West Michigan Regional Planning Commission

05/07/2026

Have you experienced a “near-miss” incident or observed repeated traffic safety issues at a certain location? The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) has created a tool to anonymously report these traffic safety concerns. The collected information will supplement existing safety data and help better identify and understand traffic safety issues in the region.
The tool can be found at: www.tinyurl.com/GVMC-nearmiss

Please note that this tool is for data collection and information purposes only. Data trends will be shared and discussed with MPO jurisdictions and regional partners. MPO staff and local jurisdictions will not be responding to reports on an individual basis.

IMPORTANT: If you were involved in a crash, please report it to your local law enforcement agency. If you would like to submit a maintenance request or other non-safety traffic concerns, please report those to your local public works department or road commission.

05/04/2026

Every decision, big or small, shapes Michigan’s future. The Michigan Infrastructure Council has launched the Asset Management Essentials (AM) for Elected Officials and Decision Makers eLearning course: a free, self-paced program designed to help Michigan’s leaders make confident, informed infrastructure decisions.

In under three hours, participants will learn the essentials of AM, connect local challenges to statewide priorities, and strengthen collaboration between staff and leadership.
Want to make better-informed decisions for your community? Start your learning journey today: https://www.michigan.gov/mic/education-training/amessentials

01/22/2026

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these PLANNERS from the swift completion of their rounds”

Other than the occasional dozen of high quality donuts we don’t often bring exciting gifts like the postal service, but we do try to show up when we say we will—even when it’s -2 and snowing like crazy.

I (Jamie) had the pleasure of being invited and presenting to the Osceola County Board of Commissioners this week.

I met lots of great folks that genuinely care about their communities. This work is always about the people.

One of my favorite parts of my role as Director is visiting and sharing with our membership at West Michigan Regional Planning Commission. If you’d like a visit don’t be shy!

12/11/2025

26.5 years ago, Dave Bee found his way to the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission!

Since that time, the world (and the Commission) has undergone many changes, and through it all, Dave has been there as a dynamic leader, consistent advocate, and dedicated partner to our 7-8 county region.

Thanks to Dave's efforts, countless communities have been transformed for the good because of his work behind the scenes.

As he wraps up his time with us, I invite you to reach out and wish him well! Share a favorite memory, exchange phone numbers, grab a bite.

As for the lucky person taking over for Dave. That's me Jamie Rye , but more on that later... for now, keep an eye on this page for updates and new adventures in planning across the region. If you want to introduce yourself, feel free to send me a message at [email protected]!

(Image: Dave Bee in Action - The Daily News - Greater Greenville Transportation Committee/MDOT meeting)

09/27/2022

Big News in West Michigan!

The first hurdle cleared. The local governments give the thumbs up to a massive new battery plant in Mecosta County. One of the largest battery manufacturers in the world picked Big Rapids as the spot for their next plant. Billions of dollars spent and thousands of jobs created, as long as the plan....

09/09/2022

You can review the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Pandemic Recovery Plan at the following link:

https://wmrpc.org/economic-community-development/

Please respond with any comments or e-mail Dave Bee at [email protected].

Economic & Community Development Below please find links to our most recent CEDS Report and a link to the US Economic Development Administration. 2019 CEDS ReportDownload 2017 CEDS ReportDownload U.S. Economic Development Administration (eda.gov) Grant & Loan Opportunities June 2022 ~~~~ DRAFT For R...