEWER Take a virtual tour of over 140 miles of mid-Michigan's waterways and trails with Tri-County's Virtual Trail Explorer! The map below offers a panoramic view of several regional trails, including the Middle Grand River Water Trail, the Red Cedar River Water Trail, the Lansing River Trail, the Clinton County portion of the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail, and other local hiking and biking trails. Hover over the name of the trail on the left side of the viewer to focus the map on the selected trail, or click the trail name to jump directly to the 360-degree view. Look for land trails highlighted in green and water trails in blue. Want a different way to plan your trip? Visit the image galleries on our water trail and trails network landing pages to visually explore launches and access sites, trail heads, and more. The trail explorer may not have full functionality when used on a mobile device. By using the Tri-County Virtual Trail Explorer, you agree not to hold the creators of this map liable for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur because you used this information. All information on the interactive map and trail explorer is subject to change. It is not a substitute for your use of reasonable care or up-to-date knowledge of trail conditions. Make your own evaluation of the trail route, water, current, portages, weather, and hazards. Be sure you are informed on trail safety and plan routes appropriate for your skills. View Full Map Explore Our Trails Network Explore Our Water Trail Looking for a Specific Trail? The Virtual Trail Explorer only includes a selection of the many trails available throughout the Greater Lansing region and may be expanded to include more in the future. If you have a trail in mind to map, let us know , and we can navigate the process together.

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER QUALITY > GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT Groundwater Management & Wellhead Protection With only 1% of the water on Earth being useable, the majority is groundwater, making it one of our most valuable but under-appreciated natural resources. Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than half of the people in the U.S. and is especially essential in the Greater Lansing area, where it makes up 99% of our drinking water resources. We recognize the importance of groundwater quality and lead a variety of efforts to address its management and protection in our region. The Groundwater Management Board Since 1982, Tri-County has hosted the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) to discuss policy matters, land use, and/or water development projects that may have a potential impact on groundwater resources and management in the region. The GMB's mission is to provide a multi-jurisdictional forum for coordination and cooperation to help assure adequate quantities and qualities of groundwater are available to meet regional needs. Wellhead Protection Viewer In partnership with the GMB, Tri-County also maintains a Wellhead Protection Viewer (WPV) . This interactive online mapping application provides a variety of data – including well locations, time of travel areas, potential contamination source locations, brownfields, and more – to municipalities so they can be better informed when making development decisions that may affect our region's groundwater resources. For additional information or technical support, please contact us . GMB Past Projects Past Projects Throughout our agencies' history, Tri-County and the GMB have been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian by the Groundwater Foundation for our efforts in groundwater protection. Throughout our agencies’ history, Tri-County and the GMB have coordinated to provide in-kind support, staff resources, and/or funding for a variety of projects, events, and outreach activities to promote groundwater research, stewardship, and informed decision-making, and educate residents and community leaders about their role in protecting this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about our project history, or visit the GMB webpage to get involved with our current efforts! Fiscal Year Work Plan The budget for fiscal year 2026 helps to fund the objectives of the work plan, which focus on four main tasks: technical projects, research and development, outreach and education, and program administration. There is a total of 18 objectives to account for the 1414 hours of dedicated staff time by the Tri-County Environmental Planner. These objectives reflect the technical and outreach priorities of members while providing a representation of the administrative needs and support needed to run the Groundwater Management Board. A new work plan and budget will be created each year, leading up to the new fiscal year, to provide a guiding document on what activities will be accomplished for the Board and for members to bring back to their communities to use in their continued efforts to protect and manage groundwater resources. To learn more about the activities and initiatives currently focused on by GMB, refer to this year’s work plan: FY 2026 Work Plan FY 2025 Work Plan FY 2024 Work Plan FY 2023 Work Plan FY 2022 Work Plan Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan Published in 1982, the Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan was created after groundwater drawdown concerns with both municipal and private wells occurred across the region. This plan studied the geographic area of Watertown, DeWitt, Bath, Delta, Lansing, Meridian, Windsor, Delhi, and Alaiedon townships to define what the nature and extent of the drawdown impacts were and what they would be in the future, assess future community water supplies, and protect the region’s groundwater aquifer from contamination. Since publication, this plan has been used as the guiding document for the Groundwater Management Board to coordinate and optimizing management of the groundwater resources in the metropolitan area. It consists of six main recommendations which include: Coordination