The Planning Commission has kicked off an 18‑month comprehensive Master Plan rewrite, led by planning consultant Tanya DeOliveira of Williams & Works, who will serve as lead consultant and primary contact. The process will include monthly chapter reviews, fall 2026 community engagement with online surveys and two visioning workshops, and a formal 63‑day public review period before final adoption by City Council. Topics flagged by Commissioners include land use transitions, housing needs, potential collaboration with Zeeland Township and neighboring municipalities, and long‑term ideas like a pedestrian bridge over the I‑196 Business Loop. Although the primary planning consultant is already selected, the Master Plan process will generate an implementation chapter listing specific projects and policy changes that often lead to follow‑on work such as corridor studies, zoning updates, infrastructure plans, and targeted transportation or parks projects. Vendors in specialized planning, transportation engineering, housing strategy, and public engagement can position themselves now to support those implementation tasks once the plan is adopted.

Commission is considering collaboration with Zeeland Township and school districts; staff want a cle...