Our Plan – City of Ironwood

Comprehensive Plan Update Website

The City of Ironwood is updating its 10 year old comprehensive plan. Please click on the link to participate and see what's going on.

2024 Comprehensive Plan

Ironwood Comprehensive Plan

AWARD WINNING

“Nurturing the tales of our past – Building new trails for our future”
Nestled in the wilds of Michigan and “big snow country,” Ironwood is a YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION that attracts residents and visitors alike. With WORLD-CLASS RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (from traditional activities like skiing and biking to emerging and innovative adventure sports); vibrant civic spaces and cultural institutions; thriving businesses; intriguing historical attractions; and a welcoming, safe, and collaborative atmosphere, Ironwood is a vibrant and unique small town where people come to enjoy the QUALITY OF LIFE.

Loosely translated as “strength of will” and “courage in the face of adversity,” the Finnish word “SISU” encapsulates the spirit of the Ironwood community. The ethos of “sisu” is evident in the stories of Ironwood’s past, from its early days as a mining town- to World War I where Ironwood residents gave their lives in service to this country. The same RESILIENT SPIRIT continues to drive Ironwood today, as community members work together to preserve and promote the prosperity, heritage, and beauty of the Ironwood community while forging NEW PATHS, uncovering NEW OPPORTUNITIES, and creating NEW STORIES for the future.

See the Full Comprehensive Plan.

Participate
If you would like to participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, 213 S. Marquette St., Ironwood, MI 49938, (906) 932-5050 x 126, bergmant@ironwoodmi.gov or submit a Spark Plan of your own.

Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Vision and Guiding Principles Chapter 3: Land Use & Community Character Chapter 4 Transportation Chapter 5 Parks and Recreation Chapter 6 Community Development Chapter 7 Infrastructure and Community Chapter 8 Implementation Appendix Historic Plans Annual Reports

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Vision and Guiding Principles

Chapter 3: Land Use & Community Character

Chapter 3: Land Use & Community Character

Chapter 3 Land Use and Community Character

In a community of vibrant NEIGHBORHOODS, accessible PARKS and recreational amenities, and thriving places of WORK, CULTURE, and COMMERCE, Ironwood’s story continues to be told through its HISTORIC character and UNIQUE sense of place.

The Comp Plan and You

The Comprehensive Plan serves not only as a guiding document for city government, but as a collective expression of community values, desires, and visions. Just as the creation of this plan was fueled by the input and ideas of community members like you, its successful implementation requires your continued engagement, advocacy, and action.

So, what can you do to support the vision, goals, and policies expressed in this chapter? Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking, talking- and hopefully, taking action!

1. Familiarize yourself with the land use directions in the Comprehensive Plan and advocate for future zoning and policy updates that will help to realize the land use vision presented in the plan.2. Serve on citizen-led committees that advise on land use policy, parks planning, or infrastructure investments, or attend public meetings pertaining to future zoning changes.

If you would like to further participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, or submit a Spark Plan of your own.

Priority Actions

Chapter 4 Transportation

Chapter 4 Transportation

Chapter 4 Transportation

In a community where people are just as apt to hop in a CAR as hop on a SNOWMOBILE, strap on a BIKE helmet or pair of SKIS, a well-planned MULTIMODAL transportation system

provides balanced mobility options for ALL USERS and ensures that you can get where you’re going SAFELY and EFFICIENTLY- or just ENJOY THE RIDE!

The Comp Plan and You

The Comprehensive Plan serves not only as a guiding document for city government, but as a collective expression of community values, desires, and visions. Just as the creation of this plan was fueled by the input and ideas of community members like you, its successful implementation requires your continued engagement, advocacy, and action.

So, what can you do to support the vision, goals, and policies expressed in this chapter? Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking, talking- and hopefully, taking action!

1. Be an advocate for transportation system improvements; show up at community meetings to express your views and support street, sidewalk, and trail improvement projects.

2. Share the road with bikers, walkers, joggers, skiers, snowmobilers, ATV riders, and autos. Be cognizant of all users and be safe. Obey rules and laws.

3. Be a user of the facilities and based on your experiences, contribute to making them better.

4. Support community wide efforts to maintain and reconstruct street, sidewalk, and trail infrastructure.

5. Work with public works crews to help manage snow removal during heavy snow falls in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

If you would like to further participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, or submit a Spark Plan of your own.Priority Actions

Chapter 5 Parks and Recreation

Chapter 5 Parks and Recreation

Chapter 5 Parks and Recreation

A love of the GREAT OUTDOORS is a defining characteristic of Ironwood residents. Whether it’s getting outside to SKI, hitting the SNOWMOBILE trails, CAMPING out, or just strolling through a neighborhood PARK, Ironwood offers an array of parks and recreation facilities to supportACTIVE and HEALTHY lifestyles.

