The MACC is an organization of 2 cities and 7 townships that collectively have a population of 130,000 people. Since 1990 the area has had a 50% increase in population. The governing board has a representative from each government entity, one from the County Board of Commissioners, and one from the road commission. The vision of a group is to be a catalyst for planned growth and sustaining a place for everyone.

 

The three main areas in which the MACC works are government collaboration, transportation planning, and environmental stability. Because of their work planning and overseeing transportation they administer all of the transportation funding for the area. About 90% of the work involves transportation. There are $74.9 million in projects for transportation from now until FY2026. The MACC is working with MAX transportation in a route study with the intention of increasing the frequency of buses.

 

Another transportation emphasis is on non-motorized transportation. A particular project is to look at crossings of business loops. The Michigan Department of Transportation is allowing the MACC to use their right of way to build a non-motorized bypass between 88th and 92nd streets. The MACC is working to map all non-motorized paths and rate their condition. They have received a Safe Streets for All grant for $300,000 that is helping to create a safety action plan. This plan will probably end up generating 50-100 individual projects to increase safety.

 

For environmental work, the MACC collaborates with the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) to reduce sediment, treat runoff, and clean up trash in waterways.