with other agency groundwater programs Assess groundwater quality in the Lansing Metropolitan Area Perform an on-going assessment of groundwater supply Identify future sources of water Coordinate groundwater management activities with other management programs Implement a water conservation/education program designed to instruct GMB members, community officials, and citizens on the basic concepts of groundwater management Groundwater Surveying in Michigan Capital Region To better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department participated in the Southwest Michigan Groundwater and Monitoring Program, better known as the Michigan Groundwater Survey (MGS). This was a project started in 1983 by Western Michigan University with financial support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. As one of 18 communities in Michigan to participate in MGS, the county sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 of its townships. This original survey, published as the "Report on the Aquifer of Ingham County," identified local concerns associated with activities - such as road salting - and levels of arsenic, nitrate, boron, and fluoride above drinking water standards and recommendations. The identification of these issues has been used by Ingham County to initiate programs to help protect our groundwater resources. At the time the MGS was conducted, the plan was to survey groundwater quality every 10 to 20 years to monitor any general changes; however, the original wells included in the MGS program have not been resampled since the 1983 study was completed in 1987. Recently, there has been interest in resampling these wells to compare current results with past analysis and to monitor overall groundwater quality across the entire tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties through a groundwater surveying initiative. Photo courtesy of Garry Rowe. Environmental Permits Checklist Since the early 2000s, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Environmental Permits Checklist has been tailored to accommodate the specific needs of GMB communities and local stakeholders. This Environmental Permits Checklist customized for the tri-county region integrates contact information for representatives of relevant State of Michigan departments and each division serving jurisdictions within Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. As of early 2023, the latest version of the Checklist has been released for use by staff of GMB members and regional partners for incorporation into their day-to-day activities, such as site plan reviews and wellhead protection planning. This tool is targeted toward community planners, local sustainability staff, environmental compliance specialists, emergency coordinators, and many more. To help users further understand the application of the checklist, an appendix has been developed to provide background on the different types of permits discussed in the checklist and additional contact information. Environmental Permits Checklist Environmental Permits Checklist Appendix Tri-County Water Policies and Programs Guide Created in 2015, the Tri-County Water Policies and Programs Guide serves as an informational tool and guidance document for decision makers and residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. Developed by bringing together experts within the community, this document provides information, program initiatives, and regulatory actions on groundwater, drinking water, land use, surface water, and wastewater for the urban and rural areas of the tri-county region. It identifies local water protection activities, policy and programming gaps, best management practices, opportunities for complementary activities, and recommendations and plans for long term sustainability that were established and agreed to by the organizations involved at the time of its creation. Letter of Recommendation: Michigan State Capitol Geothermal Infrastructure With the passing of the 2017-2018 state budget, the Michigan State Capitol Commission began a project to upgrade the capitol building's infrastructure with a geothermal heating and cooling system. Due to the increased risks to groundwater resources, the members of the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) worked together to pen a letter of recommendations to the Michigan State Capitol Commission. As a result, many of the recommendations made by the GMB were taken into consideration for the project and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now known as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE) appointed the GMB’s Geothermal Working Group as a stakeholder team to draft legislation on the matter. Wellhead and Groundwater Protection Audit Tool Created in 2011, the Wellhead and Groundwater Protection Audit Tool was developed to provide any community seeking guidance on their wellhead and groundwater protection strategies with a specific tool for evaluation. The auditing tool first examines a community's existing wellhead protection planning and implementation activities through an analysis of community documents, such as master plans, zoning ordinances, site plan review processes, and any other relevant plans or reports. This allows auditors to evaluate four important aspects of wellhead protection planning: the identification of goals and objectives for improving or maintaining groundwater quality; the identification of specific strategies that will allow the community to meet their stated goals and objectives; an examination of ordinances/policy pertaining to groundwater protections; and an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to aid in the identification of barriers and to gauge room for improvement. Wellhead Protection Programs Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Wellhead Protection Program assists local communities that depend on groundwater for their municipal drinking water supply systems by offering information and funding to help protect their water at its source. Through their Source Water Protection Grants, any element of a