Capital Improvement Program

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is the city’s multi-year planning instrument used to identify needs and financing sources for public infrastructure improvements.  The purpose of the CIP is to facilitate the orderly forecasting of infrastructure improvements; maintain, preserve, and protect the city’s existing infrastructure system; provide for the purchase or scheduled replacement of equipment, and allocate funding sources.  

The CIP is intended to reflect a consensus of community needs, based on surveys and planning initiatives, the adopted goals and objectives of the City Council, the previous CIP budget and plan, and to take into consideration new information to meet the ever-changing needs and priorities of our community. 

The CIP is a key financing and implementation tool for City of Portage planning efforts, such as:

  • The Comprehensive Plan, which addresses long-term goals and needs pertaining to land use, the transportation network, recreation, and open space, natural/cultural resources, economy and marketplace, utility infrastructure, and community facilities
  • Strategic plans and studies such as the Lake Center District Corridor and Placemaking Study, 2015 Wellhead Protection Plan, 2018 Water Reliability Study, Storm Water Design Criteria Manual, and 2023 Crossroads Area Transition Plan
  • Periodic municipal facility audits, annual reports (e.g. utility operation and maintenance reports, annual traffic count and signal studies), and citizen surveys; among others

Annual Capital Improvement Program Planning

Every September the City of Portage begins the annual process to update the CIP.  Preparation of the CIP is performed under the authority of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (Act 33 of 2008).  Examples of eligible public infrastructure improvements include:

  • Public streets, non-motorized transportation (sidewalk, bike lanes, and multi-use trails)
  • Municipal water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage facilities
  • Parks and other public recreation and cultural opportunities
  • Public facilities such as City Hall, Portage Zhang Senior Center, Public Works, Public Safety
  • Technology investments, city equipment, and vehicles
  • Public Participation Helps Ensure Capital Investments Address the Needs of the Community 

Speak Up and Make Your Voice Heard!

Public participation from Portage residents, business owners, and interested stakeholders helps ensure that decisions made on capital investments address the needs and aspirations of the community.  The city is seeking input from Portage residents, business owners, and interested stakeholders to submit ideas for capital improvement projects and provide feedback on projects already in the planning stages.

Capital Improvement Program Timeline and Approvals

The schedule below outlines the process and timeline related to the development and approval of the annual six-year Capital Improvement Program.

  • September:  Online survey is open to the public.
  • October - November:  CIP project proposals are developed and submitted by city departments.
  • November:  Survey results are studied and prioritized.
  • November - January:  City Administration reviews and prioritizes proposed CIP projects.
  • First Regular Council Meeting in April: The City Manager will formally provide the final proposed CIP to the City Council for review. The Planning Commission will also be presented with a copy.
  • April - May:  City Council conducts a review of the CIP and conducts budget review sessions.
  • Second City Council Meeting in May:  City Council approves the first fiscal year budget included in the six-year CIP (Fiscal Year 2024-2025), along with the annual operating budget.

For more information about the City of Portage Capital Improvement Program, please contact the Office of the City Manager at (269) 329-4400.