Delta County Commissioners Meeting (June 16th, 2026): Economic Development, Brownfield Redevelopment, Investments and Fishing

(Illustrative only)

Representing fishing 
in Delta County

At the June 16 County Commissioners meeting, it was clear that a great deal of positive activity is taking place across the region. There is a strong and deliberate effort to encourage local development, strengthen the economy, and improve quality of life. Unlike many communities facing population and economic challenges, the area has shown resilience, growth, and continued investment.

Leaders are focusing on long-term priorities, including economic development initiatives, brownfield redevelopment opportunities, and the creation of a comprehensive plan designed to maximize local assets and support future growth. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable community.

The meeting also highlighted new investment opportunities, including discussions related to UP Invest and attracting additional interest to the region. As these initiatives continue to develop, they will be worth monitoring for their potential impact on jobs, business growth, and community prosperity.

One particularly interesting part of the discussion centered on fishing in Delta County. Commissioners discussed local fish species and potential management considerations, reflecting the importance of the area's natural resources, outdoor recreation opportunities, and fishing heritage to the local economy and quality of life.

Thought this was interesting Brookings-Planning for Prosperity

Delta County Commission Meeting Summary

The Delta County Commission meeting focused on county finances, economic development, governance, and future growth opportunities. Commissioners discussed the potential impacts of the Headlee rollback, emphasizing the need for clearer information on future revenues, budget shortfalls, and possible service reductions before asking voters to approve additional tax authority. Officials noted that future development projects could increase tax revenues, but cautioned against relying on projects that have not yet broken ground.

(You can also check out Invest UP encourages investment in the UP.)

 
County leadership highlighted several opportunities for public involvement, encouraging residents to apply for openings on boards and committees, including the Airport Advisory Board, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Planning Commission, and other county boards. Commissioners also discussed proposed state legislation that would create a separate Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission to oversee hunting, fishing, and wildlife policies specific to the UP.

Several grants were announced, including funding for county board and airport staff equipment, as well as grants supporting sheriff department body-camera storage and equipment upgrades. The commission also approved actions related to fairgrounds property transactions and administrative personnel matters.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to presentations on Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities and available state redevelopment programs. Representatives from InvestUP and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) explained how brownfield tools can help redevelop contaminated, blighted, or obsolete properties, attract housing development, and increase local tax bases. Examples included redevelopment projects in Escanaba and elsewhere in the Upper Peninsula that transformed abandoned properties into productive commercial, residential, and tourism assets.

 
Local Fish and Natural Resource Implications

The discussion regarding the proposed Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission is particularly important for Delta County's outdoor economy and fisheries. The proposed commission would give UP residents greater influence over hunting and fishing policies, recognizing that local ecosystems differ significantly from those in southern Michigan. Delta County benefits from access to Lake Michigan and nearby Lake Superior fisheries that support recreational anglers, tourism, and local businesses.

Popular local species include:

 
Walleye, a major sport and food fish in Little Bay de Noc.
Yellow perch, highly valued by local anglers and visitors.
Smallmouth bass, which attract significant recreational fishing activity.
Northern pike and muskellunge, prized sport fish found throughout regional waters.
Chinook and coho salmon, which support seasonal charter and tourism activity.
Lake trout and whitefish, important species in Great Lakes commercial and recreational fisheries.

Supporters of the proposed UP commission argue that local management could better address fish populations, habitat conditions, invasive species concerns, and regional recreational needs. If enacted, the commission could influence future fishing regulations and conservation efforts that directly affect Delta County's tourism economy and outdoor recreation sector.

 
Key Takeaways

Commissioners continued discussions regarding the Headlee rollback and long-term county finances.
Residents were encouraged to apply for multiple county board and committee vacancies.
New grants were secured for county operations and sheriff department technology upgrades.
The county administrator received a highly positive performance evaluation from commissioners.
Brownfield redevelopment was presented as a major tool for housing, business development, and tax-base growth.

 
Proposed legislation could give the Upper Peninsula greater control over hunting and fishing policies.
Local fisheries, including walleye, perch, salmon, trout, and whitefish, remain important economic and recreational assets for Delta County.

 

S&P Global US Flash June 2026-A Few Thoughts on Long-Term Employment, Technology, and Growth.

The latest S&P Global Market Intelligence report showed the Composite PMI rising to 52.2, a positive sign for the economy. Manufacturing continues to be one of the strongest sectors, and it is an area we should continue to support and expand in the United States.

One way to strengthen manufacturing is by encouraging entrepreneurship and startup activity. New businesses often drive innovation because they can move quickly, adapt to changing conditions, and develop new products and services. Over time, these smaller firms can grow into larger companies that help replenish and revitalize industries as part of the natural cycle of economic development.

