AYEARIN
01 REFLECTION
YarrowBrown
Executive Director
This annual report highlights the accomplishments and activities we achieved in collaboration with our many partners and communities. You will see the impact of our Housing Ready program this year, including efforts that have resulted in new housing units, while others have focused on ending or preventing homelessness, adopting new zoning ordinances to support housing diversity, and hosting workshops on emerging housing tools and the zoning atlas The State Enhancement Grant allowed us to provide Housing Ready technical support in six counties, helping to advance housing projects, remove barriers, and create lasting solutions. We are honored to lead the Regional Housing Partnership and have collectively made great strides in our four main goals in 2024 through the working groups and participation from the many stakeholders.
1812PERMITS
PULLEDFORHOUSINGDEVELOPMENT
4,188UNITSINPROGRESS ALL10COUNTIES
WETRACKEDFORHOUSINGINOUR COMMUNITIES(PIPELINE) NOWRECEIVINGHOUSINGREADYSUPPORT
At Housing North, we are dedicated toward creating numerous pathways and partnerships that will enhance access to sustainable housing, ensuring that our Northwest Michigan communities thrive.
JoshMills Housing North Board President
We could not do this work without the support from our many foundation partners, units of government and dedicated housing organizations and advocates. Thank you for being part of the solution. Roll up your sleeves, more progress and challenges await us in 2025!
02 EXPANDING CAPACITY
In 2024, Housing North engaged in over 50 events and activities designed to build local capacity and strengthen the region’s ability to address housing needs. These included strategic presentations to local commissions, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations, as well as the facilitation of housing-focused workshops, webinars, and conferences. We co-led sessions and provided technical assistance on key tools such as the Housing Zoning Atlas, Housing Ready Program, Housing Trust Funds, and Community Land Trusts (CLTs). In partnership with local governments, we supported zoning changes, master plan updates, and the development of housing action plans, empowering communities to proactively shape their housing future.
To further support implementation, we updated and released several important documents and toolkits, including resources on Housing Commissions, Housing Tax Increment Financing (HTIF), Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs, and CLTs development. We also hosted focus groups and public forums to center community voices, advocated and elevated regional needs through direct engagement with over a dozen elected officials in Lansing. These collective efforts created stronger networks, informed local leaders, and better-aligned strategies to drive real progress across Northwest Michigan.
HOUSINGWINS
HOUSINGREADY PROGRAMEXPANSION
Expanded our services and impact to all 10 counties with support from a 2024 State Enhancement Grant and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, helping build local capacity and providing technical assistance for zoning updates, master plan alignment, funding applications, and the development of local tools such as communication plans, mapping, Request for Qualifications (RFQs), and developer engagement.
ZONINGATLASPILOT
Launched a Zoning Atlas Pilot in Grand Traverse County, with initial support from the Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation in October 2024 . Workshops and presentations were hosted alongside our partners to engage and share about this opportunity for our region.
RHPLEADFORREGIOND
Engaged over 190 partners and organizations including three working groups to execute the Regional Housing plan goals and report on progress.
GRANTSUPPORTSECURED
#8 Housing Readiness Grants projects funded in our region in Charlevoix, Antrim, Manistee, Emmet, Wexford
CDBG Grant support and administration - City of Manistee
#6 Rural Readiness Grants Projects in five counties
#5 counties received MI Neighborhood Grants for 27 rental units, 22 units for home ownership.
PROJECTSBREAKINGGROUND
These are some of the key projects that broke ground in 2024 supporting our housing needs in the region:
Riley Apartments, Manistee
Grove Place, Frankfort
Lofts at Lumber square, Petoskey
City Park Grill, Petoskey
Habitat for Humanity New Waves, Leelanau County
Thrive TC, Garfield Township
Parkview Apartments, Traverse City
The Flats and Carriage Commons, Garfield Township
Corners Crossing, Traverse City
Carver St. Apartments, Traverse City
East Bay Township adopted 10 principles in the zoning reform toolkit aligning their master plan with their zoning ordinance.
At least five communities are updating their master plans to include housing best practices.
Village of Northport and Leelanau Township are collaborating to address zoning changes and identifying housing opportunities.
Beaver Island Housing Survey developed to help inform a Housing Action Plan for the County.
HOUSINGTOOLSINACTION
COMMUNITIESIN ACTION 6 TOOLS
Led the Leelanau County Housing Survey Focus Groups to help inform a housing action plan.
34 local governments implemented housing-related zoning changes to address community needs, including short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.
Over 40+ advocacy presentations to local leaders and elected officials to support housing projects and development
In 2024, at least six of the new housing tools were utilized across the region to support housing development These included:
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) – Exploring an NEZ in the City of Manistee and adopted in Petoskey to incentivize new housing investment.
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) – Implemented in the City of Traverse City, Benzie County, and Blair Township.
Attainable Housing District – Created in Frankfort to encourage the development of workforce and middle-income housing
Residential Facilities Exemption – Adopted by the City of Frankfort to allow for more diverse housing options
Housing Tax Increment Financing (HTIF) – Activated for Maple Block in Petoskey, Bellaire Lofts in Antrim County and the Ida Tompkins school project in Traverse City.
