Board creates Housing Advisory Board to replace Housing Commission; staffing questions remain

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted June 23 to disband the existing Housing Commission and establish a new Ottawa County Housing Advisory Board with originating bylaws. The change was presented as a move to tap volunteer expertise, expand stakeholder engagement and streamline community input on housing strategy.

Commissioners discussed whether the new advisory board would require an additional county staff position to support its work. County staff said a position request is under consideration; if approved, the job — depending on grade and step — could have an annual cost (with benefits) in a broad estimated range that staff described in the meeting. County staff also said the advisory board’s work could begin under existing staff capacity and that if a new position is later requested it would likely serve multiple strategic responsibilities rather than be devoted to a single task.

Supporters said the advisory board will mobilize community volunteers and subject‑matter experts to advise the board and local municipalities on housing goals, reduce red tape where possible, and tailor solutions to individual communities. Several commissioners also emphasized the desire for any future position requests to be broadly scoped so that county staffing additions provide value across multiple strategic priorities.

What happens next: the bylaws were adopted and the new Housing Advisory Board will begin recruiting members. Staff will continue to evaluate whether a dedicated position is needed and, if so, will present any formal position request during the normal budget‑request process.