Project Description

Started in December 2007 and completed in July 2008, the Charter Township of Filer created its first Strategic Plan through a cooperative effort of its Planning Commission and Township Board of Trustees.  The final Strategic Plan document can be seen here: Final_Strategic_Plan.pdf

The project was described initially through this language:  The Charter Township of Filer enjoys many advantages due to its location and wealth of natural resources.  Attractive to recreation, industry, commerce, residential, and recreational uses, the Charter Township of Filer has experienced rapid growth since the Master Plan was adopted in 2004.  Located on the south side of the City of Manistee, the Charter Township of Filer is fortunate to have abundant water resources to support commerce and recreation including four miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and two miles of Manistee Lake shoreline.  Historic lumbering activity has transformed over time into a solid industrial base in the area of Filer City.  The US-31 corridor offers a solid transportation connection to the adjacent City of Manistee and to destinations north and south.  The US-31 corridor has also grown as a commercial corridor.  The Charter Township of Filer is a popular residential location because of the rural environment close to urban services and a choice of housing options.  With growth opportunities in abundance, the Charter Township of Filer recognizes the opportunity to be pro-active and make thoughtful, informed decisions to guide the future direction of the community.

Through this process, the Charter Township of Filer seeks to create a strategic plan that will represent both a common vision and an action plan.  The strategic plan will be developed by a neutral, professional consultant and used by public officials to make informed decisions and create a well planned and supported future for the township. 

The Planning Commission will serve as the steering committee for the project.  The focus will be township-wide and inclusive of all interests (residential, industrial, commercial, recreational, US-31 corridor, Manistee Lake).  The strategic plan will identify opportunities and challenges for land use; build unity by developing big-picture, long-term visions, goals and objectives; identify additional human, technical and financial resources needed to implement the plan; identify priority action items; and leverage other planning efforts already completed, underway and/or planned (Envision, STDI, STDI Manistee Lake).

In addition, the current Master Plan (2004) will be revised to reflect visions and goals that are identified through the strategic planning process. 
As part of the strategic plan, recommendations will be made regarding revisions to existing ordinances that could be made to support the updated Master Plan.

The project will be completed by June 30, 2008.