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 - Page 15 -Economic and business factors that will most influence education and training in the future: - Use of Internet (i.e. distant learning)- Increasing use of call centers versus walking into a local office- Increasing pressure of "just in time" concept- Training of teachers in computer skills to keep up with industry standards and pace of new developments- Increased demand for employees to have basic computer skills- Ability to deliver training while limiting the time the employee is taken away from the work environment- The rapid pace of change in technology in the private sector will be a challenge for the educational system/public sector to keep pace with (or lead)(Survey of Economic Development Directors in Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo and Osceola counties. Lake county does not employ an Economic Development Director.) C. Education and Training 1. Educational attainment of persons 25 and over:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation County Profile & US Bureau of the Census There are 20,965 persons living in the region that do not have a high school diploma. This represents 26.8% of the 25 and over population. (1990 US Bureau of Census) Potential of making greater utilization of senior citizens in the workforce. Recent federal legislation removes the penalty for Social Security recipients ages 65 to 69 who continue to work. In explaining the rationale for this change, a US Representative said, AThe situation has changed dramatically in our economy. We need experienced, seasoned workers, and frankly we have older people not only wanting to work but needing to work. Number of Residents in the Region, 65-69:
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3. Apprenticeship Training An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, and/or employer associations. Government's role is to, first, safeguard the welfare of apprentices, second, ensure the quality and equality of access of apprenticeship programs, and third, provide integrated employment and training information to sponsors and the local employment and training community. Employer applicants include employers or an association of employers with or without the participation of labor unions. Individual applicants for apprenticeship programs must be at least 16 years old and meet the program sponsor's qualifications. Generally, applicants must satisfy the sponsor that they have the ability, aptitude, and education to master the rudiments of the occupation and complete the related instruction required in the program. Prospective employers work with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training or State Apprenticeship Council field representatives to develop a set of apprenticeship training standards which include the on-the-job training outline, related classroom instruction curriculum and the apprenticeship program operating procedures. The program will be registered if it meets Federal requirements. Apprenticeship Training in the Region The following is a list of registered apprenticeship occupations and the approximate number of active sites in the West Central region. Employer sites often employ more than one apprentice and may involve more than one skilled trade. ...back
Apprenticeship Training in West Michigan In the region it is typical that workers drive outside the area for work. The following is the number of approximate active sites outside the region but within reasonable driving distance from the West Central Michigan region or within training council jurisdictions. The opportunities are primarily in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties. Most of the apprentices are employed in the construction or manufacturing area. ...back
School-to-Registered Apprenticeship Programs The Michigan School-to-Registered Apprenticeship system assists youth in the eleventh and twelfth grades who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school. The apprentice and the sponsor sign an apprenticeship agreement. The apprentice agrees to perform the work and complete the related study, and the sponsor agrees to make every effort to keep the apprentice employed and to comply with standards established for the program. If this agreement meets all the standards of the registered apprenticeship, it is then registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training or a State Apprenticeship Council/Agency. The registered school-to-apprenticeship program is designed to provide the flexibility the high school apprentice needs to continue with the school-based related instruction component and the part-time structured On-the-Job Training component. After graduating from high school, the apprentice is employed full time and continues with the occupational On-the-Job Training and related instruction. The following is a list of School-to-Registered Apprenticeship occupations with Employment Standards developed and approximate number of active sites in the West Central region. Employer sites may employ more than one apprentice.
