An Assessment of Policy Governance and Regional Planning Commissions in Michigan

Dave Bee

  Michigan’s 14 Regional Planning Commissions all have many similarities related to their overall missions and how they function. Each region is governed by a board and the day-to-day operations of each regional organization are overseen by an executive director. Also key to the relationship is that all of the organizations’ directors influence the long-term goals of the commission due to their vision and knowledge of programs that serve each region and their member communities. A clear relationship between the board and the executive director is essential for the success of each regional body. This paper presents policy governance as a feasible form of management for Michigan’s regional planning commissions.