Who Will Keep Leelanau Working?

A Conversation About Housing, Workers, and the Future of Our Community

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County invites the public to “Who Will Keep Leelanau Working? A Conversation About Housing, Workers, and the Future of Our Community,” on Wednesday, November 4, from noon to 1 PM at the Leelanau County Government Center. The forum will explore local housing challenges and innovative approaches to helping essential workers live closer to the communities they serve.

Presenters from the Leelanau County Housing Collaborative will include Larry Mawby, president of Peninsula Housing, and Jered Ottenwess, Northport Village Manager.

Beautiful Leelanau County depends on the people who care for our health, teach our children, staff our businesses, maintain our local governments, and provide the services that make daily life possible. But as housing costs continue to rise, finding a place to live in the county has become increasingly difficult for the very people who keep our communities running.

Leelanau County has the highest median home sale price in Michigan, creating a significant barrier to housing for many people who work here. Teachers, healthcare providers, restaurant employees, caregivers, tradespeople, emergency responders, and other essential workers often face long commutes because they cannot afford to live in the county. As some choose not to make those commutes, employers face staffing shortages that can affect the services residents rely on every day.

“This is about more than housing. It’s about the future of our communities and our ability to sustain the services that make Leelanau such a special place to live,” said Becky Beauchamp, LWVLC board member. “Exploring practical housing solutions is an investment in the people and services that benefit all of us.”

The forum will take place in the lower-level Community Room of the Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay. The public is welcome, and attendees may bring their own lunch. A League member meeting will follow the forum.

WHAT: Who Will Keep Leelanau Working? A Conversation About Housing, Workers and the Future of Our Community 

WHEN: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, noon–1 p.m. 

WHERE: Lower-level Community Room, Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 

WHO: Presenters Larry Mawby, president of Peninsula Housing, and Jered Ottenwess, Northport Village Manager, from the Leelanau County Housing Collaborative 

ADMISSION: Free and open to the public

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County is a nonpartisan civic organization committed to informed and active participation in government. The forum is part of its ongoing work to engage the community in timely issues affecting Leelanau County’s future. Learn more at lwvleelanau.org.