Staff Responsiblities
The Ottawa County Planning Department consistently develops and implements programs and projects designed to manage and plan for growth, as well as developing evaluation criteria to evaluate programs that positively impact the quality-of-life for Ottawa County citizens. As evidenced by completed and in-process projects, the Planning Department has also made a concerted effort to develop collaborative partnerships with local units of government, planning organizations, and other public and private entities to enhance its planning endeavors.
The ability to enhance quality-of-life and to implement collaborative projects and programs in Ottawa County is a direct result of the dedication and commitment from Department Staff. Under the direction of the Planning Director, and through departmental administrative support, the Planning Department has gained a reputation for being proactive, innovative, and results oriented.
The planning function of the Department is categorized into three planning fields: Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, and Rural Planning. The 3 staff planners are responsible for initiating and implementing projects, plans, and studies in their respective planning field. Additionally, staff planners serve as single points-of-contact for local units of government in Ottawa County. Staff planners may provide assistance in answering planning questions and/or providing research assistance regarding planning related activities for local communities.
The Strategic Planning and Statistical Support Staff have developed statistical evaluation processes to quantify the outcomes and results of County programs. Each program will be evaluated, at a minimum, every five-years on a rotating schedule. Further, these staff are preparing one of the most comprehensive data books every compiled by a county government. The first section to be completed is the Demographics Section. Additional sections of the Data and Statistics Book will include Environment, Infrastructure, Economics, Health, Public Safety, and others. Strategic Planning and Statistical Support staff also analyze Federal, State, and local policies and legislation.
