Community forum surfaces local strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

Participants at the Feb. 24 Kalkaska County strategic-planning forum listed a range of assets and challenges the county should address in its plan. Among strengths they named natural resources, the North Country Trail, the airport, railway access, recreational facilities, Log Lake, library services and an "up-north" atmosphere that supports tourism and outdoor recreation.

Attendees highlighted key weaknesses including limited housing (especially for families), a shortage of hotels and lodging, lack of reliable internet service in parts of the county, aging public buildings, minimal local advertising and poor coordination between destinations and organizations. On opportunities they suggested connecting non-motorized trails, partnering with horse shows and biking events, expanding library space and services, growing the farmers market and creating day camps and parks-and-rec programming that could attract families.

Participants also flagged threats: state regulatory requirements tied to Rugg Pond, Materials Management Plan constraints, the Land Division Act and local tax changes described as "AX Michigan Tax," along with declining road fund revenues and vacant storefronts. The compilation of these items will be prioritized by the consultant using sticker-dot inputs gathered at the forum.