Just a few months ago, we were digging out from nearly two feet of snow in less than 24 hours while ice wreaked havoc along our shorelines. Today, we’re enjoying sunshine, temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and American flags proudly flying in anticipation of the Fourth of July.
Over that same period, we’ve also seen growing recognition of another challenge affecting communities across the country, our state, and right here in Leelanau County: the shortage of attainable workforce housing. From The Wall Street Journal to the Leelanau Enterprise, the conversation has become impossible to ignore as more communities experience the consequences of rising housing costs and a shrinking local workforce.
National Progress
At the national level, bipartisan leaders continue working toward legislation that encourages the construction of attainable housing while addressing factors that have reduced housing supply, including the growing concentration of single-family homes owned by large corporate investors.
State Action
Here in Michigan, lawmakers are also taking action. The Michigan Senate recently approved Senate Bill 278, legislation that would expand eligibility for housing projects serving families earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) while removing certain geographic restrictions that have limited where housing funds can be used.
“There will be more flexibility for building housing in Michigan that people can afford,” said the bill’s sponsor, Senator Sue Shink.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), which administers the program, supports the legislation.
“This would give MSHDA the much-needed flexibility in deploying Housing and Community Development Fund resources where they can have the greatest impact to address the unique housing needs of every region in Michigan.”
What We’re Seeing Locally
Here in Leelanau County, the effects are becoming increasingly visible.
The Leelanau Enterprise has published several articles highlighting the growing need for attainable workforce housing and the challenges our communities are experiencing. We’ve seen businesses reduce operating hours, struggle to hire employees, and, in some cases, close their doors altogether. Recent examples include the Foothills Café, Western Avenue Grill, and other local businesses that have cited staffing shortages as a significant factor.
These are not isolated events; they’re caused by housing shortage that affects employers, employees, residents, and visitors alike.
Hearing Directly From Community Leaders
This spring, members of the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council met with several community leaders to hear firsthand on how the housing shortage is impacting the essential services we all rely on.
- Bryan Ferguson, Fire Chief, Glen Arbor Fire Department
- Chad Dygraaf, Assistant Fire Chief, Glen Arbor Fire Department
- Brendan Mullane, Manager, Leelanau County Road Commission
We encourage you to watch these brief but informative interviews by clicking the links above or by visiting our website. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Their stories illustrate the very real challenges of recruiting and retaining the people who keep our communities safe and functioning every day.
We Need Your Help
The Sleeping Bear Gateway Council continues to make progress, but we’re a 100% volunteer organization, and we need additional expertise to move our mission forward.
We’re especially looking for volunteers with experience in:
- Social media and digital communications
- Artificial Intelligence applications and strategy
- Grant writing
- Civil engineering
- Community Land Trust legal guidance
If you have experience in any of these areas—or know someone who does—we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can help ensure that the people who teach our children, protect our communities, care for our families, and keep our local businesses operating can continue to live and work in the communities they serve.
Thank you for your continued support of the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council. We can’t do this without you.