Moving Housing Forward

The Otsego Housing Task Force was created in 2024 by residents, business owners, and community leaders to help solve the housing crisis in our County.

Get Involved
Multi-story residential building with bay windows, balconies, and a stone foundation in Otsego County, Michigan.
Outline drawing of three people standing close together.

For the Community

The Task Force is here for our communities to make sure folks across the county know why we are facing a crisis, support action to help create more housing, and share resources that may support individuals and families getting the help and resources they need to find housing.

Find Housing Resources
Construction site with a yellow Caterpillar excavator and a building under construction, showing steel framing and concrete block walls in Otsego County, Michigan.
Outline of a safety helmet, commonly used in construction or industrial workplaces.

For Developers

The Task Force is here for developers interested in building homes in a county and region with high demand for housing. We can help find and connect to local resources, decision makers, and even rally local support at public meetings.

Find Building Resources

How We’re Taking Action

  • People gathering in a conference room, some seated, some standing, engaged in conversations at an Otsego Housing Task Force Meeting.

    EDUCATE

    We are making sure fellow community members and leaders understand that a huge need for housing exists and how we solve this problem together.

  • Woman smiling wearing sunglasses, holding community survey forms for Otsego Housing Task Force.

    ADVOCATE

    We are working with residents and leaders to study the issues and enact real change, moving us closer to building more safe, stable and attainable housing.

  • Construction site with a partially built house covered in Tyvek wrap and a red construction lift in front of it, surrounded by dirt and trees in the background in Otsego County, Michigan.

    SUPPORT

    We are helping residents find the housing resources they need, while ensuring developers and builders see Otsego County as a great place to build housing for the hard-working people of our County.

Event Recaps

Events
2024 Community Housing Survey
2024 Community Housing Survey

Almost 1,000 responses were collected in 2024 from community members about housing needs. And 97% of all respondents said that we need more housing!

Housing Task Force Steward Zoning Change
Housing Task Force Steward Zoning Change

In the Summer of 2025 Otsego County approved a change allowing 560 Square Foot homes. This zoning ordinance change was in part due to participation of Task Force members in a Planning Commission sub workgroup.

Open House November, 2025
Open House November, 2025

The housing affordability crunch has reached a crisis in Gaylord and Northern Michigan, according to Paul Hartmann, a member of the planning commissions for Elmira Township and Otsego County.

Open House April, 2025
Open House April, 2025

The open house in April, 2025, at the local library was attended by more than 50 community members. This was the Task Force’s first launch and introduction to the community.

Housing Need Assessments 2025
Housing Need Assessments 2025

Both the Otsego Economic Alliance and Northeast Michigan Housing Alliance completed updated housing need assessments in 2025. Both studies were developed in part for the Otsego Housing Task Force.

Planning Commission Membership
Planning Commission Membership

One of the Housing Task Force members volunteered for and was recently voted in to be on the Gaylord City Planning Commission. In addition, there are 3 Housing Task Force members on the County Planning Commission.

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