D. Technology Technology in Lake and Mason counties Infrastructure/Internet Access – All schools (excluding elementary schools) in Lake and Mason counties have a direct connection to the Internet. Most schools have a fractional T1 connection and some have full T1 access. The same is true for area businesses. Some of the local Internet Service Providers may have multiple T1s, but no one has greater bandwidth than the 1.54 Mbps pipeline provided by a T1 line. Currently this limited bandwidth is acceptable for schools but area businesses need greater bandwidth to share files and communicate with their customers and home offices. When Internet2 becomes a reality, T1 connections will not suffice and access to fiber or a wireless connection will be necessary. There may be some fiber in our area, but we do not have an on-ramp to it, nor could we afford to lease it from the telephone companies. ...back
Distance Learning – West Shore Community College (WSCC), located in Mason county, has a growing distance-learning program. Online courses, available over the Internet, are increasing in popularity because they are more convenient and students with a busy lifestyle can fit these courses into their schedule. Complete certificate and degree programs will be available in the fall of 2000 through the Michigan Community College Virtual Learning Collaborative (MCCVLC). Over 200 courses, taught by Michigan community colleges are currently available. Interactive Television (ITV) courses are also available at WSCC. ITV uses T1 lines and digitally compressed video to provide two-way interactive audio and video between locations. With specially equipped classrooms, multiple sites can all be connected to the same course, eliminating the need to drive to one central location to receive training/courses. All sites can see and hear the other sites. These rooms can also be used to bring in guest lecturers or take students on virtual field trips to zoos, state capital, or museums. Courses from universities are also available locally so area residents do not have to drive to Lansing or Grand Rapids or other communities. Area businesses can also use these rooms to video conference with distant clients or their branch offices. Trends – Internet access will become increasingly important. Consequently, bandwidth in our area will need to be increased. Hospitals and other members of the health care industry will use telemedicine to consult with experts in other parts of the state/country. To attract new businesses to the area, access to high-speed Internet connections will be a pre-requisite. eBusiness will increase and education will continue to distribute courses and training over the Internet. Citizens will need to have increased computer skills. The demand for workers trained in the Information Technology field will increase. Technology in Mecosta and Osceola Counties Infrastructure/Internet access - The residents of both counties are served by a number of commercial Internet Service Providers using T1 or fractional T1 connections mostly provided through MERIT (MichNet). MichNet’s upgrade to T3 service in Big Rapids is scheduled to be completed by late summer or early fall 2000. Advertised 56 kb dial-up connections for home and business use are the norm, and ISDN connections are available in a number of areas. Dial-up speeds are affected by phone line and switch capabilities and service quality in the area varies significantly because of them. K-12 school districts in both counties utilize T1 connections as the basis for their wide area networks. A fairly massive effort over the past three years has fiber linking a number of school sites, building to building, while almost every classroom, school library, and many offices are connected with robust (Category 5) copper cabling. Ferris State University, the major post-secondary educational institution in the area has a strong Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) fiber backbone on campus and since 1999 has been a full member of MERIT, using multiple T1 lines to deliver Internet connectivity to its Big Rapids Campus Intranet. Digital Service Line (DSL) service has not yet reached these counties, and cable companies here are not yet offering Internet cable connections. Upper transmission speed limitations of wireless technologies (@10 mb) have kept this technology only superficially deployed in the region. Distance Learning - Ferris State University in Big Rapids leads the educational institutions in Mecosta and Osceola counties in the development of distance learning as an integrated educational experience. Over 140 faculty members have used WebCT software to deliver a portion of their coursework over the Web to students as far away as the Netherlands. Two distance learning classrooms featuring broadcast capabilities and two-way interactive video have been outfitted at the University and may be rented by members of the community, when otherwise unscheduled. Distance learning initiatives are relatively underdeveloped in the K-12 environment in the Mecosta and Osceola county area. ...back