The report also highlights an important trend: manufacturing output is growing, but employment in the sector is declining. Much of this is due to technological advancement and automation. This does not mean technology is a problem. In fact, embracing technology is essential for maintaining competitiveness. At the same time, it is important to invest in workforce development so people can acquire new skills, adapt to changing job requirements, and maximize their employment opportunities.

Human creativity remains one of our most valuable assets. While machines can improve efficiency and productivity, innovation often begins with people who generate new ideas, solve problems, and create businesses. That is why investing in human capital, encouraging entrepreneurship, and ensuring that individuals can benefit from their efforts are so important.

Of course, this leads to broader discussions about income distribution, wealth creation, and economic opportunity. If people feel they have fewer opportunities to succeed, it may reduce engagement and limit future economic growth (May is the term here because one can simply watch and see what happens over a long period of time. Generally if a trend started a few years ago you will see some hints but it might take a number of years to truly form as an identifiable issue. Economy and Needs)  Those are important conversations, but they extend beyond the scope of this report.

Inflation also continues to create challenges by increasing costs for businesses and consumers. This is not just a U.S. issue; many countries are facing similar pressures.

Economic indicators such as the PMI are valuable because they provide an early look at business conditions and market trends. By monitoring reports like these, we can better understand where the economy is headed and identify opportunities and challenges before they become more apparent in other economic data.

U.S. Business Growth Improves in June, but Employment and Inflation Concerns Persist

U.S. business activity expanded for the third consecutive month in June 2026, with the Composite PMI rising to 52.2, its highest level in five months.

Manufacturing remained the strongest sector, reaching a 49-month high in PMI and a 59-month high in output as firms increased production and inventories.

Service-sector growth improved slightly but remained subdued due to high prices, elevated interest rates, and weak consumer confidence.

Employment declined for the second straight month, with manufacturing job cuts reaching their fastest pace since the pandemic period of 2020.

Inflation pressures remained elevated and supply chain disruptions worsened, although business optimism improved somewhat as concerns over Middle East conflict eased.

S&P Global Market Intelligence. (2026, June 23). S&P Global U.S. Flash PMI®: June 2026. S&P Global. https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/products/pmi.html

Painting Peninsula and Seagull Painting: Free Shipping!

 

Painting Peninsula Seagull

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If you want to make an offer
send a message to the 
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Sailing Versus E-Sailing: The app won't get you wet! (Offshore Rain Gear for Sail Boat Races)-Yacht Club Events This Week

 

(Illustrative Only)

Representing a 
sailing gear fashion show.
No fashion show but
just a conversation
on gear and rain.

Who says offshort
weather gear isn't fashionable?

I guess you could probably
put this on an app too.


However, the idea
of having a fashion
show for downtown
clothing retailers
might be something
fun for the businesses
 to consider.

Recently, we've had some rainy weather during races, and that was certainly the case last Wednesday. According to the forecast, there's a chance we could see similar conditions again this Wednesday. As a result, rain gear became part of the discussion. Weather Escanaba at the Escanaba Yacht Club and Gladstone Yacht Club. (They are about 7 miles apart. Both are affordable to join at about $100+ a year. They also have reciprocation with other clubs.).

I started looking around at different options because, while I have rain gear in San Diego, I don't currently have any here in Michigan. I spent some time comparing prices, exploring what brands are available, and identifying which products are generally considered the best. Below, you'll find a list of some well-regarded rain gear brands and options that may be worth considering.

While researching, I also came across an interesting study examining the similarities between e-sailing and traditional sailing. It highlights how many of the same motivations, skills, and interests draw people to both virtual and real-world sailing experiences. As someone who knows many gamers and has done some gaming myself (not well. 😕), I can certainly see those connections.

As technology continues to evolve, we're likely to see even more overlap between virtual and physical activities. The online world is becoming increasingly realistic, allowing people to practice and experience activities through simulations, virtual reality, and games in ways that would have seemed unimaginable just 20 years ago. Many sailing apps and games, for example, can teach valuable concepts about navigation, wind, strategy, and boat handling. 

Two Apps for Learning:

US Sail Skill Up App

American Sailing Challenge App

I've experimented with a few of these applications. While I wouldn't claim to be an expert, I've found them to be useful learning tools that complement real-world experience. Like most skills, sailing is something you continue to learn over time, whether you're on the water or practicing in a virtual environment.

(Illustrative Only)

Captain Adam
challenges the 
notion you 
can't get wet playing
on an app. 

Some Good Brands:

Searching around thinking about some of the brands that are out there. 

