Olive Township Master Plan

Olive Township is in the heart of rural Ottawa County and has a local economy based on agriculture. Located within suburbanizing West Michigan, many land owners still actively farm and single-family homes dot the landscape. The Township has implemented measures to regulate growth without compromising its commitment to being a thriving agricultural community.

Williams & Works was hired to develop the Township’s first master plan that met state statutes, as their previous plan was written before the adoption of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. Through a community survey, open house, and workshop, residents and stakeholders provided feedback on the Township’s future land use vision. The results of the community engagement were compiled into a report which was used by the Planning Commission to develop the plan’s goals and objectives as well as the future land use categories and locations.

Through a previous county-wide study that spanned six years, the Township had learned that the local groundwater supply and condition is in decline. Local officials are actively working to reduce pressure on groundwater resources and wanted the master plan to support growth management. Through the land use and groundwater workshop, community members participated in discussions and activities that resulted in ideas that will be used to make decisions about investment in future public water systems and the location of future residential, commercial, industrial, and agriculture land uses. With support from the community, the plan was adopted in 2025.