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Master Plan Project

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Welcome

Almena Township is beginning the process of updating its Master Plan, which is a long-term guide for growth, preservation, and community investment. Over the next several months, the Almena Township Planning Commission will lead the process of updating the Township’s Master Plan. This effort will include multiple opportunities for public input as the Planning Commission discusses key topic areas and community priorities.

This page will provide information, updates, and opportunities for public input throughout the planning process. Stay tuned for surveys, meeting announcements, and draft materials. For more information, please contact the Almena Township offices at (269) 668-6910 or email the Township Planner at david@horizon-planning.com.

Upcoming Community Meeting

A community meeting will be held in June to introduce the planning process. The event will feature maps, exhibits, and opportunities to provide feedback on issues that matter most to you. This open house is an important step in shaping the future of the Township. All residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate.

  • Location: Almena Township Hall- 27625 County Road 375, Paw Paw, MI 49079
  • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Date: June 4, 2025

Community Survey - Share Your Voice

A Community Survey has been developed to gather input on the Township's priorities. Your participation is essential in helping shape the future of Almena Township.

Additional Opportunities

Are you interested in a one-on-one conversation on Township issues? Or would you be willing to participate in a small group discussion on a special topic, such as housing, environmental issues, farmland preservation, or economic development? If so, please email the Township Planner at david@horizon-planning.com.

What is a Master Plan?

A Master Plan is a long-term vision that guides how a community should grow, develop, and invest over the next 20 to 30 years. It reflects the perspectives and priorities of the people who live and work in the community, shaped through public input such as surveys and open house meetings.

In Michigan, the Planning Enabling Act requires every municipality to prepare a Master Plan and review it at least once every five years. A plan should be updated when it no longer represents the community's current values, needs, and goals, or if conditions in the community are changing.

The Master Plan covers a range of important topics, including:

  • Housing and neighborhoods
  • Natural resource protection
  • Community infrastructure and utilities
  • Transportation and mobility
  • Farmland preservation
  • Redevelopment opportunities
  • Other locally important issues

The plan identifies areas for growth, preservation, and redevelopment. It serves as a foundation for zoning, development review, and the strategic use of public funds for infrastructure and community services.

The Planning Process

The Almena Township Master Plan update will follow a structured, three-phase planning process designed to ensure meaningful public input, thorough analysis, and a well-informed final plan.

Phase 1: Community Input and Background Assessment

The first phase focuses on gathering input from the community and conducting a comprehensive assessment of current conditions in the Township. This includes data collection and analysis related to demographics, existing land use, environmental features, housing, and community facilities. A general needs analysis will be prepared to help identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Public input gathered through surveys and meetings will be summarized and organized into key findings that will shape the direction of the plan.

Phase 2: Plan Development and Future Land Use

In the second phase, the Planning Commission will host a series of meetings to address the major topic areas of the plan and to develop the vision, goals, and objectives that will guide Almena Township's future. A central element of this phase will be the development of a Future Land Use Map, which will categorize all areas of the Township by their intended future use, including housing types, densities, and appropriate locations for commercial or industrial development. This map will help shape decisions about where and how the Township should grow and preserve land. Action steps and policy recommendations will also be identified to support plan implementation, such as:

  • Amendments to zoning regulations or other Township ordinances
  • Recommendations for future studies
  • Investment in public parks, infrastructure, or community facilities

Lastly, a draft version of the Master Plan will be prepared to conclude the phase.

Phase 3: Review and Adoption

The final phase will involve formal public review of the draft plan and review by outside agencies and neighboring communities. After an official public hearing, the Planning Commission will consider any final revisions and formally recommend the plan. The updated Master Plan will then be submitted to the Township Board for final approval and adoption.

Funding

This project is fully funded by a grant from Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Housing Readiness Incentive Grant Program.