Batela

WindRider

Gill

Musto

Henri Lloyd Elite

Offshore Wet Gear: 

A few products I found while browsing around and thinking of some things one might consider.

Men's Ocean Sailing Suit Offshore Sailing Jacket & Bib Pants Combi Clothes Set - Hi-Vis Wet Weather Gear Hips & Knees Patches

Gill Mens OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket - Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable

Women’s PRO Sailing Jacket Waterproof & Offshore Bib Pants + Hi-Vis Hoodie 3-Piece Wet Weather Gear for Crew & Ocean Racing

Men's PRO 3-Layer Waterproof Sailing Jacket with Hi-Vis Hood for Offshore Fishing & Ocean Work

Connecting the Worlds of Sailing and E-Sailing: How Virtual Sport Participation Influences Real-World Sport Engagement

• This study examined how participation in virtual sailing games (e-sailing) influences individuals' intentions to engage with real-world sailing activities, media consumption, and sport-related behaviors.
• Researchers surveyed 593 members of the Virtual Regatta online sailing community and used structural equation modeling to analyze relationships among psychological and behavioral variables.
• Results showed that stronger identification with the online sailing game increased positive emotions, satisfaction, and attachment to the sport experience.
• Positive affect, satisfaction, and attachment were significant predictors of participants’ intentions to engage with sailing-related activities beyond the game environment.
• The findings suggest that virtual sport platforms can serve as effective gateways to real-world sport participation, providing sport organizations with opportunities to attract and engage new audiences through integrated digital and physical sport experiences.

Botwina, G., Kim, S., & Hong, H. J. (2025). Connecting the worlds of sailing and e-sailing: The structural relationships among gaming experience, psychological variables and sport behaviour intentions. Managing Sport and Leisure. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2025.2470271

A Couple of Local Events:

Just in case you want to get off the apps and e-sailing and do it in real life where you can get wet. Doing it in real life if a much more rich experience.

Also races are every Wednesday starting around 7 PM with skippers meetings at 6 PM. If you want to watch you can come to the mouth of the harbor at 7pm. Bring binoculars or telescope when boats are in a distance. 

You may also find race results and things like race routs in our local paper Escanaba Daily Press (If you are advertising in the area consider this and the Action paper)

There will be bands so you may want to check out the Escanaba Yacht Club FB Page-House Band (Free outside but Join the Club).

Gladstone Yacht Club FB Page will be having the bands Cover Girls July 25th, and Roman Around August 1st. (Join the Club)

Escanaba City Council Meeting June 18th 2026: From Snowplows to Hotels: 17 Minutes of Progress (Thinking Man and Shinny Yellow Roads)

(Illustrative Only)

UP Thinking
Man starts
traveling the
shinny yellow
brick road. 
He notices that
these bricks are
a little heavier
then the standard
ones.

He has a business
idea and thinks
Escanaba might
be a good place
to create a
start-up. 

Smart City

Real Estate and
Entrepreneurs

The Competitive
Advantages of 
Small Town 
USA

A 17-minute meeting—but what a productive 17 minutes it was. In that short time, officials discussed budgets, new police vehicles, a snowplow purchase, jail improvement projects, block parties, housing initiatives, and hotel development. That's a remarkable amount of ground to cover in less than 20 minutes.

The discussion reinforced the impression that the community is in a period of positive momentum. Development projects are moving forward, infrastructure continues to improve, and quality-of-life investments remain a priority. Combined with strong outdoor recreation opportunities, a welcoming community, downtown redevelopment efforts, rising household incomes, and reductions in crime, the area appears to be heading in the right direction.

The summaries below provide a quick overview of some of the major initiatives currently underway. From an investment perspective, this community deserves a closer look. With ongoing redevelopment, supportive local leadership, and growing economic activity, it presents opportunities that entrepreneurs and investors may want to explore. Connecting with local officials, economic development organizations, or the Downtown Development Authority could be a worthwhile first step.

Interest in the area is already growing, with new property investments taking place. For those considering future business or development opportunities, this may be a community worth putting on the radar.

