WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TRI-COUNTY?
Now Available: Tri-County's 2020 Annual Report!
2020 was undoubtedly a year unlike any other. Despite the unexpected challenges, our agency was able to make significant progress in planning for the future of our region. We invite you to check out the 2020 Annual Report for a snapshot of our work and accomplishments over the past year!
Economic Impact Analysis Underway
We're currently conducting an in-depth analysis of economic data in the tri-county region aimed at identifying major impacts of COVID-19. Our team is working to evaluate and model potential outcomes based on economic, social, and interrelated data trends prior to and as a result of the pandemic. Stay tuned for updates as the project nears completion!
Request for Proposals Issued to Create a Regional Economic Resiliency Strategy
Tri-County is seeking to contract with a firm to support development of a comprehensive economic resiliency strategy for the region. From the impacts of COVID-19 on our workforce to long-term economic prosperity, this strategy will guide key actions we can take to both recover from the pandemic and mitigate impacts of future economic disruptions.
Regional Transportation Plan Prioritizes Investment Over the Next 25 Years
The 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Moving Mid-Michigan, was adopted by our Board at their meeting on December 17th, 2020. Read our press release to learn more about the plan's role in guiding our region's transportation priorities, or visit movingmidmichigan.org to view the completed plan!
Rolling Out the Road Salt: Protecting Our Safety & Environment
We know road salt plays a crucial role in keeping us safe on the roads during the winter, but it’s not always a perfect solution for our natural environment. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about why we use road salt and how you can do your part to responsibly spread it next season!
Stormwater Status Update: The GLRC Publishes 2020 Annual Report
The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) recently published their Annual Report, looking back on everything from assisting member communities with MS4 Audits to the development of a new Quality Assurance Project Plan.
COVID-19 Recovery Funding

Many organizations are still in need of economic relief as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our day-to-day lives. Thankfully, there are still grants, loans, or extensions of previously available funding and loan forgiveness opportunities available to address the continued need for COVID recovery funds.

Below is a list of various funding resources available to small to mid-size businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in need:



  • Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants: to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.
  • Broadband Infrastructure Program Grants: directed to partnerships between a state, or political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.
  • Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program: directed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions for the purchase of broadband internet access service and equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.
Tri-County works with local communities and the state to plan and implement transportation projects throughout the region. Visit our website to learn more about improvements planned for the Greater Lansing area.
As the construction season ramps up again in Michigan, several projects are kicking off or are already underway! Here are some of the latest updates on major projects for the area:
Work on I-69 in Calhoun and Eaton counties began on March 1st, with reconstruction underway on northbound and southbound lanes from Ainger Road to Island Highway in Olivet. This project is part of Governor Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program and marks an investment of $210 million into our state's transportation infrastructure.

Keep up to date with the latest project updates here.
Repaving Collins Road, a new roundabout at the intersection of Forest Road, and the extension of existing walking paths are planned for construction near the new McLaren Greater Lansing hospital complex. The pathway will ultimately close gaps in pedestrian and nonmotorized access between the hospital and the river trail.

Work is set to begin as early as April and is anticipated for completion this fall.
Safety improvements along U.S. 127 near St. Johns in Clinton County began on March 15th!

MDOT is investing approximately $2 million to improve access at French Road, Mead Road, Marshal Road, Hyde Road, and Maple Rapids Road intersections.

Lane and shoulder closures are expected to continue through mid-July. Check out the project map to stay up to date.
Two well-loved trails in our region are on their way to receiving notable upgrades!
Work has already begun on the Central Meridian Regional Trail Connector. This half-mile long accessible trail will include a fishing platform and will eventually connect to the future MSU to Lake Lansing pathway.
The East Lansing portion of the Lansing River Trail will also see improvements this coming summer, with bridge repairs and asphalt repaving planned for most of the area from Kalamazoo Street to Potter Park.
Construction of the new Bear Lake paved pathway from Cavanaugh to Forest Road is also set to move ahead this summer!

This project will eventually connect to the pathway extensions planned along Collins Road. Stay tuned for more updates to come.
In other transportation news:

  • MDOT is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 31st to discuss the I-496 project in Lansing that will include the rebuilding of I-496 from Lansing Road to the Grand River. Work is scheduled to begin in 2022. 

  • The Michigan Infrastructure Council debuted their "Dig Once" online coordination tool. This will allow public and private infrastructure owners across water, transportation, utilities and communications to document future construction plans and coordinate on overlapping projects to help save on construction costs, encourage the efficient use of resources, and reduce the burden on residents near a work site!
Follow us on social media for updates on upcoming transportation projects, meetings, and public comment opportunities!
Lansing 5:01 has announced their new "Resume Pack" initiative to connect talented candidates with the region's top employers. Interested professionals can submit their resume to 5:01 online, where it will then be circulated biweekly amongst the region's major companies. Learn more at lansing501.com and share your resume today!
Several exciting new developments are in the works in East Lansing. From the successful kickoff of the new Underground Market to the request for proposals to create an art mural celebrating diversity downtown, it's heartening to see our cities begin to reawaken after a season of isolation. Keep up to date with all the latest goings-on here.
The City Council of Grand Ledge recently initiated Grand Ledge United: a community-led effort focused on inspiring actionable change and providing educational resources and a space for discussing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Visit their Facebook page to get involved, or read more in the latest edition of FOCUS.
Lansing Built to Last is bringing a new startup initiative to the downtown area. Entrepreneurs and idea-makers were invited to submit their emergency-resistant business proposals for the opportunity to win a year's worth of services to help launch their business. Though the application window has closed, stay tuned for the results in late April!
Due to the coronavirus, there have been many cancellations and changes to events everywhere. Tri-County has mitigation measures in place, including the suspension of face-to-face nonesssential meetings. Check our calendar for the most up-to-date status of meetings at mitcrpc.org/meetings.
  • March 25: Smart Growth America's Dangerous by Design 2021 | Learn More
  • March 30: NGWA's Hydrogeology of States Webinar Series: Michigan | Learn More
  • March 31: MDOT Virtual Public Meeting on I-496 Project | Learn More
  • April 6: National Institute for Transportation & Communities' Rethinking Streets During COVID | Learn More
  • April 8: Safe Routes to School Basic Training Webinar | Learn More
  • April 20, 22, 27, 29: MWEA 2021 Virtual Watershed Webinar Series | Learn More
  • May 5-7: American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference | Learn More
  • May 18-20: Michigan Environmental Justice Conference | Learn More
  • May 26: NGWA Virtual Forum: Problematic Groundwater Contaminants | Learn More
  • May 26: Tri-County Board of Commissioners Meeting | Learn More
Don't Miss Out on Virtual Events!
Many webinars and conference presentations have been made available as virtual recordings in light of the pandemic. Check out past events below and contact our staff if you need assistance accessing a particular session.

Check Out Our Careers Page!
We are seeking dynamic, innovative, and driven individuals who are interested in building their career in public planning! Visit our website for more information about our internship program - now considering applicants for summer and beyond.

Introducing Our Newest Team Member:

Jim Koenig joined us in February as our new Senior Transportation Planning Manager! He will be responsible for the agency’s transportation management systems related to pavement condition, safety, and traffic congestion.
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Our staff continues to work remotely during this time. Should you have any questions or need to get in touch, please email us at [email protected], or contact the appropriate staff member.
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