Regional Planning and Community Development

The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) is a ten-county public agency providing workforce development, economic development, and regional planning services in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties. 

The NWMCOG's Regional Planning and Community Development Department's goal is to be a planning resource, enabling and enhancing the region's ability to preserve and create high quality of life conditions. 

The Regional Planning Department will:

• Actively encourage communication, coordination, and information dissemination in the region.
• Provide technical assistance and education related to all aspects of planning - economic development, land use, transportation, watersheds, energy, environment, and housing - to empower local decision-making capabilities to improve quality of life in the region.
• Provide a forum for discussion and coordinated planning for elected and appointed officials, staff, and public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions in the region.
• Act as a neutral convener and administrator of regional initiatives and partnership programs.

Serving the collective vision and interests of communities in northwest Lower Michigan is the reason we are here!