community's wellhead protection plan or activities may be eligible for funding. Both Tri-County and GMB have an important role in the application process for communities seeking this funding. Each year a portion of dues paid by GMB members is put toward the required project funding match, the GMB works with Tri-County as a clearinghouse to help administer the grant, and GMB assists in the completion or oversight of the grant project. Some projects created under this grant include: Groundwater protection training series for local planners, engineers, and decision makers Gap analysis studies on best management practices and long-term sustainability Developing sources of readily-available water and environmental data for community access Social media campaigns on groundwater education A series of groundwater education presentations for policy and decision makers Movie advertisements for local education on the value of groundwater A permanent local groundwater display for children’s education at Impression 5 The creation and maintenance of the Wellhead Protection Viewer Potential Contamination Source Inventory updates for Wellhead Protection Plans Capital Area Groundwater Alliance Established in 2000, the Capital Area Groundwater Alliance (CAGA) was comprised of Greater Lansing communities involved in wellhead protection and worked toward coordinating efforts on their wellhead protection programs, outreach, and projects. One of CAGA's primary goals was to establish a recognizable entity for wellhead protection efforts across multiple communities and to formalize their relationships and activities. CAGA served as a great educational resource for communities by creating programs like Tap into Groundwater Protection: A Training Opportunity for Lansing Area Business and the Abandoned Well Program, which focused on creating materials to educate homeowners about properly abandoning a well on their property. CAGA was awarded the Innovation Award by the Michigan Association of Regions for their approach to educating the public on groundwater issues. Children's Water Festival Created in 1995 with the goal of teaching children the value and vulnerability of water, the Children’s Water Festival was a regular event and feature of groundwater education in the region for over 20 years. The first festival saw over 1,000 children from schools around the tri-county area, offering attendees free entry and an interactive field trip for students to learn about the importance of our environment, water resources, and their role in protecting and conserving them. Following water festivals targeted 4th and 5th graders to better align with curriculm standards and help recruit future groundwater stewards. Though successful, the Children's Water Festival was an immense undertaking in fundraising, planning, and coordination with schools across the state, ultimately leading to a transition toward providing children's groundwater education activities as part of the MSU Science Festival and other local water education events. Regional Aquifer Study Conducted over two phases (as of 2020) the Regional Aquifer Study was led by GMB and Tri-County to determine the quality and quantity of water in the region’s aquifer system. Conducted by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) across nine townships, the first phase began in 1991, when USGS created a detailed computer model of the aquifer system serving the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Igham counties, and used the model to delineate wellhead protection areas. In 2002, phase two of the study used improved technology to update and refine the computer model to provide a better representation of the regional aquifer systems. Water Regionalization Study In 1990, a study led by the GMB and Tri-County investigated the feasibility of developing a regional water system. Supported by 20 communities in the region, this study examined existing water infrastructure, predicted future needs into the year 2020, and projected five scenarios under which various communities could create shared water systems, resulting in significant monetary savings and system protections. After its completion in 1993, the study received an award from the Michigan Association of Regions for outstanding intergovernmental programs and ultimately lead to the formation of the Mid-Michigan Water Authority in December 1995. By-Product Synergy Started by an EPA Pollution Prevention Grant in 2011, the By-Product Synergy project focused on turning waste output from one company into a product stream for another company generating revenue while reducing or eliminating pollution at the source. The state-wide project included participants within a 75-mile radius around Lansing and focused on industries, such as Dow Chemical and General Motors, academic, and local governmental bodies. Through this project, connections were made to reduce the amount of aluminum chloride, chemical waste, copper waste, foil, food waste, non-chlorinated waste, and steel slag entering landfills across the region and reducing overall carbon dioxide and hazardous waste production. As an agency wide program at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, By-Product Synergy focused on connecting the needs of one participant with the resources of another by: Stakeholders providing expertise, support, and marketing. Innovators looking at new ways to use, change, and repurpose waste products. Participants bringing their waste streams to the table and looking for additional inputs into the system. Groundwater Education in Michigan (GEM) Established by W.K. Kellogg in 1897, the Groundwater Education in Michigan program focused on educating citizens and community leaders on groundwater and drinking water issues and the need to protect the quality of these resources. With the development of geographic information systems (GIS), the GMB became involved in the project in the early 1990s to educate local officials on groundwater and to highlight how GIS equipment could improve decision making processes. This coincided with the development of GEMNET, which