The Reed City Public Schools use satellite downlink capabilities to support some areas of the curriculum, especially foreign language study. Trends - Escalating Internet bandwidth consumption is a growing phenomenon throughout the region. Bandwidth consumption by the students, faculty and staff of Ferris State University has more than doubled every year over the past three years. K-12 school districts like the one in Big Rapids that typically offer Internet connectivity at every personal computer in classrooms and offices also report increased bandwidth consumption. The growing number of ISPs serving this two county area indicates increased Internet access from the home. All categories of users are expected to transfer larger quantities of audio and video files in the near term, and thereby require greater networking resources to do it. Keeping technology current in school districts that have grown to their present level on the basis of school bonds is a challenge to some, while finishing the job (putting a computer at the end of a high speed cable) challenges others. Retaining high quality technical support people to maintain complex IT infrastructures is a problem at both K-12 schools and Ferris State University. Continuous end user training and professional development of IT staff are expensive but viewed by IT professionals in the region as among the most significant investments for the future. The potential of e-commerce to promote business in the Mecosta and Osceola county area is still largely underdeveloped and novel, but opportunities should arise in the future. Local public libraries have incorporated Internet access in their services to the community. Last year the Big Rapids Community Library received a Gates Foundation grant to buy four Internet-ready personal computers for public use. Technology in Newaygo CountyInfrastructure/Internet Access – All public schools within Newaygo county have Internet access provided by the technology division, Newaygo County Advanced Technology Service (NCATS), of the Newaygo County Intermediate School District (NCISD). In addition, the Newaygo County Government Complex, Fremont, Hesperia, and White Cloud public libraries, Newaygo County Mental Health, and the Fremont Area Foundation, Gerber Memorial Hospital all are connected by fiber to NCATS. Internet dial-up access is available to the educational, business and general community for a competitive service charge. NCATS was the first entity to provide Internet access to the Newaygo Community; currently there are six competitive Internet service providers. For higher bandwidth, direct Internet connects are also available using dedicated leased phone lines to the Michigan State University Extension Service, Great Lakes Energy, Muskegon Intermediate School District, and Fremont Christian Schools. Those dedicated 56K users share a digital T1 access to NCATS. Outbound Internet traffic is carried by two T1s. The sites described as having fiber connects are running on a Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) (100MB) backbone. New Gigabit switches have been installed at NCATS and are now supporting multiple fiber locations. This will be the next direction for fiber sites. NCATS has worked with Newaygo Public Schools and designed and installed all Gigabit switches to connect district buildings together and to NCATS using a Gigabit connection. ...back
NCATS has provided Internet and data networking backbone support for the 10,000 students and 1,000 staff members for the past five years. Through the financial support of the Fremont Area Foundation, there have been no costs to support this service to the local school districts. Thousands of community members and non-profit agencies are now supported by NCATS. The support and appropriate use of technologies has been the mission of NCATS and we continue to consult, design, and build appropriate technologies for our educational and business communities. The non public schools have been working toward upgrading existing technologies. This has required additional wiring, servers, printers, and workstations. Internet is being provided by a direct connection to Fremont Christian. St. Michaels, Grant Christian, and the Fremont Baptist Academy have free dial-up service to NCATS. NCATS has worked with these schools to provide design and grant writing support to assist in acquiring funds from the Fremont Area Foundation. Each of the technology plans for non-public schools attempt to provide a technology model for data networking as described below. NCISD/NCATS Model – generally speaking, all public schools within Newaygo County Intermediate School District have telephones for each teacher, a personal workstation, and three to five computers in each classroom. Most districts have updated hardware and software to support the business, transportation and food service functions. Student record and curriculum management applications are supported across the WAN. The delivery of countywide applications is possible using AS/400 or PC server technology. Distance Learning – The five school districts within Newaygo county are all connected to a fiber-based broadband distance-learning network. The Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, the Fremont Area Foundation, and the NCISD Educational Service all have interactive distance learning rooms. These facilities operate with a maximum of three incoming sites and a fourth monitor to view local source output. We have been operational for five years. Additional resources are available to any site on the Distance Learning Network. Satellites, Cable TV, taped VHS sources, and compress video locations can be accessed from any of the nine sites. Compressed Video is provided by connection to the MiCTA Video network (Sprint). This allows transmission speeds of up to ˝ T1 between connected sites. Telephones – NCATS operates multiple PBX systems that support telephone needs across the district. A new state-of-the-art PBX was recently installed at NCATS to support the additional telephone needs of our existing buildings and the expected need for the future Performing Arts Center, where construction began in July. Most districts have installed T1s for local trunks, voice mail and the ability to provide voice mail. This fiber-based telephone network allows the creation of the small non-profit phone company, allowing NCATS to create 4-digit dialing and the consolidation of the long distance calls. This reduces the cost of operation and provides management with detailed reporting of phone use and expense by phone, department, building or district. At present NCATS has two T1s used for outbound long distance. ...back
