Township Board: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 @ 5:30pm Leelanau Township Board (JOINT HOUSING RESOLUTION)

The Leelanau Township Board passed a resolution on March 12, 2024, to explore the establishment of a joint planning and housing commission with the Village of Northport. This initiative is driven by the findings of the 2019 Northwest Michigan Target Market housing study, which projected a need for 367 rental and 301 owner-occupied housing units in Leelanau County by 2025. The resolution emphasizes the acute need for housing among residents at or below 80% of the Average Median Income in the area. The establishment of such a commission is seen as a cooperative effort to address the housing needs and support a stable workforce essential for a year-round economy in the region.

The resolution is grounded in Michigan state laws that allow for the creation of joint planning commissions and the joint exercise of municipal powers. Specifically, it references the Joint Municipal Planning Act (MCL 125.131), the Urban Cooperation Act (MCL 124.501), and the provision for municipal housing commissions (MCL 125.651). The Township Supervisor has been tasked with exploring the feasibility of this joint commission, focusing on planning and potentially operating attainable and year-round rental housing. The Supervisor is expected to report back to the Township Board by the June 2024 meeting and is authorized to take necessary steps within the current budget constraints.

The resolution was adopted during a regular meeting of the Leelanau Township Board, held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act of Michigan. The meeting’s minutes are to be made available as required by law. The resolution’s adoption was moved and supported by specific board members, with the voting results recorded. This cooperative approach between Leelanau Township and the Village of Northport aims to address the pressing housing needs and foster economic stability in the region.