WUPPDR

05/01/2026

Short on time and looking for ways to strengthen your leadership skills? The Asset Management (AM) Essentials primer contains the core lessons from the Michigan Infrastructure Council’s asynchronous eLearning course into an easy-to-read guide that fits your schedule.

This free, downloadable resource explains how AM supports effective budgeting, resource planning, and public trust. Whether you’re a mayor, council member, manager, or just have a tight schedule, this primer will help you make impactful leadership decisions for your organization and community.

Download your copy today: https://www.michigan.gov/mic/education-training/amessentials

04/08/2026

Don't forget to bring your hard to recycle items to the Sustainability Demonstration House's 7th annual Waste Reduction Drive!

Where - MTU Student Development Center
When - This Saturday, April 11th from 9 AM to 2 PM

03/17/2026

The 2026-2030 Western U.P. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is available for public review through April 17.

Click/tap here to access it and for info on how to submit comments: www.wuppdr.org/ceds

02/05/2026

New space in landfills cost Western UP residents millions, yet 23% of the trash sent to landfill is recyclable and over 30% is readily compostable.
Reducing or diverting this waste could save money, space, and help keep our region beautiful for generations to come.

We would like to hear your thoughts on what materials management services you currently use, and how we can build better services in your neighborhood.

Help us make a meaningful change by completing our survey and making your voice heard!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

12/19/2025

We are thrilled to share this announcement from the Office of Rural Prosperity of the award of round four Rural Readiness Grants.

WUPPDR will receive funding to work with the L'Anse Area Community Development Corporation on important predevelopment work for conversion of a vacant former nursing home property into high-quality attainable apartments.

Three of the eleven grant awards in this round, including WUPPDR's, are to Western U.P. grantees!

MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators.

12/16/2025

WUPPDR has issued a request for proposals for a Feasibility Study and Roadmap for Implementation of a Regional GIS-Based Asset Management System. Responses are due January 13.

More information at: www.wuppdr.org/asset-management-1

12/09/2025

Planning for strong local and regional food systems can help communities by boosting the economy, protecting the environment, improving health, and bringing people together. We plan initiatives that support local food production, connect people to the land and water, and improve access to fresh and affordable food.

We maintain Emergency Food Resource lists for each county in the Western U.P.: https://www.wuppdr.org/food-systems

Other work that we either lead or convene includes:
Western U.P. Farm to School
From the Ground Farmers Market Collective
The Portage Lake Seed Library
Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative
Community Garden Support
Small Business / Food Producer Support

11/25/2025

Affordable housing is critical for economic development by building wealth for homeowners and the community. When everyone has suitable housing options, seniors can age in place, young people can settle in their hometown, and employers can retain the best talent. Maintaining existing housing and adding new units help strengthen the local tax base to maintain and enhance the surrounding community.

Currently, we are helping 64 families in the Western U.P. improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA's) MI-HOPE program. By the end of the program, ~$1,500,000 in energy efficiency upgrades will have been invested into Western U.P. homes. Plus, we've partnered with New Power Tour to provide an additional $484,000 in leveraged funds to support this program.

In addition to this work, we are the lead agency of MSHDA's Western U.P. Regional Housing Partnership (RHP). The RHP advances the 2022 Statewide Housing Plan, working to reduce barriers to housing development and alleviate homelessness.

You can learn more about our housing planning at: https://www.wuppdr.org/housing

11/18/2025

Michigan has widened its focus from Solid Waste Management (trash) to Materials Management (trash, recycling, and organics). Planning for convenient materials management systems can recover value from unwanted materials and mitigate negative impacts on natural resources and the environment.

All counties in the Western Upper Peninsula region have entered into an agreement to create the Western UP Materials Management Planning Committee (WUP-MMPC). Their work will result in a Multi-County Materials Management Plan. This plan is required to be completed and approved by EGLE prior to June 27, 2027. Interlocal agreements, meeting minutes, and other committee documents can be viewed here: https://www.wuppdr.org/materials-management-planning-committee

We are also planning large scale composting for Houghton County.

11/11/2025

Recreation plans give municipalities a five-year framework for creating and maintaining parks, trails, and recreational programs and facilities. These plans assess current facilities, gather public input, and outline goals, costs, and timelines for future projects. These plans aren’t just helpful, they’re required by the Michigan DNR for communities to qualify for many grant programs.

In addition to writing recreation plans and grants, WUPPDR hosts the Houghton County Recreation Authority, holds its official records, and is represented on its Board of Directors. Meeting agendas and minutes are available to the public on our website.

Recent projects:
2025 - 2029 Keweenaw County Recreation Plan
2025 – 2029 Franklin Township Recreation Plan
2024 – 2028 City of Hancock Recreation Plan
2024 – 2028 Marenisco Township Recreation Plan
2024 – 2028 Torch Lake Township Recreation Plan
2023 – 2027 Osceola Township Recreation Plan