Our Vision
A Council of Governments dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the people of our metropolitan area through collaboration among regional partners.
Our Mission
The mission of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is to advance the current and future well-being of our metropolitan area by bringing together public and private sectors to cooperatively advocate, plan for, and coordinate the provision of services and investments which have environmental, economic and social impact.
In pursuit of this mission, it is understood that the well-being of the metropolitan community relies on good government and springs from a shared vision that encompasses many elements, including, but not limited to, the following:
Preparing now for the challenges of the future
Planning for orderly growth and development
Minimizing urban sprawl
Preserving and enhancing the natural, social, and physical environments
Promoting economic vitality and employment opportunities
Equitably sharing responsibility for community needs
Recognizing the strengths and benefits of diversity
Promoting quality lifelong educational opportunities
Promoting quality cultural and recreational institutions and facilities
Developing a sensible and environmentally sound transportation system to serve all population groups
Vigilantly preserving the health and safety of the general public
Effectively utilizing and enhancing existing infrastructure
Eliminating unnecessary duplication of services
Effectively advocating for financial equity and other assistance with the State and Federal governments
Conserving and enhancing healthy neighborhoods, business districts and employment centers
Promoting a high quality of life now and for future generations
Strategic Initiatives
Ensure Trust, Credibility, and Confidence
Only with trust, credibility, and confidence can government succeed. The Grand Valley Metro Council aims for the highest integrity, ensuring that these values are upheld in all the work it facilitates.Managing Emerging Issues
The role of local government is changing rapidly. The Grand Valley Metro Council will be a hub of innovation where emerging issues are recognized, new ideas are shared, and best practices are implemented across a variety of municipalities.Encouraging Collaborative Service Sharing
At in time when municipal budgets are constrained, the importance of collaborative service sharing cannot be understated. The Grand Valley Metro Council will help municipalities save by unveiling ways to share services and build collaborations across municipal boundaries.Coordinating a Region-Wide Training Exchange
Local governments need skilled and educated leaders in order to build the strongest communities. The Grand Valley Metro Council will coordinate trainings to strengthen the skills of leaders across the region.Nurturing a Regional Economic Development Partnership
The Grand Valley Metro Council will work with businesses and economic development agencies to foster partnerships which promote development across the region.Planning for Sustainable Communities
Successful communities are built on strategies that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. The Grand Valley Metro Council will help engage and plan sustainable communities that serve the needs of the local residents.
GVMC Activities
Legislative:
GVMC works proactively with stakeholders, as well as state and federal officials to analyze current legislative issues and impact legislation that affects our interests. The Council works to educate our communities about issues that affect them and promote the interests of local government in Lansing.
The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council reviews, monitors, and proposes legislation that supports its members' interests. GVMC regularly invites federal and state elected officials to discuss recent or pending legislation. Representatives from the Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships Association often attend meetings to provide legislative counsel and legislative updates. GVMC coordinates its legislative activities with:
County Road Association of Michigan
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Association of Counties
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan Municipal League
Michigan Townships Association
Transportation:
The transportation department's mission is to provide a forum for continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative regional multi-mode transportation planning processes. The Department is involved in regional planning, management and operations, air quality, data collection and distribution, public involvement and education, and interaction with various joint programs of GVMC, Kent and Ottawa Counties, the State of Michigan, and the US Department of Transportation.
The transportation department of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) is in charge of implementing the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning process as included in US code 23, Section 450.300. The transportation planning process is a multi-modal process. All modes of transportation are planned for, including:
Freight
Rail
Transit
Non-motorized (pedestrian/bicycle)
Highways
Aviation
A variety of tools and programs are used to plan for the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, including:
Congestion management system
Pavement management system
Safety planning
Regional traffic count program
Environmental justice and air quality conformity are incorporated in the planning process. Input from the public is sought whenever plans and programs are developed throughout the region.
REGIS:
An acronym for "Regional Geographic Information System," provides a common database, infrastructure, and suite of applications used for spatial data management by our members. To facilitate a more informed decision making process, twenty cities, townships, and quasi-governmental organizations have joined together to develop REGIS, one of the largest local government multi-participant Geographic Information System (GIS) projects.
Environmental Programs:
Grand Valley Metro Council’s Department of Environmental Programs is addressing river resource issues in the area we serve. The Environmental Programs Department collaborates with and supports:
MS4 communities
Sub-watershed groups
Community organizations
Local watershed stakeholders
The department promotes community education and sustainable use of our river resource. Their mission is to understand, protect and improve the natural resources of the Lower Grand River Watershed for all to enjoy. As we look toward a future under the Regional Prosperity Initiative, our efforts will expand to coordinate with other environmental programs and new partners.