The Comp Plan and You

The Comprehensive Plan serves not only as a guiding document for city government, but as a collective expression of community values, desires, and visions. Just as the creation of this plan was fueled by the input and ideas of community members like you, its successful implementation requires your continued engagement, advocacy, and action.

So, what can you do to support the vision, goals, and policies expressed in this chapter? Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking, talking- and hopefully, taking action!
1. Use the parks! Take your kids to the playground. Have a family reunion at a picnic shelter. Ski the trails at Miners. The parks are there for you to enjoy and use. Get to know your Ironwood parks.

2. Consider sponsoring the efforts to improve the parks. Whether it is new fencing for a softball field or new signage for historic interpretation, the people who use these parks will notice and be appreciative of your help.

3. Get out to some of the other outdoor recreation areas such as the motocross park, downhill ski resorts, and cross country trails. Supporting these businesses helps them thrive and bring in more tourists.

4. Join or start a “Friends of...” group. These groups are tasked with planning for, developing, maintaining, and advocating for specific parks. If you’ve got a park that you love, consider it.

5. Start a community garden or put some art in the vacant lot in your neighborhood (with the City’s permission).

If you would like to further participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, or submit a Spark Plan of your own.

Priority Actions

Chapter 6 Community Development

Chapter 6 Community Development

Chapter 6 Community Development

Attractive and friendly NEIGHBORHOODS, diverse and high quality HOUSING options, and a CONNECTED and BUSINESS-FRIENDLY environment make Ironwood a THRIVING community, a hub of economic activity, and place to call HOME.

The Comp Plan and You

The Comprehensive Plan serves not only as a guiding document for city government, but as a collective expression of community values, desires, and visions. Just as the creation of this plan was fueled by the input and ideas of community members like you, its successful implementation requires your continued engagement, advocacy, and action.

So, what can you do to support the vision, goals, and policies expressed in this chapter? Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking, talking- and hopefully, taking action!

1. Learn about and take advantage of economic development programs, grants, and resources offered by the City to do expand your small/home-based business or start-up a new enterprise.

2. Serve as a mentor for students, businesses, and entrepreneurs in the community; share your knowledge and expertise to grow new jobs and businesses.

3. Volunteer for community organizations (particularly those that are entirely volunteerrun) that promote active living and outdoor recreation, arts and cultural programs, historic preservation and interpretation, and other community-supportive activities.

4. Support City investment in infrastructure upgrades and other public improvements that enhance quality of life in Ironwood and make the City a more attractive place for businesses and residents.

5. Take advantage of housing rehabilitation programs, grants, and resources offered by the City to do small repairs, upgrades, and maintenance projects around your home and property.

6. Enhance the public realm in your neighborhood by planting a front yard garden, building a porch, deck, or seating area that faces the public street, or just keeping your yard tidy.

7. Volunteer to help an elderly neighbor with property maintenance and repair projects, mowing the grass, fixing a gutter, etc.

8. Organize community building events in your neighborhood such as neighborhood meetings and social events, block parties, National Night Out, clean-up days, neighborhood watch, etc.

9. Start a community garden or community-built playground on a vacant lot in your neighborhood.

If you would like to further participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, or submit a Spark Plan of your own.

Priority Actions

Chapter 7 Infrastructure and Community

Chapter 7 Infrastructure and Community

Chapter 7 Infrastructure and Community

SUSTAINABLE and RESILIENT are two desirable characteristics that describe Ironwood’s future. Resilient - adapts to changing trends and new technologies. Sustainable - endures such that operations, maintenance, and management does not overburden future generations.

The Comp Plan and You

The Comprehensive Plan serves not only as a guiding document for city government, but as a collective expression of community values, desires, and visions. Just as the creation of this plan was fueled by the input and ideas of community members like you, its successful implementation requires your continued engagement, advocacy, and action.

So, what can you do to support the vision, goals, and policies expressed in this chapter? Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking, talking- and hopefully, taking action!

1. Be cognizant of how you manage rain water on your property. Make sure downspouts route water to areas of the yard where water can infiltrate. Capture rain water from down spouts in rain barrels or cisterns to use for watering plants or other yard activities.

2. Use water conservation plumbing fixtures and appliances and promote water conservation practices in your household.

3. Think of the environmental impact and financial impact to the infrastructure system when disposing of waste products and help the City in making sure options exist to properly dispose of hazardous wastes.

4. Be aware and cognizant of faulty infrastructure within city streets and rights of way and report issues to City Public Works.

5. Be supportive of responsible government spending that improves the overall municipal infrastructure system.

6. Volunteer to help with programming or serving on committees that oversee use of and management of community facilities. Be active with cultural, educational, civic, and sports/recreation organizations.

If you would like to further participate in the implementation of the plan or have other thoughts and ideas please contact Tom Bergman, Community Development Director, or submit a Spark Plan of your own.

Priority Actions

Chapter 8 Implementation

Appendix

Historic Plans

Annual Reports

Comprehensive Plan Update Website

Ironwood Comprehensive Plan

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