Trends/Areas of Concern – Newaygo county, like most of rural Michigan does not have up-to-date available telephone service. There is no competition for telephone service in our county and, in our case Ameritech will not be updating the local central office to provide the new telephone features. (Example – Caller line ID is not available in the Newaygo dialing area, with Integrated Services Dedicated Network (ISDN), Primary Rate Interface (PRI) or Basic Rate Interface (BRI) also not available in the county.) Some of these services are available if the customer wishes to pay to have the circuit back-hauled from Comstock Park at $15 per mile per month. This creates a situation were telecommunication services from Ameritech could cost a rural school district or business 400% more than a similar business in a suburban community. Technology is expensive, and so is employing the skilled personnel necessary to keep a school or community running smoothly. Few school districts are financially prepared to adequately maintain the state-of-the-art deployment of voice, video, and data technology that is necessary to ensure appropriate educational opportunities for students, staff, and communities. Alternative funding plans to support these technologies need to be developed. To date, no data wireless data solutions are available to the county. Multiple wireless cellular systems offer services. Only one digital wireless phone service is provided in the Fremont area. Two technologies, wireless data and the availability of DSL (high speed data service over copper) phone service will be most likely available within two years. These two technologies will impact our community. It will allow individuals to have high speed Internet access from remote locations, and the availability for NCATS to consolidate increased data traffic and then distribute it through a large Internet circuit. Staffing of skilled and dependable personnel to teach in our classrooms, personnel to manage our school operations and personnel to operate and maintain technology will continue to be difficult. This will be in part due to the overall demand of these individuals by the business community, but also the salary range that will be required to attract and keep these people. Schools have traditionally not been quick to adapt or change; it may be necessary to consider new models of operation to provide service and direction. This is not to imply "knee jerk" planning should replace current or broad-based educational programs. E. Political-Legal Sub-standard housing in various parts of the region is a universal concern. Many would argue that the foundation for improved housing for some residents begins with effective zoning. This is particularly critical in rural areas where people move to escape restrictions, feel greater independence and have especially strong feelings about individual property rights. Charter schools began in Michigan in 1994 with eight being commissioned, which attracted about 1200 students. During the 2000-01 school year, it is anticipated that as many as 200 charter schools will be operating with a combined enrollment in excess of 57,000 pupils. Charter schools are less prevalent in rural areas of Michigan and this five county region has just one in operation - Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids. Classes began with the fall semester in 1998 with 329 students enrolled in grades K-8 during its first school year. Consistent with its plan, Crossroads Academy is adding a grade each year and will offer a K-10 program this fall. Among the Governor=s avowed intents was his desire to create competition among schools much like exists among businesses in the private sector. Crossroads Charter Academy enrolled 387 students its second year and anticipates about 450 students in attendance during 2000-01. Of its 461 students enrolled for the fall 2000 semester, Crossroads Charter Academy will be drawing students from 8 school districts within the region: Baldwin, 6; Big Rapids, 244 (includes approximately 50 parochial/home schooled students); Chippewa Hills, 4; Evart, 7; Morley, 45; Pine River, 10; Reed City, 128 (includes approximately 45 parochial/home schooled students); White Cloud, 13. Many have believed that charter schools only attract children of more affluent parents. During its first year of operation, 52.9% of the students at Crossroads Charter Academy were receiving free and reduced lunch. ...back
Enrollment data from two of the intermediate school districts within the region clearly indicates that some students and parents are exercising available options afforded by schools of choice. This dynamic is illustrated by examining migration patterns during the 1999-00 school year. For example, Big Rapids Public Schools gained 169 students and lost 29 for a net gain of 140. (These numbers are exclusive of the Crossroads Charter Academy numbers.) In Newaygo county, the net shifts were greatest in the Grant Public School District which gained 48, lost 16 resulting in a net change of 32 and White Cloud Public Schools experienced a gain of 8 and a loss of 25 accounting for a net loss of 17 students. Although it is difficult to determine the number of students being home schooled in our region, the potential for that alternative approach to K-12 education may grow as more families acquire personal computers and Internet schools become more popular. Presently there are more than 45 web-based K-12 high schools specifically targeting home school students. Florida launched a virtual high school this past fall and attracted 9,000 students and anticipates that number to grow to 50,000 in two years. Michigan has appropriated 10 million dollars to start a virtual high school. F. Socio-Cultural Conditions Based upon the 1990 census, 19% of the residents of the West Central region were living below the poverty level. The following summary of data demonstrates that persons in this region are experiencing a level of poverty considerably above the state average.
