ANALYSIS OF SELECTED INSTITUTIONAL FEATURES OF REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Individuals and groups have different preferences for the types of planning and development efforts that are undertaken by governmental agencies. Some people prefer programs aimed at alleviating unemployment situations. Others prefer programs designed to improve the natural environment, or to provide better recreation facilities, or to supply needed human resource services. The question is how are these tastes and preferences expressed to the relevant institutions of society responsible for planning and development activity? In Michigan, one of the more recent developments has been the authorization of regional planning and development organizations to prepare plans, conduct studies, and advise county and local units of government on a comprehensive range of development issues. These regional commissions have been organized under a variety of rules and procedures in compliance with both Federal and state legislation and guidelines. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the impact of selected structure and conduct rules on the expression of tastes and preferences for employment impact programs.