The Alpena Housing Task Force (AHTF) is a group comprised of housing stakeholders including local government, developers, Chamber of Commerce, Target Alpena, realtors, Habitat for Humanity, NEMSCA, Cinnaire, Alpena Downtown Development Authority, Community Foundation of Northeast MI, MyMichigan Health, Alpena Authority for Brownfield Redevelopment, Alpena Public Schools, Alpena Community College, United Way, and others with a goal to increase housing units in Alpena County. In addition, we have made connections with local legislators; and representatives from the Michigan Land Bank, MSHDA, and MDARD. The AHTF continues to grow, and we will expand the group as needed.
The Task Force has been meeting since January 2022 to discuss the issue, coordinate stakeholders, and develop a workplan. With the implementation of this workplan, the AHTF hope to increase housing units in the area through the following:
- Advocacy/awareness/education about the need and options for more housing
- Inform and participate in policy changes to facilitate more housing construction
- Develop on-going connections with developers and builders to identify projects that are being considered, better understand their needs and barriers, and help connect them with others in the community
- Bridging the financial gap for housing projects
The AHTF has identified a lack of actionable information on housing market/demand as a barrier to housing development in Alpena County. As a result, the AHTF has identified the housing needs assessment as a priority. A Housing Needs Assessment for Alpena County was completed in March 2023 as a grass roots effort by the group and funded by contributions from the following:
First Federal Legacy Foundation
- City of Alpena
- Cinnaire
- County of Alpena
- Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan
- Besser Foundation
- MyMichigan Health Foundation
- Charter Township of Alpena
- DTE Foundation
The Alpena Housing Task Force meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1 pm At Alpena City Hall, Council Chambers.
To view the Alpena County Housing Needs Assessment Final Report click here