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) – Advanced through Grove Place in Frankfort, the HART home in Emmet County and two single-family homes through Peninsula Housing in Leelanau County.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority being explored in Wexford County
The use of these tools reflect the growing creativity and commitment of local governments to address housing needs through local policy innovation.
BUILDING AWARENESS 05
One of the most powerful ways we drive change is by empowering communities with information, tools, and real stories that spark action. In 2024, Housing North focused on elevating awareness around housing needs and innovative solutions by hosting local workshops and creating accessible, user-friendly resources for local governments and advocates. We amplified housing conversations regionally through articles in local media sources, highlighting real challenges, local progress, and inspiring solutions. By telling the stories of new projects, and partnerships driving change, we’re helping shift the narrative and build momentum for housing.
HTIF WORKSHOP: MANTON, MANISTEE, CHARLEVOIX
COUNTIES
ZONING ATLAS WORKSHOP: GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY
HOUSING FOCUS GROUPS: LELANAU COUNTY
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT WORKSHOP: LEELANAU, BENZIE COUNTIES
MAPPING WORKSHOP: BENZIE COUNTY
We developed handouts, shared recordings, videos and presentations on Community Land Trusts, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), Housing Tax Increment Financing (HTIF), Neighborhood Enterprise Zones, Community Land Trusts, Housing Commissions, Public Comment, updated our Housing Ready Checklist and Communication Toolkit, among others.
We held events and informational sessions to help communities better understand housing resources. We partnered with local organizations to support their outreach efforts and used data to clearly illustrate the need for more attainable housing across the region. We also developed communityspecific communication plans (such as in Benzie and Leelanau counties) to tailor messaging, engage residents, and build broader support for local solutions. These targeted efforts ensure that awareness translates into informed action for housing progress.
ADECADEOF SOLUTIONS 06
The 10th Annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit, held October 24–25, 2024, in Traverse City, marked a decade of driving change, building connections, and advancing housing solutions across the region. With the theme Innovation and Collaboration, the summit welcomed over 200 housing advocates, community leaders, developers, and decision-makers for two energizing days of bold ideas and meaningful dialogue.
Keynote speaker Becky McCray inspired attendees with insights on rural revitalization and grassroots leadership, while workshops explored zoning reform, modular housing, community land trusts and other innovative tools.
Over the past ten years, the summit has become a catalyst for regional progress sparking partnerships, influencing policy, and empowering action A heartfelt thank you to our 30 incredible sponsors whose support made this milestone event possible Special thank you to Lake Michigan Credit Union, Presenting sponsor, Aspire North as Partner sponsor and Traverse City Tourism as Happy Hour sponsor We couldn’t have done it without you!
2024 HOUSING CHAMPIONS
Each year at the Housing Summit, Housing North proudly recognizes leaders who champion housing solutions and stronger, more equitable communities. Their dedication brings us closer to a future where everyone has a place to call home. Congratulations to this year’s award winners:
Champion Housing Advocate: Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
Housing Leadership Award: Larry Mawby, Peninsula Housing
Funders Award: Frey Foundation and Rotary Charities ofTraverse City
Founding Board Member: Carlin Smith
REGIONALHOUSING PARTNERSHIP
In 2024, Housing North deepened its commitment to regional housing solutions through continued leadership of the Regional Housing Partnership (RHP), a key driver in implementing Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan at the local level. Today, the RHP includes a growing network of 190 engaged partners, representing a wide cross-section of stakeholders: 11 Chambers of Commerce, 5 Downtown Development Authorities, 8 Government Agencies, 4 Health Service Organizations, 36 Nonprofits, 2 Tribal Entities, 3 State Agencies, 27 Local Units of Government, 4 Economic Development Corporations, and 7 Philanthropic Foundations. This diverse group contributes insights, leadership, and resources that shape the region’s implementation of the Statewide Action Plan.
To support alignment and gather regional input, we hosted two in-person partner feedback sessions in Manistee and Traverse City, and facilitated additional discussions in preparation for the 2025 plan update, ensuring that the Regional Housing Plan remains responsive and action-oriented Our data tracking tools and public dashboards have been instrumental in aligning local housing stock needs with regional priorities. These efforts ensure the Regional Housing Partnership remains a strong, data-informed, and community-driven force for our communities.
We are grateful to the organizations that served on the RHP Steering Committee and led workgroups throughout the year: the Homebuilders Association of Northwest Michigan, Builders Exchange, Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, Aspire North Realtors, Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, Commongrounds, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Traverse Connect for your dedication, insight, and continued commitment to housing solutions across our region.
