Ottawa County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ottawa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Housing Advisory Board formation and appointments
The housing advisory board wants a second housing advocate seat, ideally filled by Erin Campe. Commissioners agreed to route the bylaw change through Planning and Policy and open appointments through the normal process rather than appoint directly.
Farmland Preservation Conservation Easements
The county bought development rights on four farms totaling about 228 acres in Jamestown, Chester and Polkton Townships, keeping that land agricultural permanently.
AI Data Centers
A resident warned about AI data centers' energy, water, and noise impacts, and Commissioner Moss urged local units to adopt moratoriums, noting zoning decisions remain local.
Growth Challenges: Housing, Seniors, Land Use, Transportation
Hope Network's new scheduling will eliminate midday rides, hurting veterans traveling to medical appointments; the county is talking with Harbor Transit about extending service.
Countywide local-government task force for growth
Staff proposed a "20 Forward" task force bringing all 24 local units together to coordinate housing, groundwater, and land use decisions — with county-appointed ambassadors taking best practices back to local planning commissions.
Eviction Prevention Program funding
The board approved $300,000 to continue the eviction prevention partnership with Good Samaritan Ministries, but only after amending it to step money down over three years and require citizenship documentation. Advocates called it one of the most cost-effective homelessness interventions available.