was a computer network that allowed for the exchange of ideas and technology pertaining to groundwater in Michigan. Housed through the Groundwater Resource Center, GIS information was available on base maps, soils, zoning, toxic sites, census tracts, and land use, in addition to, an extensive physical library on periodicals, reports, brochures, guidebooks, pertinent legislation, and videos all targeted toward groundwater education and resources. Community Presentations & Knowledge Sharing The GMB convenes many regional stakeholders who play an important role in the management and conservation of our groundwater. With the opportunity to host so many key organizations, communities, and agencies together in one place, Tri-County's meeting space serves as an excellent venue to share information and host presentations on the latest research, hot topics, and changes to regulations and procedures. The following is a list of the many knowledge sharing activities, working groups, and presentations facilitated by the GMB over the years: Hosted Wayne Jernberg from City of Grant Rapids to talk about Michigan’s Water and Wastewater Response Network Hosted Stephen Gasteyer from Michigan State University to present on assessing attitudes and perceptions concerning risks to drinking water in Michigan. Hosted Eric Oswald of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on regionalization of community water supplies. Hosted Sandra M. Eberts of the United States Geological Survey, on the development of a Great Lakes groundwater and surface water conceptual framework. Hosted Kaitlyn Kiessling of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to present on the MiWell program Hosted Tim Faas to give an overview of the MI WARN Program Formed a working group on reviewing well abandonment, started by reviewing sanitary codes Hosted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to speak to GMB members about the Source Water Protection Grant and its future status due to increased attention on PFAS in groundwater Hosted Dr. Susan Masten of Michigan State University to give a presentation on lead and other groundwater contamination in Ingham County Hosted Dr. Kurt Guter and his two high school students, Hudson Yiu and Luke Schafer, to present the results of a Williamston High School microplastics study Formed the GMB Geothermal Working Group to advise on the drafting of EGLE’s statewide geothermal legislation Hosted Lois E. Graham, R.S., M.S.A. of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to present on Michigan’s Statewide PFAS Sampling Effort Hosted Mr. Tim Bowlin, Chief Financial Officer and Project Manager of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, to speak on his background and the geothermal project happening at the Michigan Capital Building Hosted Jared Harmon, Executive Director of Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy on Michigan’s Forests to Mi Faucets program Hosted Anthony Kendall, Research Assistant Professor at Michigan State University on create a new now-cast Great Lakes groundwater level product with state-of-the-art models and satellite observations Hosted Murat Ulasir, Asset Management Practice Leader at OHM Advisors on clickable asset management plans Co-signed Pariana Groundwater Discharge Permit Letter with Tri-County to EGLE Hosted Christe Alwin from Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy on the department’s chloride implementation plan Hosted Brian Steglitz of City of Ann Arbor on their efforts of optimizing PFAS removal. Groundwater Guardian For over 27 years, Tri-County and the GMB participated and were recognized as a Groundwater Guardian by the Groundwater Foundation for our efforts in groundwater protection. This was a program focused on supporting and encouraging communities and organizations to promote groundwater awareness activities and education efforts through creating a network of participants acting locally while having a global impact. WPV

MI Capital Region is your hub for the latest demographic, economic, and workforce data for Michigan's capital region. This dashboard follows key data trends in the Greater Lansing area. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > DATA & MAPPING > MI CAPITAL REGION DATA DASHBOARD MI Capital Region is your hub for the latest demographic, economic, and workforce data for Michigan's capital region. This dashboard visually and statistically analyzes data trends of key metrics in the Greater Lansing area, including industry, labor and employment, wages and income, education, demographics and population, and equity and social patterns such as business ownership, crime, and housing. Data can be viewed as charts and tables and exported to several formats for various uses. In addition to standard county geographies, the dashboard features custom county configurations to track trends for regional programs or efforts. The name of the geography appears for selection from a drop-down list, if data are available for that subject. These include the Lansing Metro (Metropolitan Statistical Area of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee counties), Tri-County Region (Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties), Lansing Region Labor Shed (Barry, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties), and Midwest Region (U.S. service area of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin). MI Capital Region is accessible to the public, community partners, and local decision-makers. Data is updated as it's made available. Additionally, visitors can sign up to receive monthly newsletters to learn about key regional economic trends. Visit micapitalregion.org to view the dashboard and subscribe to receive the newsletter. VIEW THE DASHBOARD NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP Additional information about the history of the MI Capital Region data dashboard is located at mitcrpc.org/pastprojects . 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. Looking for more data? Check out our dashboards, maps, and interactive data that tell the story of our region.

