2022 Graham Woodhouse Award

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) presented the 2022 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award at its Board meeting held on December 20, 2022, to the Imagine Cass-Embrace the Vision, Cassopolis Transformation Project. The award is presented annually for projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities. It was established to recognize and reward the partners who execute complex, regional problem solving that optimizes the use of limited resources. The partners involved were deemed deserving for their resourcefulness, dedication, and persistence. The 2022 Graham Woodhouse award was given to project partners that included the Village of Cassopolis, Michigan State University Extension, Cassopolis Main Street, Midwest Energy & Communications, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, Cass County, and Cass County Economic Development Corporation.
“The Imagine Cass Project sought to transform our entire community, stop the perpetual decline and unite, for the first time in decades, under the core principles of community vision, collaboration, citizen-led change and the premise that if you invest in yourself, others will invest in you. It has been our goal of the project to create a community that our residents can be proud of,” stated Emily LaGrow from the Village of Cassopolis.
Major collaborative projects in small communities are challenging as public officials and resources are often stretched thin. In Cassopolis, community-wide collaboration between any two of the organizations involved in this project was challenging enough, let alone an ambitious partnership involving multiple organizations. In addition, as a small community it was historically difficult for the Village to have the required match funds needed to seek grant dollars. All these characteristics make the accomplishments of this project particularly noteworthy. With the strong partnerships and collaboration created, the Village was able to successfully navigate through massive change spurring significant outside economic development.

The Imagine Cass-Embrace the Vision, Cassopolis Transformation Project, is the quintessential multi-sectoral engagement of 21 identified partners and 25 separate funders that include public, corporate, non-profit, and private sectors. This project included the elimination of five blighted municipal buildings, the addition of murals throughout the community, 20,000 ft. of new roads that include water mains and sewer mains. It also included the MI Advanced Research & Technology Park (SMART). In addition, it included new playground areas designed by elementary school students, a new skate park, bike pump track, community events, and numerous other improvements.

2021 Graham Woodhouse Award

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) presented the 2021 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award at its Board Commission meeting held on December 20, 2021 to the Dowagiac River Restoration/Water Trail Project.  The award is presented annually for projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities.  It was established to recognize and reward the partners who execute complex, regional problem solving that optimizes the use of limited resources.  This kind of problem solving is often much more difficult than traditional methods but the rewards tend to be greater and more far-reaching.  The partners involved were deemed deserving for their resourcefulness, dedication, and persistence. The 2021 Graham Woodhouse award was given to project partners, City of Niles, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Cass County Parks Department, Cass and Berrien County Drain Commissioners, Pokagon Township, Wightman, Inter-Fluve, Milbocker & Sons, Partnership for MEANDRS, Trans Canada Energy.

As part of the Dowagiac River Restoration/Water Trail project, the Pucker Street Dam removal, river restoration and pathway clearing was a critical part of a larger restoration effort for the Dowagiac River and the improvement of a recreational gem in southwest Michigan.  The City of Niles and partners have restored the lower Dowagiac River and created the Dowagiac River Water Trail, allowing for more recreation opportunities. The Dowagiac River is the largest cold-water trout stream in southern lower Michigan making it a spectacular salmon and trout fishery, visited by anglers from all over the Midwest.  The Pucker Street Dam used to provide electricity for Niles City. In 2013, the City started working with partners to remove the dam and restore up to two miles of high gradient river upstream.  The dam (38 feet high) and its powerhouse were extremely large structures containing hazardous materials.  The dam also blocked fish passage to over 159 miles of river upstream.  The dam removal planning and permitting took seven years, with construction starting in August of 2019 and ending at the end of 2021.

With the removal of the dam, the 19-mile Dowagiac River Water Trail became possible, stretching from M-51 north of Dowagiac to where the Dowagiac meets the St. Joseph River in Niles.  This allowed for more recreation development. Cass County built a new kayak launch at Dodd Park, MDNR and the Pokagon Band collaborated to create a new river access site at Peavine Street, and the City of Niles has reopened a park at the dam location for kayakers and anglers.  In 2021, partners worked to obtain funding from the Michigan Gateway Foundation to hire a contractor to cut a paddling pathway through major logjams on a long neglected section of river. Partnership for MEANDRS volunteers also cut a pathway through fallen trees on the upper Dowagiac and continue to do much needed maintenance.

