Getting Involved in the Process
How do you fit into the transportation planning process?
A resident's role in the transportation planning process is important. State and local governments cannot have a true understanding of a community's needs without input from its residents. While transportation officials can get much of the necessary information independently, local input is still a vital part of the process. As a resident, your knowledge of the area is extensive, and your input crucial to the planning process.
The Public Participation Plan
We’d Like Your Input!
Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) has updated our Public Participation Plan (PPP) and is seeking comment on the document. This Plan explains how and when the public is contacted for input during the development of our major transportation planning documents for Kent and eastern Ottawa counties, as well as the public participation tools and techniques GVMC uses to facilitate community engagement. Comments must be received by Friday, January 10, 2025. Comments may be submitted by phone, mail, email, or through the “submit a comment” button at the bottom of this page, and should be directed to:
Andrea Faber, Sr. Transportation Planner
Grand Valley Metropolitan Council
678 Front Ave NW, Ste. 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: (616) 776-7603
Email: andrea.faber@gvmc.org
GVMC Draft Public Participation Plan
Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services and those requiring an interpreter or translation service should contact Andrea Faber for assistance.
Current Public Participation Plan
GVMC is federally required to maintain a Public Participation Plan that explains how public comment is sought and incorporated into the planning process.
To view our current Public Participation Plan, please click the link below.
The Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
GVMC also maintains and abides by a Title VI Plan. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the overarching civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program, service or activity that receives federal assistance. Our Title VI Plan spells out the policies, assurances, procedures, and structure for oversight and compliance with Title VI. To view this document please click the link below.
On August 11, 2000, President William J. Clinton signed Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Service for Persons with Limited English Proficiency to clarify Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its purpose was to ensure accessibility to programs and services to otherwise eligible persons who are not proficient in the English language.
This executive order stated that individuals who do not speak English well and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English are entitled to language assistance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to a particular type of service, benefit, or encounter. These individuals are referred to as being limited in their ability to speak, read, write, or understand English, hence the designation, “LEP,” or Limited English Proficient.
GVMC also maintains a LEP plan which documents how GVMC will accommodate LEP individuals. To view this document please click the link below.
2021 Approved Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services and those in need of translation or interpreter assistance should contact Andrea Faber by phone (616.776.7603) or email for assistance.
Getting Involved in the Transportation Planning Process
The transportation planning process is ongoing and can take several years. By being involved in the process you can make sure that transportation planners are aware of your needs and concerns. To get involved in the planning process, you can:
Put your name on GVMC's Interested Citizen/Agency List
The best way to remain up-to-date on public involvement opportunities is to request to be added to GVMC's Interested Citizen/Agency List. You'll receive updates, meeting invitations, and other information from the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council Transportation Division. If you wish to be added to this list, please fill out the “Subscribe to our mailing list” form above, email your contact information (including full name and preferred email address) to GVMC staff, or call Andrea Faber at (616) 776.7603 to give your contact information over the phone.
Attend MPO meetings
The GVMC Transportation Division generally has two major Committee meetings per month that are open to the public and during which public comment is solicited. Committee meeting agendas and minutes are posted online.
Technical Committee – meets at 9:30 a.m. the 1st Wednesday of the month at Rapid Central Station unless otherwise noted – 250 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Policy Committee – meets at 9:30 a.m. the 3rd Wednesday of the month at Rapid Central Station unless otherwise noted – 250 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
During the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program, the GVMC Transportation division holds public meeting opportunities, and likewise, public comment is encouraged when these two documents are modified or amended. Also, special studies such as the Kent County Transit Needs Assessment often have public meetings and public comment periods associated with them.
Provide your input on the transportation plans in your region.
GVMC invites public comment on GVMC’s four major planning documents. These plans include:
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which is GVMC’s long-range planning document and is updated every four years.
The Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which is GVMC’s short-range planning document and is updated every three years.
The Unified Planning Work Program, which includes all federally assisted transportation planning activities proposed to be undertaken in the region during the fiscal year as well as GVMC’s annual operating budget and is updated every year.
The Public Participation Plan, which explains how public comment is sought and incorporated into the planning process and is updated every year.
Please check our home page, our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye out for newsprint postings in The Grand Rapids Times and El Vocero Hispano for MTP and TIP public meeting opportunities.
Ask a transportation official to attend a meeting or event with your neighborhood association, Rotary club, school, agency, or other civic organization and explain the transportation planning process
GVMC staff is always happy to help the public navigate the transportation planning process and assist the citizens of Kent and eastern Ottawa Counties to find the information they need to stay informed and remain active participants in this process. Please contact Andrea Faber by phone (616.776.7603) or email with any questions or concerns you have.
To stay informed, subscribe to our mailing list by completing the form at the top of the page.
Please note that our public participation process is separate and distinct from our consultation process, which requires every MPO to “consult with agencies and officials responsible for other planning activities within the MPA[1] that are affected by transportation.” It is suggested that representatives from state, local, tribal governments, and private agencies responsible for economic growth and development, environmental protection, airport operators, freight movement, land use management, natural resources, conservation, historical preservation, and human service transportation be contacted. However, the members of GVMC’s consultation list receive the notices that are sent to our public involvement list, as well as separate correspondence from the consultation process. Please visit our consultation page to learn more about our consultation process.
For more information about the plans, processes, or opportunities on this page, please contact Andrea Faber by phone (616.776.7603) or email.
1] Metropolitan Planning Area
Banner photo by Natekal23 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons