Lake County Rural EC
Latest Progress Reports
Annual Report
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
Funding Report
State: Michigan
County (Census Tracts): Lake County (9604, 9605, 9606, 9607)
Community Population: 4,085
Community Area: 162.7 square miles
Poverty Rate: 33%
Unemployment Rate: 15.3 %
Per Capita Income: $8,195
Education: 37% of county residents are high school graduates
Overview
Lake County is located in the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. They have developed a strong Enterprise Community program with good state and local support. The major partners in the effort are the Lake County Board of Commissioners, FiveCAP, Inc., the Lake County Economic Development Coordinating Council, the Fremont Area Foundation and the West Shore Community College. The strategic plan is organized around three main goals of improving and expanding economic development, human services and housing activities within the community.
The economic development goal for Lake County is to become an economically viable community that combines and utilizes all community assets to stimulate business and employment opportunities to meet the needs of residents, local businesses, and tourists. An educational and training system is at the heart of the human services goal. The quality of life will be enhanced by improving access to heath care and by providing public services of the highest quality. The housing goal is to provide affordable, accessible, and sufficient housing opportunities for the total population, including those with special needs.
The restoration of the once thriving resort of Idlewild is the focus of the community's efforts to stimulate tourism in the area. The resort was a national center for African American entertainment during the 1940's and 1950's, but declined in the 1960's. The community intends to develop and promote the rich musical and cultural heritage of Idlewild by creating a plan to focus on it's history, including a means to attract visitors, and provide facilities to house exhibits and events.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity:
In order to promote economic growth, the community will institute a program to assist new business startup and existing business expansion. The West Shore Community College will begin a program of contacting potential area employers to provide opportunities for vocational education and on-the-job training for adults.
The community intends to provide technical assistance for existing businesses to develop business plans. Efforts are planned to assist in the development of retail and other commercial options that plans. Efforts are planned to assist in the development of retail and other commercial options that Commerce will develop and promote the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Idlewild Resort. Another key activity will be the creation of a comprehensive business incentive program that will promote business development, including the provision of tax incentives, training, land availability, and financing.
Sustainable Community Development :
The community will ensure an adequate supply of housing through the construction of new units, the rehabilitation of existing units, and the demolition of dilapidated structures. They intend to provide a program to make available low interest rehabilitation loans and grants to assist low income home owners in repairs and maintenance, including well and septic system repairs and updates. School facilities will be examined to assess the overall quality of facilities and possibly consolidate activities at one location.
The county will discourage the development of scattered housing through zoning. Public housing will be encouraged, through zoning, applications for assistance, and cooperation with developers of assisted housing. The FiveCAP will coordinate a housing program for low income citizens, including the elderly and disabled. The community will also provide and encourage programs that will promote moderate income housing, single family housing, and moderate income rental opportunities.
Community Building:
The Sheriff's Department, along with other police agencies and input from community residents, will devise and implement a program of community based policing. A mobile health van staffed with health care personnel and required equipment will be located at different sites in the county on specified dates. A program for young males and young adult fathers will be developed to promote personal and social responsibility and to provide education and life skills training.
Major Public Sector Commitments
Local Government Resources:
A comprehensive listing is included in the application of available resources in Lake County which can be coordinated to strengthen the activities described in this application.
State Government Resources:
State Jobs Commission:
$ 250,000 for the Economic Development Training Program for three years for a total of $ 750,000 and $10,000 for eligible clients under the Michigan Rehabilitation Program.
Community Service Block Grant:
$20,000 in discretionary funds.
State Housing Department Authority:
$3.2 million to fund housing development activity within the EC.
Federal Government Resources:
USDA - $100,000 FmHA Housing Preservation Grant.
IRP: Northern Michigan Foundation $500,00.00
Five CAP, Inc. $1,500,000.00
Sewer System: Village of Baldwin $3,279,000.00
Community Facalities: Courthouse $4,982,000.00
Multi-Family Housing: Kalil Village $1,473,545.00
USDA & Corporation for National Service:A volunteer will be provided from the AmeriCorps Rural Development Team.
Contact:
Name: Mary L. Trucks Address: P.O. Box 37, 302 N. Main St. Scottville, MI 49454 Phone: 231-757-3785 Fax: 231-757-9669 Email: fivecap@fivecap.org
