Process to Achieve the Vision: Shaping Goals, Action Plans, & Responsibilities CONNECTING MICHIGAN is an on-going project being spearheaded by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance to address the critical issues which impede the state’s progress toward developing a quality statewide networked system of trailways and greenways. Process, People, and Issues l In 2002 and 2004
surveys of recent home buyers sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and the National association of Realtors, trails were ranked as the second most important community amenity on a list of 18 choices – bettering even golf courses and playgrounds. Quiet, safe streets and neighborhoods ranked Number One. l A 2000 Michigan State University
Survey about the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail found that 62% of trail users cited exercise as the primary reason for using the trail and 73% said they reported improvement in their health due to use of the trail.
The CONNECTING MICHIGAN process was launched in early 2006 by MTGA in cooperation with NPS-RTCA and MRPA, which convened and facilitated a year-long collaborative planning process. A kickoff event engaged more than 200 stakeholders representing public, private, and non-profit organizations from all levels to address the critical issues affecting the future of Michigan’s statewide trailway system. The 200-plus registrants for the April 2006 CONNECTING MICHIGAN Kick-Off identified 10 major topics to investigate, and over 100 volunteered to work on the task forces focused on these major issues. The planning process shown here focused on setting goals, defining action plans, and assigning responsibilities. Task Force Topics and Targeted Issues are summarized for easy reference and an overview of the project’s scope and depth. Details follow. With a sincere “Thank You!” for their exceptional work, we gratefully recognize the CONNECTING MICHIGAN Task Force chairpersons, facilitators, members, and supporting resource authorities in the Acknowledgments provided on pages 40 and 41.
Connecting Michigan Vision and Action Plan: Task Force Planning Process May 06 Task Force Meeting 1: Preparation & Information
April 06
• Agree upon scope and scale of issue • Agree upon possible experts and other information needs • Select several dates & location for meeting with resource experts
Connecting Michigan: Kick-Off Forum • Learn status of Michigan trailways. • Identify key issues and organize task forces.
June/July 06 Task Force Meeting 2:
Learn About & Define Issues • Listen to expertise on issues • Discuss and ask questions – gain better understanding of issues • Comment on what you heard and learned – key points • Develop comprehensive issue statements