Mount Clemens commission adopts SEMCOG-facilitated strategic plan to guide next 2–5 years

The Mount Clemens City Commission on July 6 adopted a SEMCOG-facilitated strategic plan that lays out five priority goals for the next two to five years and names commissioners to lead each initiative.

SEMCOG facilitators Naheed Haq (speaker 10) and Trevor Layton (speaker 12) presented the plan, which they said was developed through workshops with the commission and city staff and draws on regional data. Layton noted regional population trends and economic shifts: "In the last 3 years, there has been an increase of 35,000" people in Southeast Michigan, and the plan aims to use Mount Clemens' assets — the riverfront, historic buildings and downtown location as the county seat — to attract residents and businesses.

The plan identifies five priority goals: marketing community assets to attract residents and businesses; redeveloping the riverfront property; evaluating a potential revival of the historic mineral baths industry; revitalizing the historic downtown; and stabilizing and enhancing neighborhoods. Commissioners were assigned as 'champions' for each goal; for example, Commissioner Roger Bunton was named as lead for the marketing initiative, Denise Menster for riverfront redevelopment and Mayor Bob Dempsey for downtown revitalization.

Presenters described implementation elements including action steps, performance measures, time frames and suggested partner organizations such as the county, the downtown development authority (DDA) and regional agencies. They recommended periodic reporting and offered to return in 12 months to review progress.

Commissioners praised the work and emphasized that implementation will require sustained attention. "We don't see eye to eye on everything, but I think we came up with 5 priorities that are actionable over the next year," one commissioner (speaker 8) said. Another commissioner asked staff to ensure follow-up and to coordinate with department heads and external partners.

The commission moved to adopt the plan and approved it by roll call vote.

What happens next: Commissioners will act as champions to lead early implementation steps, staff will develop performance measures and timelines, and SEMCOG offered to provide follow-up support and data as needed.