We are seeking dynamic, innovative, and passionate individuals to join our team! Tri-County is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected factor CAREERS AT TRI-COUNTY Job Postings Internship Program How to Apply Job Opportunities The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is located in Lansing, the state capital of Michigan, around the corner from Michigan State University and home to a variety of recreational amenities, entertainment options, and diverse urban and rural living options. Tri-County offers a competitive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and medical, dental, vision, life, and long- and short-term disability insurance. We are seeking dynamic, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team! View open positions below to see if you could be a fit for us. Tri-County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. To apply for a position with Tri-County, please submit a completed application, resume, cover letter, and any other documents requested in the individual job posting. An application is considered incomplete if required documentation is not provided. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. of the apply-by date. To apply, you may do one of the following: Email your completed application and requested documents to jobs@mitcrpc.org Mail your completed application and requested documents to: Attn: Jim Snell, Executive Director 3135 Pine Tree Road, Suite 2C Lansing, MI 48911 Download Application How to Apply Economic Development Planner DATE POSTED 2/24/2026 APPLY BY: 5/15/2026 POSITION SUMMARY The Economic Development Planner is a full-time, salaried position with traditional weekday office hours and some evening meetings, travel, and events outside of regular office hours. Primary duties include developing, coordinating, and implementing programming and planning initiatives – including studies, grants, and committees – that support the economic vitality and community vibrancy of the region and its communities. This position is responsible for providing technical assistance to regional entities, local governments, and agency staff; connecting communities and organizations to funding resources; and establishing cross-sector regional partnerships to support community initiatives. This position reports to the Deputy Director. View the full position description, including areas of responsibility and principal duties, HERE. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Education A bachelor’s degree is required; public or business administration, economics, urban or regional planning, public policy, marketing, or related discipline is desired. Experience This position requires a minimum of four years’ professional experience directly related to community and/or economic development; municipal, urban, or regional planning; or related fields. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Strong understanding of the regional economic landscape, political and social climates, and community partnerships; awareness of region’s workforce and business development challenges and opportunities Familiarity with basic economic planning principles; ability to apply principles to identify strategies that diversify local economies, generate and retain private sector jobs and investment, and attract and retain talent Working knowledge of local, state, and federal funding mechanisms, grant opportunities, and community development programs Outstanding relationship-building and interpersonal skills and experience working with local, state, or federal governments; passion for building community support and demonstrated ability to bring people together to accomplish a common goal Excellent written and verbal communication skills; thorough knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation for the preparation of professional written reports, projects, and plans Adept at gauging audience dynamics and communicating complicated topics to diverse audiences with varying levels of subject matter expertise; ability to tailor and make effective presentations at meetings of governmental groups and at public events Exceptionally well organized and able to plan, prioritize, and adjust work tasks to meet and coordinate deadlines; ability to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously and complete them on time with minimal supervision Maintains a professional, non-partisan public profile consistent with organizational values and the agency’s role as a neutral facilitator; ability to represent the agency in a courteous, pleasant, helpful, and professional manner within various informal/formal and virtual/in-person settings with office staff, elected officials, community partners, and the public Strong background in research and data analysis, report development, and/or project management Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology, associated data visualization software and online applications, and database management Ability and willingness to provide, accept, and apply constructive feedback and respond positively and with an open mind Experience administering municipal, state, and federal funding programs Creative and effective problem-solving skills; ability to gather and interpret data and information to solve practical problems and produce innovative solutions Proactive and self-motivated; willingness and desire to improve and learn new processes Collaborative, flexible team player Detail oriented and passionate about quality Comfort with modern technology, computer systems, and file management software; proficient in Adobe products and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Ability to perform on-site field work and willingness to travel on business as needed Job Postings Job Openings Internship Program Internship Program Are you a student currently enrolled in a degree program or a recent graduate looking to gain work experience, integrate and apply academic studies to real-life situations, and establish a professional network