About Us

Cities, townships and counties in rural areas often cannot afford the staff to do grant writing, comprehensive land use, zoning, transportation planning, digital mapping, economic & community development, integrated environmental planning, & the coordination of other services. The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) was established in 1968 as a multi-county organization to pool resources for the assistance of local governments in the region. NEMCOG is governed by a policy board that includes elected officials, business leaders and citizens representatives from throughout the eight-county region.  Services are supported by local government appropriations, special services contracts and state and federal grants.  

NEMCOG is a catalyst for strategic planning, and in this role has assisted local governments obtain millions of dollars in federal and state grants for vital local projects and services. In addition to planning, NEMCOG also sponsors many other programs, including Community Correction and Watershed Projects.

Grant Writing & Data Services

The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments staff possess expertise in many areas, This expertise is used in assisting local governments prepare and write grant applications to receive state and federal funding for important local projects and services.  Data Services, including research & analysis of census & other data, are offered on a wide range of topics:  population, income, economic indicators, education, tourism, housing among others. 

Digital Mapping & Computer Services

NEMCOG has been a leader in utilizing digital technology for the creation of  accurate maps for counties, cities and townships for purposes of landuse information, parcel ownership identification, equalization, assessments, tax parcel identification and oil/gas pipeline location. The NEMCOG Geographic information Systems department provides direct mapping services in each of these areas. Computer services, including technical assistance for local governments to establish their own computer mapping systems are also offered. 

Land Use & Transportation Planning

The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments staff assists counties and local governments in the region develop comprehensive land use, zoning and transportation plans. 

Economic & Community Development

Economic & Community Development are vitally important for the region’s economic well being.  The NEMCOG staff provides technical assistance and planning expertise to promote economic & community development in the region.   

Integrated Environmental Planning

NEMCOG has built strong relationships with environmentally concerned organizations in the region working with the public and local officials to improve public policy on such issues as water quality protection, soil erosion and recycling.

 Community Corrections

NEMCOG staff provides and coordinates Community Corrections Services for the Northern Michigan Community Corrections Advisory Board.  The Community Corrections program currently serves three counties, Cheboygan, Crawford and Otsego.