It’s not just a housing problem. It’s a community problem.

Across Northern Michigan, housing costs have quietly (but steadily!) outpaced wages. What used to be a seasonal challenge has grown into a full-blown crisis. And it’s no longer just about vacation rentals or limited inventory. It’s about what happens to a community when the people who power it—teachers, nurses, firefighters, grocers, mechanics, and caregivers—can’t afford to live there.

This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now. According to the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment, Leelanau County needs 2,335 additional housing units by 2027, and nearly half of renters here are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Home prices are nearing $650,000. Monthly rents are approaching $2,000. And for too many, a reliable paycheck still isn’t enough to secure a stable place to live.

The Shortage Affects Us All

That shortage doesn’t just affect individual families. It affects us all.

Schools can’t attract or retain teachers.
Local businesses can’t stay open full hours.
Hospitals are struggling to fill critical roles.
Emergency services are stretched dangerously thin.

When workers leave, services disappear. And the ripple effects weaken the fabric of the entire community.

So What Do We Do About It?

At the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council, we’re working to bring together nonprofits, community leaders, and local governments to support realistic, sustainable workforce housing solutions. That means both rental and ownership opportunities for people at all income levels, especially those earning too much to qualify for traditional aid and too little to keep up with rising costs.

We believe communities thrive when everyone who contributes to them can afford to live in them.

We know change starts with awareness, collaboration, and action.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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