for your career? Tri-County is seeking smart, dedicated, personable, energetic, skilled young professionals from a variety of backgrounds to join our internship program! Areas of Interest We offer a variety of internships for undergraduate and graduate students to work on special projects and collaborate with our different programs, including: GIS and data analysis Transportation planning/engineering Communications (social media, events, graphic design, content development) Urban planning and trending community issues Don’t see an area of interest or study that you would like to pursue? Email us with your proposal, resume, and cover letter, and we will see what we can create! Details & Requirements Our internships are a great option for those needing a flexible schedule and seeking careers in government, nonprofit, and private organizations. Tri-County’s internship program gives you the opportunity to get hands-on experience and learn about issues impacting communities across the country, all while you’re networking in the state’s capital city with industry professionals and key community leaders. Internships typically occur during the summer (May – August), fall (September – December), or spring semester (January – April), but may be extended on a case-by-case basis. To participate in the internship program, individuals must: Be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week (maximum 30 hours) Have earned a minimum of 24 semester credits or 36 term credits before program entry Demonstrate a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher Possess a valid driver’s license Apply for an Internship Email your resume, cover letter, proposal, and any additional details we should know to jobs@mitcrpc.org . In your email, please note the type of internship you are applying for, provide your days/hours of availability, and include any examples of your work.

The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 262 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER TRAILS All Program Planning Areas Water Trails Environment & Natural Resources Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 252 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. It is the most populated watershed in the state with more than 1.5 million people living within its boundaries, and thousands more visit and use the Grand River every year. The Grand River is comprised of three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Grand. The Middle Grand, the portion that resides within our tri-county region, is defined as the Grand River from Eaton Rapids to Lyons, and includes the entire watersheds of the Maple, Looking Glass and Red Cedar rivers. Watershed Events What Is a Water Trail? In December of 2018, the Middle Grand River was selected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as one of the first waterways in Michigan to be a state-designated water trail . A water trail is any route along a river, lake, or bay that is specifically designed for the use of small boats such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc., and has developed access and launch points accessible to the public. The Middle Grand River Water Trail, which extends 87 miles throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties, has 33 access sites that provide a variety of experiences for paddlers of all experience levels. Water trails, or blueways, are similar to hiking and biking trails, also known as greenways. They are more than recreational assets - they support tourism, encourage exercise and healthy outdoor activities, promote appreciation and protection of our natural resources, and connect us to community assets and public spaces. Visitors and residents in the tri-county region can enjoy paddling along the Middle Grand River Water Trail, Red Cedar River Water Trail, and Looking Glass River. A variety of paddling events, river cleanups, and educational seminars are held to protect these wild and scenic resources. Middle Grand River Water Trail Map Water Trail Map By using the Middle Grand River Water Trail Map, you agree not to hold the creators of this map liable for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur because you used this information. All information on the interactive water trail map is subject to change. It is not a substitute for your use of reasonable care or up-to-date knowledge of river conditions. Make your own evaluation of the water, current, portages, weather, and hazards. Wear a properly fastened life jacket, be sure you are informed on water safety and paddling techniques, and plan routes appropriate for your skills. View Full Map Created by Tri-County RPC for Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Explore the new printed Middle Grand River Water Trail map for an overview of the trail and descriptions of amenities at access sites, suggested tours, dams, areas of caution, paddling etiquette, local attractions, and the history of the Middle Grand River Water Trail. Visit a trail town partner to obtain your own printed map! Click on each image to enlarge or click here to download. Created in partnership with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Partnering Together The Middle Grand River Water Trail's state designation was thanks to a partnership between Tri-County and the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) . Together, we created a water trail development plan aimed at improving the Middle Grand River's connectivity, accessibility, and quality. In the fall of 2024, all 252 miles of the Grand River became designated as a state water trail, linking the Lower Grand River Water Trail to the Middle Grand River Water Trail and the Upper Grand River Water Trail. We continue to work on national water trail designation and integrating Middle Grand River tributaries into the water trail effort in hopes of developing water trails on the Red Cedar, Looking Glass, and Maple Rivers. Learn more about MGROW and their partnership with the Upper and Lower Grand River here .