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The following two tables illustrate this concern more specifically by focusing on the economically disadvantaged by population characteristics and children in poverty:
PY1990 & 1999 Annual Planning Information Report:
[Source: 1999 Kids Count] Among the 16 and now 17 public schools in the region, 43% of our students receive free or reduced lunch. This reality is based upon a three-year average for the school years 1996-97 through 1998-99. An examination of the data also emphasizes the great disparity in the region between a low of 25.5% at the Fremont schools in 1996-97 and a high of 85% at the Baldwin schools in 1998-99. Ferris State University has recently conducted a study to determine how students choose careers and courses of study. This partnership among private and public sector stakeholders surveyed Michigan=s parents, educators and students. The initiative was motivated by a concern for "workforce shortages in technological and health-related fields and an apparent lack of interest among high school students and graduates in pursuing training in these fields."* The response among parents and students was remarkably similar. *Ferris State University Survey conductted by EPIC=MRA
Parents perceive that they have the most influence in career decisions while their children believe their parents are among the most influential. ...back
Both have high self-esteem and aspiration. The assessment of parents as reported in the draft executive summary of the study is most revealing. ANinety-one percent of parents said their children needed to have a degree from a four-year college or university to begin a career, with 74% saying that while job training programs were important for children who need them, their children have the potential to achieve more. Community Mental Health leaders representing the five-county region were interviewed by phone to determine their perceptions of the most critical socio-cultural issues. Their collective opinion follows. a. There is complete agreement concerning the need for improved transportation. Getting to work and to medical services are the greatest needs. Getting to work is a problem particularly if you have a disability. The purchase, maintenance and operating costs of an automobile are prohibitive for some people. There is no public transportation in Newaygo county and the two county system in Mecosta and Osceola counties is inadequate. b. There is also total agreement on the need for more affordable and adequate housing. AThe price of housing is going up dramatically. Some of this is related to escalating land values. There is very little rental property and very high demand for rental property. Housing codes are not enforced in rural areas leading to sub-standard housing. There are pockets where housing is a problem in both Mecosta and Osceola counties. There is an absence of housing. It is very difficult to find rental property. It is expensive because of the shortage. Even sub-standard housing is high cost. There is a need for improved zoning. There is an influx of people who have been living unsuccessfully in urban areas. C. The remaining issues represent individual opinions.
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Child care is another social issue of concern that impacts one’s ability to work. "The single biggest barrier to keeping former welfare recipients in private sector jobs is aid for child care, according to a survey by a Clinton administration initiative. The study from the Welfare to Work Partnership found that without day care, parents often lack the flexibility to work. Moreover, high-quality care is best to assuage parental concerns and provide children with care that can prepare them for school." (2000 Business Publishers, Inc., Economic Opportunity Report, June 19, 2000). In order to get a perspective on the need for increased and improved child care locally, representatives of two 4Cs (Community Coordinating Child Care) agencies were surveyed. These two resource networks cover all five counties in the region. Both strongly concur that there are unmet child care needs. "Rural areas have little or no licensed options. Infant care is less available than care for older children. Some parents find it difficult to find second shift and weekend care. When families have more than two children, costs are prohibitive, especially if their income is just above the level of eligibility for child day care payments from FIA." "There is a need for infant and toddler care and care for school age children in rural areas. Third shift is available, however, parents who work on third shift have to find care for two shifts, one while they work and one while they sleep. Another area is children with special needs, many providers do not have the training or experience to feel comfortable working with this population." These representatives of 4Cs speak with parents on a daily basis regarding child care needs. Choices of quality child care are not consistently available. "Rural areas and most of Lake county lack options. Head Starts are available but only on a school schedule. The only full day child care center is in Ludington. Family day care homes vary in quality and are concentrated in a few towns." "First the state requirements for license is minimal. Their standards are for health and safety. Quality child care is more than that. It is up to the parents to set the standards for quality child care, but if they do not have many choices, they must lower their standards. In the county of Osceola families only have a choice between family and group homes. There is not a full service child care center in this county." ...back
The following table summarizes the number of child care facilities available.
