Introducing the Department
of Strategic Impact
New name better encompasses scope of former
Planning & Performance Improvement Department
WEST OLIVE - As the needs of our citizens evolve, so too must Ottawa County government. Since the Planning & Performance Improvement Department began life as the Planning & Grants Department, it has expanded its scope to include a host of long-term strategies that reach far beyond what its name implies. With a growing array of interconnected services and strategies being spearheaded, implemented, and managed within this department, it has become clear it was time for a new name: The Department of Strategic Impact.
"Over the last several years, we've greatly expanded the scope of this department. With a host of economic development, evaluation, farmland preservation, water resource management, research, data analysis, and other initiatives and programs coming from behind these doors, we simply outgrew the name Planning & Performance Improvement Department."
Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs
On any given day, Department of Strategic Impact (DSI) staff work on a multitude of initiatives that impact the lives of the citizens they serve both today and tomorrow.
"In a way, the Department of Strategic Impact's body of work represents a sort of 'guiding framework' for major initiatives in the County," said County Administrator Al Vanderberg. "Whether it's the Groundwater Sustainability Initiative, broadband, inter-governmental and nonprofit assessments and evaluations, brownfield initiatives, model ordinance writing, survey design, or facilitating bike route expansion, DSI is striving to improve Ottawa County. The new name reflects this mission."
Along with the renaming comes an evolution of the traditional department 'division' structure into focus areas. Department projects typically had been sorted into more rigid divisions, including Performance Improvement, Land Use, and Economic Development. But the scope of many projects has grown wider and multi-faceted, bringing much more inter-divisional and even inter-departmental collaboration.
"'Focus Areas' better represents how this department's staff increasingly operates: with a spirit of collaboration and cooperation," said Senior Secretary and office administrator Pam VandenHeuvel.
A look at Department of Strategic Impact Focus Areas
Ensuring permanent and sustainable access to groundwater: Through educational outreach, policy changes, creation of a countywide well monitoring network, programs that offer tips and promote changes in water use habits, and inter-departmental coordination within the County, DSI is making water conservation a priority.
Encouraging affordable housing: In response to continued regional housing challenges, the County Board reinstated the Ottawa County Housing Commission (OCHC). Administered and guided by the DSI, the OCHC is charged with working cooperatively with federal, state, and local governments to address the housing needs of the citizens of Ottawa County.
Expanding affordable and reliable high-speed internet access: DSI has been heavily involved in improving service, increasing access, and building infrastructure since the dawn of high-speed internet. Currently, the Department is conducting an extensive survey of Ottawa County's broadband landscape. This data collection is the first step of a larger, four-phase Comprehensive Digital Inclusion Strategy.
Helping local governments improve services through evaluation: DSI worked closely with the City of Holland to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement among its 23 different boards, commissions, and committees (BCCs) by developing an evaluation tool, and creating a separate report for each BCC reviewed. DSI staff also partnered with the City of Zeeland to conduct an evaluation of staffing levels within the City Services and Infrastructure departments, which are responsible for many custodial and maintenance-related tasks.
Identifying and improving transportation opportunities: Non-motorized trail expansion and improved transit access is a priority for DSI staff. Recognizing that regions with numerous transportation options have healthier residents and stronger economies, the department has been crucial in furthering pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across the county. Read more about these efforts here.
Improving food insecurity and health outcomes: For years DSI staff have worked closely with Ottawa Food - a collaborative of over 45 agencies and individuals working to ensure food security - by evaluating two of its programs. These include "Meet Up and Eat Up" and "Senior Project Fresh". These programs tackle Ottawa Food's three priority areas: eliminating hunger; increasing healthy eating habits; and increasing the sourcing of local food. Currently staff are working directly with Community Action House (CAH), a nonprofit that assists families in need, as they plan for and prepare to open and operate their new Food Club & Opportunity Hub in Holland.
Protecting local agriculture: This area's farming industry faces unique challenges, including farmland loss and a lack of new farmers entering the industry. To tackle these issues, DSI manages and implements several initiatives through its Farmland Preservation Program. DSI staff also are addressing beginner farmer needs and encouraging succession planning with the creation of MiFarmLink Project, a new public-private agriculture initiative.
"In a way, the Department of Strategic Impact's body of work represents a sort of 'guiding framework' for major initiatives in the County."
County Administrator Al Vanderberg
Responding to the COVID 19 pandemic: During the initial outbreak of COVID-19, DSI assisted the Ottawa County Department of Public Health with survey creation, data analysis, and the creation of a vaccination strategy to ensure the public was protected. Staff also assisted with coordinating efforts to secure additional federal Economic Development Administration funding authorized under the CARES Act, and with other food and ag stakeholders to leverage USDA Coronavirus Farmers to Families funding into West Michigan; and worked with Michigan State University Extension and others to make sure farms and agribusiness could secure the required personal protective equipment for employees.
Revitalizing and restoring brownfield sites: Ottawa County has a strong industrial history which helped it become the economic powerhouse it is today. But that same history left behind contaminated or underutilized properties in need of revitalization. These properties are known as "brownfields." Through the Brownfield Incentive Program (BIP), staff have supported four redevelopment projects on brownfield property with an estimated capital investment of nearly $6.75 million and is in the process of assisting two additional sites.
The renaming of the Department also coincides with an expansion of personnel. The County Board of Commissioners recently approved a request for an additional land use coordinator position; a permanent intern position; and expanding the communications specialist position from part-time to full-time.
"With DSI projects and collaboratives continuing to grow, it was time to add manpower," said outgoing County Administrator Al Vanderberg. "DSI does what is necessary to create positive change. Strengthening this department can only move us as a county forward."
Soon, the Department will be unveiling a new, easy-to-remember shortcut, MiOttawa.org/DSI. Until then, the public can continue to keep up with Department initiatives at MiOttawa.org/Departments/Planning.
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