Escanaba City Countil Meeting July 16th, 2026: Master Plan, Economic Development and Poised for Investment

 Reviewing Escanaba's recent City Council meeting, it's clear that a great deal is happening. The city appears to be positioning itself for future growth, and that's encouraging to see. From the outside looking in, officials seem to be addressing many of the fundamental elements of long-term economic development. Investments in infrastructure, efforts to attract new businesses, and continued support for community assets such as the waterfront, marinas, rivers, parks, and hiking trails all contribute to making the community more competitive.

One of the most important pieces of any economic development strategy is attracting anchor businesses. These larger employers create an economic ecosystem by generating demand for suppliers, service providers, logistics, and complementary industries. Manufacturing, wood products, transportation, and related industries often reinforce one another through shared infrastructure and supply chains. Bringing in a few high-quality anchor employers can create a ripple effect that supports dozens of smaller businesses throughout the region.

At the same time, it's equally important to cultivate entrepreneurship. Downtown revitalization isn't driven solely by large employers—it also depends on attracting innovative startups and small businesses. Ideally, these companies would appeal to both local residents and tourists while creating products or services that can be sold well beyond the local market. Businesses with export potential bring outside dollars into the community, helping to grow local wealth rather than simply circulating the same dollars within the region (It is possible to brand and market for this demographic.).

For a smaller community to outperform expectations economically, it must look beyond serving only its local population. Sustainable growth comes from combining local manufacturing, entrepreneurship, innovation, and export-oriented businesses with the continual attraction of new talent, investment, and ideas. This creates a diversified economy that is more resilient and capable of generating higher-paying jobs over the long term.

Overall, Escanaba appears to be moving in a positive direction. Downtown improvements, including current in progress new streets (water main) and sidewalks, are enhancing the city's appeal, while its natural assets remain among its greatest competitive advantages. Few places offer the combination of affordable living, a walkable downtown, access to Lake Michigan, boating, sailing, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. It's one of those communities whose strengths are difficult to fully appreciate until you've actually visited. With continued strategic planning and investment, Escanaba has the opportunity to leverage both its economic assets and exceptional quality of life to attract businesses, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors alike.

An interesting article Five Factors Driving Economic Growth in Small Cities

If there are any corrections to the summaries below let me know. 

Summary of Escanaba City Council Meeting – July 16, 2026

• The City Council approved resolutions authorizing the city controller to act as the authorized agent for a state disaster relief grant related to March snowstorm reimbursement and officially adopted the 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan.
• Planning staff highlighted the Master Plan's major priorities, including expanding housing diversity, preserving walkable neighborhoods, promoting place-based economic development centered on the North Shore's deep-water port and infrastructure, and strengthening downtown through higher-density housing and commercial revitalization.
• The Council approved replacing approximately 550 linear feet of deteriorated curb on Washington Avenue North and approved the employment agreement for the incoming city manager, contingent upon a successful background check and allowing only non-substantive legal revisions.
• Board and committee reports included updates on recreation planning, public input for the city's parks and recreation master plan, demand for dedicated pickleball courts, the successful opening of the new splash pad, Planning Commission activities, and Housing Commission discussions regarding employee compensation and a masonry inspection for Harbor Tower.
• During public comment, Delta County Landfill representatives encouraged support for the August 4 recycling millage renewal, explaining that the funding supports recycling, hazardous waste disposal, and composting programs, and warning that failure to renew the millage would likely increase landfill tipping fees. 

Summary of Escanaba City Council Meeting Agenda and 2026 Master Plan Highlights (July 16, 2026)

You can read the July 16th Escanaba Agenda

• The City Council agenda included consideration of a State Disaster Contingency Fund grant related to the March 2026 blizzard, adoption of the 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan, and approval of Washington Avenue North curb replacement work.

• The proposed 2026 Master Plan establishes a long-term framework for land use, infrastructure, economic development, housing, environmental stewardship, and community investment while guiding future zoning updates.

(This one is of particular interest because it falls in line with what we have been discussing.....)

• Community engagement involving more than 450 residents identified affordable housing, downtown and waterfront revitalization, economic diversification, infrastructure improvements, and expanded recreational opportunities as the city's highest priorities.

