Huron County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Launches Housing Study in Partnership with McKenna
Huron County, MI – The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Office of Rural Prosperity has announced the Huron County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) as a recipient of Round 4 funding through the Rural Readiness Grant Program. The Huron County BRA, which is managed by the Economic Development Corporation, was awarded $40,000 to support a countywide Housing Conditions and Development Readiness Study in an effort to evaluate the housing market and advance development of housing in areas demonstrating unmet demand.
The Rural Readiness Grant Program provides critical resources to communities facing unique economic challenges, helping them attract investment, create jobs and foster sustainable growth. The program supports local governments, nonprofits and economic development organizations in implementing projects that strengthen infrastructure, expand housing opportunities, advance workforce development and promote long-term economic success.
Through this grant, the Huron County BRA will conduct the first comprehensive Housing Conditions and Development Readiness Study in Huron County. The study will assess countywide and municipal existing conditions, a supply-demand analysis, an affordability analysis, and development barriers. The project will also feature housing workshops with local elected and appointed officials from across the county aiming to provide actionable data and strategies to guide zoning updates, attract investment, and support workforce and economic development efforts.
“Employers across Huron County consistently identify housing as a barrier to workforce attraction and retention,” said Samantha Schnettler, Executive Director of the Huron County Economic Development Corporation and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. “This study will give local leaders, developers, and communities the information they need to make informed decisions about future housing investment and development. By understanding both current conditions and future needs, we can take meaningful steps toward expanding housing opportunities for residents throughout the county. We are grateful to the Office of Rural Prosperity for recognizing the importance of this work and providing resources that will help position Huron County for long-term growth and success.”
To complete the study, the Huron County BRA has partnered with planning and consulting firm McKenna. McKenna’s team has already begun collecting and analyzing existing data and will launch a countywide resident survey in the coming weeks. Additionally, they will be conducting several pop-up engagements over the summer to raise awareness and speak with residents and visitors about housing in Huron County.
All Huron County residents are encouraged to participate in the survey to help ensure the study accurately reflects local housing needs, challenges and opportunities. Community and stakeholder input will play a vital role in shaping recommendations and identifying strategies to support future housing development throughout the county.