The partners worked together throughout the 9-year process and many have developed a better understanding and appreciation for the Dowagiac River.  For the last four years, there have been bi-weekly meetings to ensure coordination and to navigate through the many obstacles encountered.  This project needed these diverse partners for their technical expertise, assistance, grant funding and in the end, camaraderie.

2020 Graham Woodhouse Award

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) presented the 2020 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award at its Board Commission meeting via a remote meeting held on December 15, 2020.  The Award is presented annually for projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities.  It was established to recognize and reward the partners who execute complex, regional problem solving that optimizes the use of limited resources.  This kind of problem solving is often much more difficult than traditional methods but the rewards tend to be greater and more far-reaching.  The partners involved were deemed deserving for their resourcefulness, dedication, and persistence.  The award was presented to the Paw Paw River Water Trail (PPRWT) Project.

The PPRWT project involves the establishment and maintenance of a water trail for paddlers along the Paw Paw River.  Unlike other water trails on larger rivers, the Paw Paw River flows unobstructed through an extensive floodplain forest corridor for 68 miles from Maple Lake Dam in Paw Paw to its confluence with the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, thereby providing a unique nature and wildlife viewing opportunity to paddlers.

The primary object of the project was the creation of a regional recreational feature to benefit both local residents and visitors that would be funded, maintained and promoted by a consortium of governmental and non-governmental entities through annual voluntary contributions.

The project brought together 14 units of government from both rural and urban areas.  Their collaboration was essential to the project’s success.  Recreational paddling is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities and the PPRWT provides over 20 different segments ranging from Beginner to Intermediate to Advanced level of paddling skill.  Usage surveys suggest that thousands of paddlers are using this water trail, predominantly from local communities but some from other areas of Michigan and out-of-state.  The water trail benefits the local communities and their businesses.  The water trail is a significant recreational amenity making these communities more attractive places to live and visit.

The 2020 Graham Woodhouse award was given to the project partners: Village of Paw Paw, Paw Paw Township, Waverly Township, Lawrence Township,  Village of Lawrence, Hartford Township, City of Hartford, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Watervliet Township, City of Watervliet, Coloma Township, City of Coloma, Hagar Township, Benton Township, Cornerstone Alliance, Two Rivers Coalition, Van Buren Road Commission, Berrien County Road Department, and Sarett Nature Center.

2019 Graham Woodhouse Award

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) presented the 2019 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award at its Commission meeting held on December 17, 2019.  The Award is presented annually for projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities.  It was established to recognize and reward the partners who execute complex, regional problem solving that optimizes the use of limited resources.  This kind of problem solving is often much more difficult than traditional methods but the rewards tend to be greater and more far-reaching.  The partners involved were deemed deserving for their resourcefulness, dedication, and persistence.  The award was presented to the Sink Road Bridge Replacement Project in Pokagon Township, Cass County, MI.

The project featured the design and installation of a new structure that replaced an existing, structurally deficient bridge over the Dowagiac River.  The bridge has an 80-foot span and total road project length of 583 feet.  It was adjacent to a wetland, federal trust land, existing utilities, and thus required extensive design considerations.  Because of a necessary road realignment, an existing MDNR canoe ramp had to be relocated.  Other components included safety improvements, a ten-vehicle parking lot, restroom facilities, and a path to the new launch ramp that eliminated the need for users to cross the busy two-lane roadway.  The relocation of the canoe launch was a collective effort between the MDNR and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.  A diverse partnership made the entire vision a reality.  Leadership across federal, state, and local government coupled with the non-profit and private sector talent and resources made it possible for the project to be a success.

The 2019 Graham Woodhouse award was given to: Pokagon Township, Cass County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, US Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Wightman.  

