TRAVERSE CITY—Nationally renowned visioning expert Robert Grow visited this northern Michigan town two days ago to help launch a two-year, wide-open, citizen-based planning project that could direct the region’s growth for decades to come.

Given his track record, Mr. Grow’s quiet confidence seemed both real and appropriate. He met with the official and citizen groups that hired him, and then appeared at a public meeting to explain how the process he will help lead actually works. He talks about how visioning, scenario planning, and community values surveys help citizens design growth plans that local officials actually respond to and enact.

Mr. Grow told the Great Lakes Bulletin News Service a little more about why what he works so well.

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For more about the Grand Traverse Area Land Use and Transportation Study, the project’s tentative timeline, and information about becoming involved as a "stakeholder," click here.

Jim Dulzo is the Michigan Land Use Institute’s managing editor. Reach him at jimdulzo@mlui.org