Escanaba City Council Meeting Summary (June 18, 2026)

The Escanaba City Council met on June 18, 2026, and approved several budget, infrastructure, and public safety items. The meeting began with approval of prior meeting minutes and a minor agenda adjustment to move the closed session to the end of the meeting. No conflicts of interest or public comments on agenda items were reported. Escanaba Approves Jail Ordinance

Key Actions Taken

• Approved Ordinance No. 1326, amending the 2025–2026 budget to balance departmental expenditures as required by state law. City officials indicated the amendment would increase fund balance usage by approximately $9,780 but projected the General Fund would still end the fiscal year with a surplus of about $100,000.
• Approved Ordinance No. 1327, rezoning the former Delta County Jail property to Commercial E zoning. The change supports the planned hotel development project and aligns the parcel with surrounding Ludington Street zoning.
• Approved a special event permit for the Northtown Block Party on North 16th Street scheduled for July 18, 2026.
• Approved the purchase of two Chevrolet Tahoe police patrol vehicles for approximately $62,900. Council emphasized the vehicles would be fully marked and highly visible to the public.
• Approved the purchase of two tandem axle plow trucks for $593,354.86 and one single axle plow truck for $255,962.44 from UP Truck Center and Caspers Truck Equipment. Public Works noted the purchases would modernize the fleet, replace aging equipment, and secure delivery before anticipated emissions regulation changes.

Discussion Highlights

• Public Works staff explained that truck delivery is expected in spring 2027, significantly earlier than competing bids that projected delivery in 2028.
• Council discussed training opportunities for employees operating the new equipment, with Public Works confirming vendors routinely provide training and refresher sessions.
• Planning staff noted the hotel development project prompted discovery of inconsistent zoning classifications on the former jail property, making the rezoning action necessary regardless of the proposed development.

Boards, Committees, and Public Participation

• Council announced vacancies on the Housing Commission, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals and encouraged residents to volunteer.
• No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period.

Announcements

• Council promoted a municipal band concert at the Karas Bandshell.
• Enhance Escanaba reported progress on its Patronicity fundraising campaign and expressed confidence in reaching its funding goal.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess before entering a closed session to discuss collective bargaining matters.

Escanaba City Countil Meeting Agenda June 18th, 2026

Escanaba Meetings

Escanaba City Council Meeting Agenda and Budget Amendment Review (June 18, 2026)

• The City Council scheduled a public hearing on Ordinance No. 1326 to amend the fiscal year 2025–2026 appropriations ordinance and balance departmental budgets in compliance with Michigan law.
• Council considered approval of several major capital purchases, including two Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles and three new plow trucks for the Public Works Department.
• Recent council actions included adoption of utility rate increases for the 2026–2027 fiscal year: 4% for electric service, 4.5% for water service, and 6% for wastewater service.
• The June 4, 2026 meeting approved multiple community and infrastructure projects, including marina dock repairs, a splash park pavilion, municipal dock restroom construction, street striping services, and the purchase of development property on Ludington Street.
• The amended budget projected General Fund revenues and expenditures of approximately $10.9 million, with Public Safety representing the largest General Fund expenditure at more than $5.4 million.

(Illustrative Only)

As he toils
Rodrick thinks
of what might
happen if they
put some broom
bristles on this
barrel and
connected it to
a horseless carriage.

City of Escanaba. (2026, June 18). City Council meeting agenda and supporting documents. City of Escanaba, Michigan. 

Properties for Sale:

• The Escanaba City Council actively acquires and consolidates specific downtown lots, such as the $8,147.87 purchase of the 1011 Ludington Street parcel, to aid future downtown redevelopment. Additionally, several prime commercial properties and development lots are currently on the market across the downtown district. [1, 2]
• A breakdown of available land and notable properties currently up for sale in the downtown area:
• 1422 Ludington Street: A high-visibility corner lot with a $189,000 asking price. The property includes a 1,834-square-foot commercial building built in 1911, two large overhead garage doors, and a spacious addition. [1, 2, 3]
• 1100 Ludington Street: A historic landmark building known as the Ludington Centre. Listed for $650,000, the 31,600-square-foot facility offers great potential for retail storefronts and residential apartment conversions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 1117 Ludington Street: A turnkey, fully operational bar property and commercial space. It offers modern renovations and is listed for $550,000. [1, 2]
• City-Wide Sales: Various parcels in the Whitetail Industrial Park and South 32nd Street are available through the City Property For Sale directory.

Census Bureau's Analysis Veterans Employment-Business Can Support Veteran Opportunities

Veterans bring valuable skills and experiences that can make them exceptional employees. Reviewing Census Bureau data on veteran employment outcomes can help organizations make informed hiring decisions and recognize the benefits of recruiting those who have served. Veterans have demonstrated commitment, discipline, reliability, and the ability to work within structured systems and processes. They have shown up for their country, fulfilled demanding responsibilities, and often developed leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that transfer well to the civilian workforce.

Companies that prioritize veteran hiring not only gain access to a highly capable talent pool but also support those who have served the nation. By creating opportunities for veterans, employers help ease the transition to civilian careers while encouraging future generations to consider military service. These individuals play a vital role in protecting our freedoms and contributing to national security.