86 ORGANIZATIONS ENGAGED
20
DIFFERENT SECTORS DREPRESENTED
27 LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT ENGAGED 10
STEERING COMMITTEE AND WORKGROUP LEADERS GUIDING IMPLEMENTATION
AYEARIN REVIEW 08
In 2024, our region made significant strides, thanks to the dedication and leadership of local communities and engaged partners. From zoning reforms and housing policy workshops to expanded use of tools, every success was rooted in collaborative, place-based efforts Communities leaned in to explore what would work best for their unique needs: action plans, focus groups, and work sessions that drove meaningful action. Our progress this year reflects a shared commitment to building local capacity, empowering leaders, and implementing real solutions that move the needle on housing throughout northern Michigan.
In 2024, we shared regional insights and solutions at eight key conferences and summits, amplifying our message and building partnerships across the state. From presenting at the Michigan Association of Counties and the Building Michigan Communities Conference, to leading panels at the Michigan Downtown Association and MEDA, we helped elevate the housing conversation statewide creating space for dialogue, innovation, and local action.
OURSUPPORTERS 09
GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS
Charlevoix County Community Foundation
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Hagerty Management LLC
Manistee County Community Foundation
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation
The Frey Foundation
The Huntington Foundation
HOUSING READY PROGRAM
SUPPORT
Charter of Township Filer
City of Harbor Springs
City of Manistee
City of Manistee Housing Commission
City of Petoskey
Leelanau Christian Neighbors
Leelanau County
Manistee County
Manistee County Visitors Bureau
Resort Township
Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Manistee County
West Traverse Township
EVENT SPONSORS
4Front Credit Union
Area Agency on Aging Northern Michigan
Aspire North Realtors
Beckett & Raeder Inc
Cherry Republic
Comm Econ Dev Assoc of MI (CEDAM)
Consumers Energy Foundation
EVENT SPONSORS
Edison Community Partners LLC
F S Roofing
Federal Home Loan Banks of Indianapolis
Fleis and Vandenbrink
Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan
Habitat for Humanity- GT Region
Honor Bank
Huntington Bank IFF
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Manufactured Housing, RV and Campground Association
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Munson Healthcare
Networks Northwest
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
Preston Feather Building Centers
Progressive AE
Progressive Companies
Shorts Brewery
Skydive Harbor Springs
State Land Bank
Traverse Benefits
Traverse City Housing Commission
Traverse City Tourism
DONORS
Thomas and Jodi Adams
Susan Ager and Larry Coppard
Denise and Mark Antonishen
Craig Ardis
James and Janeen Bardenhagen
Bev and Bill Barton
Nancy and Joe Belton
Tom Bisbee
Jennifer Brown
Frank Clements
OURSUPPORTERS 10
DONORS
William Coles
Marissa Duque
Adam Earle
John and Gina Erb
Heather Gaffney
Aaron Greenman
Sandra Hathaway
Payton Heins
Nancy Gallagher and Kevin Weber
Janet Koch
Luther and Mary Kurtz
Susan Leithauser-Yee
Juliana Lisuk
Jim and Christina Macinnes
Jillian Manning
Becky McCray
Lauren Meisel
Val Meyerson
Josh and Kristine Mills
Raymond and Christie Minervini
Chelsea Morris
Robb Munger
Mark and Anne O'Dell
Sharon and Patrick Oriel
Kristina Pepelko
Lori Pung
Katherine Ralston
Amanda Scott
Armen and Marie-Claude Shanafelt
Derek and Andrienne Shiels
Carlin and Karen Smith
Scott and Libby Smith
Emily Stuhldreher
Carrie VanderMolen
Sarah VanHorn
DONORS
Dawn Wagner
John Wallace
Carol Waters
Bobbi Welke
Susan Wenzlick
Ryan Werder
Bill and Rita Witler
BE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Because of your commitment, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities across Northwest Michigan. Every contribution helps us expand housing solutions, support local leaders, and ensure that everyone has a place to call home. You can support Housing North by donating:
GIFTS OF CASH
You can make an outright gift or pledge your support Contributions are eligible for tax deductions
GIFTS OF STOCK
Stock can be donated and may qualify for both a federal and state tax deduction. If the stock has appreciated in value, you may avoid paying capital gains upon transferring it to Housing North
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE
Real estate can be donated to support attainable housing projects. If the property's value has risen over time, the donation of this appreciated asset may qualify for a tax deduction, as well as reduction in capital gains.
PLANNED GIFTS
Planned giving include bequests, charitable gifts annuities, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance policies, retirement plans, or other arrangements
THANK YOU
We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our donors, funders, and supporters whose generosity and belief in our mission made this year’s progress possible. Your contributions have directly supported local action, expanded capacity, and helped bring real housing solutions to communities across the region.
Thank you for standing with us
OUR TEAM
Meet the core staff behind our work. In addition to our team, we’re supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, consultants, interns, and contractors who all help lead and advance our mission.
Yarrow Brown Executive Director
Shelly Charron Dir Community Engagement
Kent Wood Policy Advisor
Heather Spooner Events Coordinator
Tracy Davis Housing Ready Coordinator
Zach Sompels Housing Ready Coordinator
Susan Leithauser-Yee Housing Ready Coordinator
Lindsey Dotson Housing Ready Coordinator