Communities don’t function without essential workers. And essential workers need a place to live.

Whether it’s the grocery clerk stocking shelves, the dental assistant keeping appointments running on time, or the firefighter responding to a 3 a.m. call, every community depends on the people who show up every day to do the work that keeps life moving.

But in our region, more and more of these people are forced to live farther away (or leave altogether) because they simply cannot afford to live close to where they work. That distance comes at a cost, not just to families but to the entire local economy.

Housing Impacts Every Sector

When workers can’t find housing nearby:

Small businesses struggle to stay open full hours or operate year-round
Families can’t afford a starter home and need to live where they can afford
Schools lose staff and face enrollment declines
Healthcare systems experience longer wait times due to staffing shortages
Trades and service industries can’t find or keep reliable crews

From the corner store to the county road commission, leaders across sectors agree: housing is one of the biggest barriers to hiring, retaining, and supporting a strong local workforce.

Local Leaders Are Sounding the Alarm

In conversation after conversation, the message is the same. Housing isn’t just a social issue; it’s an economic one.

“As property values rise and housing continues to be scarce, more and more local businesses will not be able to attract and retain median-income workers and will be forced to curb hours of operation, operate seasonally, or close their doors for good.”
— Brad Anderson, Owner, Anderson’s IGA

“We have 25 plow drivers, five mechanics, and seven staff in our organization. The average drive time has significantly increased over recent years, with several employees now driving over 30 miles to work, which approaches 50 minutes on a good weather day.”

– Brendan Mullane, Managing Director, Leelanau County Road Commission

If We Want A Strong Community, We Need Housing Solutions

The future of our Up North community depends on whether working people can afford to live here. When people can afford to live near where they work, entire communities benefit. Children have more consistent schooling. Small businesses gain reliable staff. Emergency services respond faster. And families put down roots and contribute for generations.

At the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council, we believe housing is infrastructure. It’s essential to how we live, work, and grow. That’s why we’re focused on building and protecting housing solutions that support working people, strengthen towns, and preserve the character of our gateway communities.

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.

Our region has always been shaped by those who came here, stayed, and supported the causes that matter most. You are part of that legacy. Make a donation today.
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.
Help us spread the word—talk to your friends, neighbors, business owners, and local officials. Share our newsletter with organizations you’re connected to, like your Yacht Club or GAL friends.
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.
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.
Please attend Zoning and Village Council meetings, encouraging their support in tackling the attainable housing crisis we have in our communities.