When essential workers are priced out, everyone feels it.

In Leelanau County, an elementary school teacher earning $61,650 can afford about $1,540 a month for housing. But the median monthly cost to own a home here is nearly $5,000. A newly hired firefighter making roughly $54,000 faces similar math.

And rentals aren’t much better. Monthly rents are creeping toward $2,000, putting even basic housing out of reach for many.

What we’re facing isn’t just a gap. It’s a growing divide between what our essential workers earn and what it takes to live here.

This Is Bigger Than Any One Household.

When teachers, first responders, and essential workers can’t afford to live near the communities they serve, everyone feels the impact. Schools struggle to fill classrooms. Fire departments stretch to cover shifts. Businesses shorten hours or shut down. Even hospitals experience longer wait times because they can’t staff key roles.

In short: when housing prices rise faster than wages, the whole system starts to crack.

We Can’t Afford to Ignore This.

This issue isn’t unique to Leelanau County, but it’s urgent here. That’s why the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council is focused on realistic, community-driven housing solutions that prioritize the workforce.

Vibrant towns don’t run on vacation homes alone. They depend on the people who show up for work every day.

How Can You Help?

There are so many meaningful ways you can support the work of the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council and help strengthen our community.

  1. Northern Michigan has always been shaped by those who showed up, stayed, and gave back, especially second homeowners. You are part of that legacy. Make a donation today.
  2. Help us spread the word—talk to your friends, neighbors, business owners, and local officials. Share this newsletter with organizations you’re connected to, like your Chamber of Commerce, clubs, or neighborhood groups.
  3. Do you own land that might be suitable for conservation or community use? We’d love to hear from you—whether you’re open to donating or selling it to a local 501(c)(3), your contribution could make a lasting impact.
  4. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop—there’s a sign-up link right at the bottom of our homepage. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and stories from the region.
  5. Looking for hands-on ways to get involved? Consider volunteering with us. Every bit of support helps us protect and enhance the gateway communities of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  6. Please attend Zoning and Village Council meetings encouraging their support to tackling the attainable housing crisis we have in our communities.

The Glen Arbor Township Board holds regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall, located at 6394 W. Western Ave., Glen Arbor, MI. Depending on circumstances, meetings are held either in the main hall or the lower meeting room. For 2025, the scheduled meeting dates are:

  • August 19th
  • September 16th
  • October 21st
  • November 18th

The Empire Township Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Empire Township Hall, located at 10088 W. Front Street, Empire, MI. For 2025, the scheduled meeting dates are:

  • August 12th
  • September 9th
  • October 14th
  • November11th
  • December 9th