The pursuit of regional cooperation: the story of founding SEMCOG

As we begin what we are calling SEMCOG Founder’s Week, I’m proud to share the story of how we began.

SEMCOG was formally created on January 1, 1968. It was the result of many hours of research, study, and deliberation by the Metropolitan-Fund (now known as the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition)-sponsored “Committee of 100.” Their purpose was to develop a proposal for a voluntary organization of local governments in Southeast Michigan. That committee was composed of elected and appointed officials representing all local government interests in Southeast Michigan.

The formation of SEMCOG brought together two of the nation’s first regional agencies – the Supervisors Inter-County Committee (SICC), and the Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Commission. Formed in 1954 as the nation’s first cooperative council, SICC was disbanded when SEMCOG was formed. The Regional Planning Commission, also the first of its kind in the U.S., became the Planning Division of SEMCOG.

In its first year, SEMCOG solidified its structure, found a permanent home, and filled staff and committee positions. At its first annual meeting on January 13, 1968 – 52 years ago today – the General Assembly elected William L. Mainland, Milford Township Supervisor, as SEMCOG’s first Chairperson. Mel Ravitz, Detroit Councilmember, and Chair of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, was elected Vice Chair of SEMCOG.

William “Larry” Mainland, SEMCOG’s first Chairperson, 1968-70

SEMCOG’s first permanent committee – the Advisory Council on Regional Planning – was created in March of 1968 to work with the Executive Committee and Planning Division staff on regional planning matters. In those early days, work to support local governments included waste disposal and public safety.

During our 50^th anniversary year in 2018, SEMCOG was proud to receive the Historical Society of Michigan’s organization award “for continuous operation in service to the people of Michigan and for contributing to the growth and vitality of our state.”

SEMCOG’s “SEMicentennial” plaque

I hope you will enjoy this week of blogs, social media postings, and videos, celebrating our founding. We’ll recognize those communities who joined SEMCOG in 1968. We’ll take a look at what was happening in 1968, comparing it to life today. And we’ll look forward to what will be happening in 2020, as well as debut a new video with member testimonials and practical approaches to getting the most out of SEMCOG membership.