Family Day Care are licensed for no more than 6 children Group Family Day Care are licensed for no more than 12 children with two adults for 7 or more children ...back
G. Transportation Public Transportation Lake, Mason, Mecosta, and Osceola counties have public transportation, while Newaygo county has no public transportation. Lake county has Yates Dial-a-Ride, which covers the more populated portions of the county, but not all of the outlying area. In addition, Dial-a-Ride is the major source of transportation for students of Baldwin Community Schools, and rides may not always be available during the times children are transported to and from school. Mason county has Ludington Area Transit, which covers the City of Ludington and surrounding areas. This service is not available to the entire county. Mecosta county has Big Rapids Dial-a-Ride for the City of Big Rapids. This is also a primary source of transportation of children to school who live in the city limits. A ride may not always be available when children are being transported to or from school. Mecosta and Osceola counties are also covered by MOCAT, the Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit Authority. MOCAT covers rural Mecosta (not the City of Big Rapids) and Osceola county. Rides may not always be available in outlying areas. Most public transportation operates during the day, and may not be able to assist workers who work other shifts. New employees at some facilities do not always start on the day shift. Although rider statistics are not comprehensive or consistently collected, an informal survey does provide some measures of volume. Monthly averages for the four (4) public transportation systems are:
Ludington Mass Transit reports that 40% of its riders are being transported to work and Yates Dial-a-Ride states that 5% of its passengers are being taken to and from work. A considerable number of persons in wheel chairs (175) and senior citizens (700) utilized the Yates Dial-a-Ride in the past 12 months. Passenger Vehicle Registrations Vehicle Registration by County
The growth rate in passenger vehicle registrations is growing faster in the West Central region than the state as a whole by a significant margin. In addition, the high commuting patterns of workers to jobs out of the county of residence require private transportation for the most part. ...back
Problems and Solutions Based upon three extensive studies resulting in funding proposals and informal opinion surveys, the two primary transportation needs are getting to and from work and medical care. Surprisingly, transportation for training and education does not seem to be an issue. Neither of the two proposals for improving transportation was funded, but both reveal the perceived need and well-thought out strategies. The most recent, submitting in March, 2000 involved the entire Michigan Works! West Central region. According to the grant application: AThe ability to get to locations for services and employment is an important consideration for all job seekers, particularly those with limited resources, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients. While needs are individual, there are common and reoccurring factors. These range from individuals who need transportation provided on a limited basis when their regular means is not available due to needed repair or their regular >ride= is not available for a time; to individuals who need reimbursement of the costs of transportation; to people who have no transportation at all and are totally dependent on public transportation; or others to get to needed services.@ Although needs are universally felt, Lake county presents an especially significant problem. AAccording to census data, up to 60% of the employed residents of Lake county hold jobs outside of the county. While commuting to employment is not unusual, this high rate is attributed to the limited opportunities available in this community.@ The intended improvement strategy involved three dimensions:
An earlier study and proposal involved the counties of Lake, Mason and Oceana. The study completed by the Community Transportation Association of America involved a consulting firm holding a series of meetings, interviewing transportation system officials, examining the landscape, studying roads and analyzing demographic information. Again, transportation to work and medical services along with proving a basic level of mobility for all people in the Tri-County area was the overall goal. The plan incorporated three delivery objectives:
A coordinating committee engaged a consulting firm to complete the "Newaygo County Transportation Coordination Study" in 1997. Although there is no current transportation system operating in the county, this study proposed the implementation of a system by making greater use of the buses being operated by the Newaygo Commission on Aging. The Commission would also act as a "Mobility Manager" and coordinate rides and the system of transportation including coordination of volunteer driver programs. Again, the primary identified needs focused on accessing medical services and rides to work. According to the report: "In a large, rural county such as Newaygo, there are many people who cannot access jobs due to transportation barriers." This need is particularly acute among Work First participants. ...back
H. Housing General Description of Housing in the Region The following table presents a historical perspective of housing construction. Dates of Construction:
[Source: 1990 US Bureau of Census] The West Central region is experiencing new housing growth beyond the state average in year-round homes to accommodate population growth. A comparison of owner occupied and renter occupied housing shows a large proportion of seasonal homes or cottages in the area and a possible shortage of rental housing when compared to the rest of the state. (The data is from the 1990 census.) Of the 75,056 housing units, including cottages and summer homes, in the region, 36,219 or 48% are owner occupied. 10,718 or 14% are occupied by renters (1990 Census, Michigan Information Center) leaving 28,119 or 37% which are cottages, etc. On a statewide basis, 63% of the total housing units are owner occupied and 26% are occupied by renters. The combination of lower occupancy rate on a year-round basis, which is not surprising given the recreational nature of the area, and building rate of close to 20% of the housing built in the ten year period from 1980 to 1990, shows the increase in housing for the region. This is considerably above the growth rate in population of 3.9% from 1980 to 1990. The latest population increase (12.7% from 1990 to 1998) and building boom are estimated to closely coincide. Housing Problems According to Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo, the cost of rental housing has increased at 12 times the inflation rate. The increase, he said, was Afor big cities, small cities, suburban, urban and rural. The housing crisis does not discriminate.@ He also reported that the purchase price of houses has grown by twice the rate of inflation. Despite a strong economy, increased housing costs are magnifying the housing problems of the poor. From 1991 to 1997, the number of housing units across the country that poor families could afford dropped five percent. ...back
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