A year-long project to chart Bay City's future kicked off on Thursday night.
It's being called the "Above Par Project" which stands for 'Planning for Place, Access and Redevelopment' and The Michigan Association of Planning chose Bay City to take part in the innovate projct.
City planners, staff and elected officials invited members of the community to discuss what types of improvements thy would like to see.
Leaders said they want a vibrant community where people can live, work, and play.
They also want the project to focus on Bay City's history and assets, like it's riverfront and transportation system.
"We are trying to accent all of our strengths," said Bay City Planning Commission President Warren Smith. "You have to keep asking yourself, why is this a great place to live, and why wouldn't somebody else want to come live here or bring their industry here?"
The information and input collected over the enxt year wills hape the master plan revisions.
The C.S. Mott Foundation and Michigan State Housing Development Authority are tasked with funding the project.