(Attracting start-ups and a few anchor businesses could help strengthen the local economy. It's worth considering how our local Opportunity Zone, with its tax-deferred incentives, might be used to attract investment, including anchor industries that are reshoring or expanding operations. We should also explore what it would take to encourage innovative start-ups to locate in our downtown area.

The ideal start-up would appeal to both local residents and tourists while also creating products or services with export potential to domestic and international markets. A business with strong scalability and long-term growth potential would represent a particularly valuable opportunity.

The key is to keep an open mind and continually look for new possibilities that could diversify and strengthen the local economy.)

• Demographic analysis found a declining and aging population, increasing numbers of single-person households, relatively modest educational attainment, lower median household income, and a need for higher-paying employment opportunities to strengthen long-term economic resilience.

• The Master Plan emphasizes protecting natural resources, supporting sustainable growth, expanding housing choices, modernizing transportation and public services, strengthening workforce development, and coordinating public and private investment to improve quality of life.

City of Escanaba. (2026, July 16). City Council meeting agenda and 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan (Draft). City of Escanaba. 

The Development of Self-Efficacy Leads to Performance Results

 What separates people who achieve their goals from those who only dream about them? More often than not, it isn't raw talent—it's self-efficacy: the belief that you can learn, adapt, overcome obstacles, and ultimately succeed. If you want to accomplish something meaningful, do something interesting, or make a lasting impact, start by believing in yourself instead of listening to the naysayers. You likely have far more talent and potential than you realize, but that potential only becomes reality when you have the confidence to develop it.

Each of us is born with unique skills and abilities. The difference is whether we choose to develop them. Being exposed to new experiences as a child certainly helps, but learning shouldn't stop there. We continue mastering our environment by staying curious and actively learning throughout our lives. Success rarely happens by accident. It comes from investing time, putting in the effort, and consistently building the skills that move us toward our goals. That's what self-efficacy is all about—the confidence that you can continue learning, improving, and overcoming challenges.

One thing to remember is that people aren't meant to spend their lives comparing themselves to everyone else. If you're doing something different, especially something worthwhile, you'll almost always have detractors. That's just part of the process. Sometimes people interpret your success or your willingness to try something new as a challenge to their own abilities, even when that isn't your intention. Its wrong but hey were human!

People with strong self-efficacy don't waste time being threatened by others. They learn from them. I know there are things I'm good at and other things where I have a lot to learn. When I see someone excelling in an area where I'm weaker, I try to learn from their experience rather than criticize it. That mindset leads to continuous improvement and personal growth.

Unfortunately, some people respond differently. They may discourage others, offer unnecessary criticism, or spread negativity. Often, that reflects more about their own lack of confidence than it does about the person they're criticizing. People with low self-efficacy may see another person's success as evidence of their own shortcomings instead of seeing it as an opportunity to learn. Negativity rarely helps anyone grow.

We all have a responsibility to develop our talents and use them to contribute to society in meaningful ways. That journey begins with believing in yourself, strengthening your self-efficacy, and staying committed to the things that matter most to you. Minimize the influence of naysayers, but don't ignore constructive criticism. Valuable feedback can help you improve—it just matters who it's coming from and whether it's offered with the intention of helping you grow.

Listen to people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Listen to good mentors, supportive supervisors, caring friends and family, and professors who challenge you because they believe in your potential. Learn from those who offer honest guidance, continue building your self-efficacy, and keep developing the skills that will help you become the person you want to be.

Role of Self-Efficacy in Job Performance and Career Success: Thriving as a Bridge to Sustainable Growth

• Examined data from 301 employees in a textile industry to investigate how self-efficacy influences job performance and career success.
• Found that employees with higher self-efficacy experienced greater thriving at work, characterized by increased learning and vitality, which enhanced workplace outcomes.
• Demonstrated that thriving serves as a mediator, meaning self-efficacy improves job performance and career success largely by increasing employees' sense of learning and energy.
• Confirmed positive relationships among self-efficacy, thriving, job performance, and career success using confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Concluded that organizations can promote sustainable employee growth by developing workers' self-efficacy and fostering workplace environments that encourage continuous learning and vitality.

Batool, F., Maqsood, S., Shahid, R., & Muhammad, S. G. (2025). Role of self-efficacy in job performance and career success: Thriving as a bridge to sustainable growth. International Review of Management and Business Research, 14(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.30543/14-1(2025)-4

Making an Offer on Orignial Painting Artwork-Pending!

