Regional Partners

Bay City Area Transportation Study (BCATS)

BCATS serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Bay City Urbanized Area, encompassing Bay City, Essexville, and surrounding townships such as Bangor, Monitor, Hampton, Portsmouth, Kawkawlin, and Frankenlust. Operating under federal mandates, BCATS ensures a continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. The agency develops key documents like the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), coordinating with local, state, and federal entities to guide transportation investments in the region.

Saginaw Area Transportation Agency (SATA)

SATA functions as the MPO for Saginaw County, overseeing transportation and transit planning across more than 31 member jurisdictions, including cities, towns, counties, and other transportation agencies. Mandated by federal law, SATA implements a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3C) planning process to guide the expenditure of federal, state, and local transportation funds. The agency collaborates closely with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) to establish project priorities and ensure coordinated transportation development.

East Michigan Council of Governments (EMCOG)

EMCOG is a voluntary, multi-purpose regional planning and development organization established in 1968. It serves 14 counties in east-central Michigan, including Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola, as well as the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. EMCOG provides a regional forum for discussing issues of mutual interest, developing recommendations and plans, and offering technical and planning assistance to local governments. The organization's goal is to improve the quality of life for residents by addressing regional or multi-jurisdictional issues and needs.