The Census Bureau's analysis examined nearly two decades of employment data and found that veterans from certain military occupations and branches often experience stronger earnings outcomes. Air Force veterans, for example, frequently earned higher wages, likely due to the technical and specialized training associated with many Air Force careers. Veterans with experience in intelligence, drone operations, and other highly technical fields also tended to achieve higher earnings because of their advanced technical expertise and critical-thinking skills.

As military operations become increasingly technology-driven, more service members will likely leave the military with valuable skills in areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence, advanced communications, and autonomous systems. These evolving skill sets may further strengthen veteran employment outcomes in the future.

Organizations looking to support veterans can partner with local veteran service organizations, attend veteran-focused job fairs, and actively recruit from military and veteran networks. Investing in veteran talent benefits not only the individuals being hired but also the long-term growth, resilience, and success of the organization. Veterans have already demonstrated their ability to serve a mission larger than themselves, and many continue to bring that same dedication and sense of purpose to the workplace.

Veterans’ Employment Outcomes After Military Service: Insights from New Census Data

• More than 2.8 million enlisted service members who were honorably discharged between 2002 and 2021 were included in the Census Bureau’s Veteran Employment Outcomes (VEO) dataset, providing a detailed look at veterans’ transition into civilian employment.

• Veterans with specialized military occupations, such as operational intelligence specialists and drone operators, generally earned higher wages and experienced stronger employment outcomes than veterans from infantry and combat-related occupations.

• Employment outcomes varied by military branch and occupation. Army and Marine Corps infantry veterans commonly entered administrative support, manufacturing, and retail sectors, while Air Force veterans were more likely to work in professional and technical services.

• Gender differences persisted after military service, with women veterans earning less than men during their first year in civilian employment across all branches of service. Earnings differences by race and ethnicity were generally smaller.

• Economic conditions at the time of separation mattered. Veterans leaving the military during the Great Recession experienced lower employment stability, while those separating during stronger labor markets generally achieved better employment outcomes. The COVID-19 recession had a more limited effect overall, although some Air Force veterans were disproportionately affected.

Foote, A., Hyatt, H., Janicki, H., & Wasser, D. (2025, January 14). What are veterans’ job prospects after they serve? U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/01/veterans-employment-outcomes.html

Corruption, Attitudes and Moral Foundations of the Future.

Let us continue exploring how corruption, discrimination, and injustice can affect society. The purpose of this thought experiment is not to accuse anyone, but to better understand how harmful behaviors can spread when they are ignored or left uncorrected. The long tail impact of embracing poor behaviors and outcomes. Where misbehaviors are uncorrected they are protected creating risks of future victims for everyone else.

In the Story of the Clan, false rumors and prejudice lead people to exclude, mistreat, and dehumanize others. Over time, some individuals are treated as less valuable, while those responsible for the harm avoid accountability. They are subject to every type of illegal misbehavior. 

Imagine a society where fairness no longer matters, where influence and favoritism determine who is protected and who is not. Trust in institutions would decline, victims would be blamed, and corruption could become deeply rooted. More victims created.

Research suggests that corruption weakens trust, damages social relationships, hints toward economic decline, and undermines confidence in justice. When unfairness goes unchallenged, society loses the talents and contributions of those who are excluded. If it is common and it openly rewarded it creates new challenges for the future health of society so you should always encourage accountability and correction.

The lesson is simple: freedom, fairness, and equal treatment require constant effort. The choices we make today shape the society we create tomorrow. A stronger future depends on accountability, respect, and a commitment to treating all people with dignity.

*This is a philosophical thought experiment for learning so take with a grain of salt. 

Corruption Experiences and Attitudes to Political, Interpersonal, and Domestic Violence

• The study examines whether personal experiences with corruption influence individuals' attitudes toward the acceptability of violence, including political, interpersonal, and domestic violence.
• Drawing on Moral Foundations Theory, the authors argue that repeated exposure to corruption can erode social norms and alter moral judgments regarding violent behavior.
• Using Afrobarometer survey data from multiple African countries, the researchers found a statistically significant relationship between paying bribes and greater acceptance of various forms of violence.
• The relationship remained robust even after controlling for factors such as local corruption levels, community violence, social norms, and perceptions of police and court legitimacy.
• The findings suggest that corruption may have broader social consequences than previously recognized, contributing not only to institutional dysfunction but also to greater tolerance for violence within society.

Gillanders, R., & van der Werff, L. (2022). Corruption experiences and attitudes to political, interpersonal, and domestic violence. Governance, 35(1), 167–185. https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12570