Authors: Robert Carson, AICP & Zachary Vega, AICP

Summary

Initial research focused on analyzing the use of Michigan Act 425 Agreements as tools for infrastructure expansion and economic development across jurisdictional lines. However, through comprehensive outreach and interviews with local units of government possessing water or sewer infrastructure in the 10-county region of Northwest Lower Michigan, it has become clear that a broader scope was required. While intergovernmental agreements remain the most common approach to infrastructure coordination, the majority are not Act 425 Agreements as originally assumed. Instead, communities are primarily utilizing Franchise Agreements and Master Utility Agreements, with Annexation rarely - if ever - considered. These findings point to a broader, more complex landscape of collaborative infrastructure planning. This research will explore the range of agreement types in use, analyze patterns within opportunity zones, and highlight the implications for economic development without overemphasizing a single legal mechanism. 

 

Author Information

Robert Carson, AICP, is the Regional Director of Community Development with Networks Northwest. He has participated in and led many processes, throughout his career, leading to technical document development. Recently developed guides and documents include Community Master Plans, Recreation Plans, Corridor Studies, Zoning Guides, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies and Strategic Plans. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was a process led by the Networks Northwest Community Development Department and was completed in early 2021 with approval by the Networks Northwest Board and the Economic Development Administration. Other experience details significant partnership with State and Local Economic Development Experts through participation in State and Federal grant programs and certifications: Community Development Block Grant Programs, Brownfield Plan and Development Programs, local Downtown Development Authority TIF approvals, and other project specific grant support such as DNR Trust Fund Grants and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Project Grants. In addition to experience with navigation and community certification through the State’s Redevelopment Ready Communities Program.

 

Zach Vega, AICP, is a Community Planner with Network Northwest. Zach has led various planning efforts with local units of government across the state of Michigan including: master plans, recreation plans, economic development strategies and coastal resilience plans. He has contributed essays and research for Planning & Zoning News, the Michigan Association of Planning and MSU Extension. Zach has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Urban & Regional Planning from Michigan State University.