2018 Graham Woodhouse Recipient: Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail in partnership with; National Park Service-Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Indiana Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michiana Area Council of Governments; City of Niles, City of South Bend, Niles Charter Township, Town of Roseland, Berrien County Road Department, St. Joseph Parks, Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, American Electric Power, Abonmarche, Wightman & Associates, Inc., Berrien County Foundation, Lakeland Foundation/Lakeland Health, Huizenga Family Foundation, Bike Michigan Coalition, and Be Healthy Berrien.

Berrien Springs-Oronoko Charter Township M-139 Corridor Improvement Plan and the M-139 Water and Sewer Project ~ 2016

On April 18th the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) awarded the 2016 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award for the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Charter Township M-139 Corridor Improvement Plan and the M-139 Water and Sewer Project. The Award is presented annually for projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities. It was established to recognize and reward the partners who execute complex, regional problem solving that breeds the efficient use of limited resources. This kind of problem-solving is often much more difficult than traditional methods but the rewards tend to be greater and more far-reaching. The partners involved were deemed deserving for their resourcefulness, dedication, and diligence.

The M-139 projects were executed for purposes that complement one another. The Corridor Improvement Plan is a single vision for growth along a corridor that crosses through two jurisdictions, the Village of Berrien Springs and Oronoko Charter Township. The plan also includes a joint zoning overlay district with rules that apply uniformly. It will be administered by a new joint planning commission and joint zoning board of appeals. The Plan was timed so that it would be in place prior to the completion of the new water and sewer upgrades. The M-139 water and sewer project extended infrastructure after a contentious history of attempts. The new project was based on three fundamental principles: only those who want the utilities should contribute; taxes would not be raised; and property owners would not be forced to connect. The new infrastructure will promote better health and well-being for residents, commercial growth, and improved environmental conditions. The funding composition was an innovative mix of public and private entities.

A diverse partnership made the entire vision a reality. Leadership across federal, state, and local government coupled with the non-profit and private sector talent and resources made it possible for the projects to be a success.

Cass County Michigan Master Plan Collaboration Honored for Cooperative Efforts in 2015

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) announces the selection of the Cass County Michigan Master Plan Collaboration for the 2015 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Cooperation Award.

During the SWMPC April 21, 2015 Board meeting at the Lake Charter Township Hall, John Egelhaaf, SWMPC Executive Director, explained that "The Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort Award recognizes the value of cross-jurisdictional, regional cooperation.  These projects utilize limited resources efficiently, combine goal-setting, and visualize the world as nodes of regional resources.  The players in this process are frequently not recognized so to those who search for collaborative change, SWMPC appreciates your work!"

The nomination was submitted by Barbara Wood Cook, Chair, Cass County Planning Commission and Roseann Marchetti, Member of the Cass County Planning Commission and Cass County Board of Commissioners.  The Cass County Master Plan Project had several different components:  Review, Update and Adopt a Cass County Master Plan and future land maps after the census of 2010.  Assist any municipality within the county to review, updated and adopt a master plan after the census of 2010 for a fraction of the cost of doing it independently.  This master plan adopted by the municipalities would serve as their master plan and the basis for adopting or updating their zoning ordinances.  Six of the 21 municipalities in Cass County participated in the project.

SWMPC Board Chair, Gloria Payne presented award plaques to representatives from 6 of the 8 agencies involved.

Mark Eidelson, AICP of LANDPLAN, Inc. accepted the award for serving as the consultant for the project.

The Cass County’s plaques were accepted by Barbara Wood Cook, Debra Troche, Roseann Marchetti and Robert Ziliak.

James Robinson, accepted for the Village of Edwardsburg.

Pokagon Township was represented by Linda Preston, Supervisor.

Gwenn Johnson, Supervisor, represented Volinia Township.

Accepting the award for the Wayne Township was Dr. Frank Butts, Supervisor and Judy Fusko, Treasurer.

The Silver Creek Township and the Village of Vandalia were included in the award, but representatives were unable to attend

This award was established in 1987 to honor former Dowagiac Mayor, Graham Woodhouse and is presented annually by SWMPC for projects that exemplify cooperation by local units of government.  Recipients receive the Award in recognition of outstanding cooperative effort in problem solving.  The criteria used in evaluating project nominations include relative degree of effort by local units, methodology, scope, and project dimension.