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has launched a project to restore a century-old REO passenger bus back to its former glory and bring this one-of-a-kind piece of local history home. Help us celebrate Lansing's manufacturing and transportation legacy! HOME > PROJECT & DOCUMENT LIBRARY > TRANSPORTATION > REO BUS PROJECT THE REO PASSENGER BUS a restoration project honoring Lansing's automotive legacy LEARN MORE JOIN US... FOR A HISTORIC JOURNEY The Greater Lansing community has a long and proud manufacturing and transportation legacy — and we are always on the lookout for unique ways to honor it! The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has launched a project to restore a century-old REO passenger bus back to its former glory and bring this one-of-a-kind piece of local history home. This restoration is about more than preservation — it’s about connecting with our community and regional pride, building a bridge between Lansing's industrial past and Tri-County's ongoing role in planning for a sustainable transportation future, and recognizing the innovation, craftsmanship, and vision that helped build Michigan’s transportation identity. Learn more about the project and follow the bus's restoration journey through videos, photos, and interactive storytelling on this webpage and on our social media accounts. HOLY MATER! 97-year-old Lansing bus is hitting the road to restoration The bus represents Lansing’s deep roots in automotive history and its pioneering role in early American transit. The bus’s chassis was built by the REO Motor Car Company, founded in Lansing in 1904 and an early pioneer of automotive innovation. It personifies not only a significant piece of local manufacturing history but also a broader story about how Mid-Michigan helped shape modern transportation. VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE WHAT'S NEXT? Over the next 12 to 18 months, the bus will undergo a meticulous restoration to bring it back to operational condition, a process that combines artisanship, research, and engineering expertise. Once complete, the bus will be returned to Lansing with the goal of making it usable for community events and educational exhibits. Check back for updates! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTACT US FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the project? Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is leading the restoration of a 97-year-old REO Motor Car Company bus with a chassis built in Lansing, and is the last known of its kind. The bus was transported to a specialist facility in Pennsylvania in late October 2025. Experts are beginning detailed restoration work to return it to safe, operational condition. When it returns home, the hope is that the bus will be made operational for community events and educational exhibits. Why are we doing this? Tri-County is responsible for helping people understand the history and importance of our transportation systems. At its core, it is a heritage, educational, and community engagement project. We are taking a fragile piece of local history and turning it into a symbol of our region’s transportation story. The historic bus is a storyteller on wheels. It connects generations of workers, families, and riders who relied on buses to get to jobs, schools, and opportunity. The project creates a powerful tool for public outreach. Connecting history to the work we do today can spark curiosity and invite residents to engage in a memorable way. Few regional planning agencies have a physical, operational piece of history they can use to illustrate why transportation planning matters. This project positions Tri-County as a creative, visible steward of the region’s past and future. What is the timeline for the restoration? On October 29, 2025, the REO bus departed from the Capital Area Transportation Authority's bus garage - where it was generously being stored while awaiting transportation - to make its way to Muncy, Pennsylvania, where it will undergo the restoration process. This process is anticipated to take 12–18 months. Updates will be provided as the project progresses. What do we know about the bus? The bus’s chassis was built by the REO Motor Car Company, founded in Lansing in 1904 and an early pioneer of automotive innovation. Despite nearly a century of wear, the REO-built frame remains remarkably strong. More historical information about the bus will be added as the project progresses. Stay tuned! How is the project supported? Tri-County has dedicated funding to initiate the process, including transportation and restoration of the bus. While the total cost is still being determined, Tri-County will consider additional sources of financing and sponsorship such as grants and private funding. Information on how partners can get involved is forthcoming. Special thanks to the Capital Area Transportation Authority for temporarily storing the bus as it awaited transportation to the restoration facility. How can I get involved? If you have a historical or technical background - or even a personal story - share it with us! More ways to get involved will be provided as the project progresses. This is more than a restoration. It’s a revival. We’re breathing life back into a piece of Michigan’s history, and in doing so, we’re reconnecting our community to the legacy that helped move it forward. Jim Snell, Executive Director