Leelanau residents, workers encouraged to take housing survey

From staff reports

The Leelanau County Housing Collaborative, an effort of the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation, and its partner organizations are inviting residents, workers, employers, and community members to participate in the Leelanau County Attainable Housing Survey. The survey is designed to gather public input on housing needs and community priorities to help inform future housing solutions across the county.

The survey builds on a 2024 business survey that gathered input from local employers about the ways housing availability and affordability affect their workforce, operations, and ability to retain employees. This broader community survey will help add resident and worker perspectives to that earlier feedback as local partners consider future housing strategies.

Housing affordability continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing Leelanau County. The Michigan’s Senate Fiscal Agency has shown Leelanau County to be the most unaffordable county in the state for housing since at least 2010.

For the purposes of the survey, attainable housing means housing, whether for sale or for rent, that is priced so people earning typical local wages can afford to live in the community where they work.

“Community input is critical as we work to address housing challenges in Leelanau County,” said Jim Bardenhagen, president of Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation. “This survey will help local leaders better understand what residents support when it comes to creating housing opportunities that allow people who live and work here to remain part of our communities.”

The short survey is open to anyone with a connection to Leelanau County. Responses will help guide local discussions and future efforts to expand attainable housing options throughout the county.

Community members can participate in several ways:

• Complete the survey online at: LeelanauHousingCollaborative.org
• Scan the QR code using a smartphone or tablet
• Pick up a paper copy at local library branches in Northport, Suttons Bay, Leland, and Empire.
• Paper copies will also be available at Leelanau County Senior Services office at the Government Center, at Senior luncheons hosted at the Lions Club, Maple City on Thursdays at noon and the Friendship Center, Suttons Bay on Fridays at noon.

Hard copies can be returned to a “ballot box” at each pick-up location or mailed to the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation PO Box 1063, Leland MI 49654.

The survey will remain open until September 15.

For more information about the survey or the Leelanau County Housing Collaborative, contact Jamie Jewell, Administrative Support for the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation at 231-835-0104 or jamie@jamiejewell.com.

The Leelanau County Housing Collaborative is a coalition of local organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders working together to advance housing solutions that support a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable Leelanau County. Through education, collaboration, and community engagement, the Collaborative seeks to increase housing opportunities for people who live or work in the region.

Organizations involved in the Collaborative include:

• Aspire North Realtors
• Habitat for Humanity
• HomeStretch
• Home Sweet Home
• Housing North
• League of Women Voters Leelanau County
• Leelanau Christian Neighbors
• Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation
• New Community Vision
• Peninsula Housing
• Sleeping Bear Gateway Council