8X11"
Untitled. 

You can also check
out some of the other stuff
in My Photo Gallery 
and send me an offer. 

You may also look at set price
on eBay Gallery UP Rower

If you want to buy
direct or have questions
send a message to the right
or email muradabel@gmail.com

 I recently finished this painting, and I think it took me about an hour total. Not one solid hour, though. More like 10 minutes here, 5 minutes there. I'd walk by, add a bird, throw in a sunset, splash a little water around, and call it progress. That's the beauty of these quick paintings—they don't demand a long-term commitment, unlike some home improvement projects.

I've been experimenting with this style because it keeps me from getting trapped in the tiny details. If I want to spend hours perfecting every leaf, I can. But sometimes a painting says, "I'm done," long before the artist does.

I posted this one on Facebook just to see what people thought. I'll admit it—I enjoy hearing, "Hey, I like your painting!" It's cheaper than therapy.

The funny part? Within about 10 minutes, someone emailed me and said, "I want that one." I told them to make an offer, they did, and now it's a pending sale. That's always a good sign. It's nice when someone wants your artwork before you've had time to second-guess it.

I'm certainly not claiming to be the world's greatest artist, but I have sold a few paintings here and there. Lately I've been trying a "make an offer" strategy. I list the paintings on eBay with a price, but I'm happy to entertain reasonable offers. Sometimes a painting has been sitting around waiting for the perfect owner, and I'd rather see it hanging on someone's wall than collecting dust in my studio.

Illustrative Only

Since I paint for fun and donate a portion of the proceeds to charity, I'm perfectly happy if someone gets a good deal. I can always paint another one.

That's another advantage of these quick paintings. If one sells, fantastic! If it doesn't, I can paint over it and give the canvas a second chance. And if all else fails... well, it might become the world's most artistic piece of fireplace kindling. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Speaking of art, I came across an interesting article about art galleries that got me thinking about how artists sell their work. Feel free to check out my gallery. You might find something you like—and if you do, don't be shy. Make an offer. The worst I can say is, "Nice try!" The best outcome is that you'll end up with a painting, I'll have an excuse to create another one, and everyone wins.

I thought this was interesting, 

Should I make an offer for Original Artwork?

Managing Corruption Through Transactional Incentives-Disincentives

 Corruption is, unfortunately, a recurring part of human society. We may not always recognize it, but from an economic perspective, corruption often becomes embedded in the cost of goods, services, and public administration. In some places the hidden cost may be less than one percent, while in others it may be substantial. The extent of corruption depends on a society's institutions, incentives, policies, and shared values.

(Illustrative Only) 

Joe demonstrates to
his party guests
the parlor trick
highlighting how 
easy it is to get 
favors when people
neglect anchoring values
passed on through 
the generations. 

Each person must decide what is 
important to them. 

Pick the best and brightest
and not the most connected.

Reducing corruption is important because it weakens trust, undermines social cohesion, and erodes the values that allow communities to thrive. Individuals who engage in corruption are typically responding to incentives, while others may knowingly or unknowingly create opportunities that encourage corrupt behavior. In this sense, corruption is fundamentally about transactions. Every interaction, exchange of money, favor, or decision involves a transaction. When those transactions are transparent, ethical, and mutually beneficial, in alignment with certain societal values they create value for individuals and society. When they are manipulated for personal gain, they impose hidden costs on everyone. Corruption functions like an invisible tax, reducing efficiency, fairness, and public confidence.

Because of these hidden costs, institutions must strive to operate with integrity. As we explore the Allegory of the Clan, modeled after Plato's Allegory of the Cave, we see how greater understanding reveals patterns that were previously hidden. In this learning example, corruption influences decision-making, while fundamental principles such as human rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are not consistently respected. The result is a society that experiences a net loss rather than a collective gain.

Each character in the allegory must decide which values are most important. By the conclusion of the story, the corruption is addressed and many of the harmful practices are reversed. However, this change does not occur overnight, nor is it driven solely by every individual embracing higher ideals. Instead, change occurs because enough people value integrity, while social institutions and incentives evolve to make corruption less rewarding and ethical behavior more advantageous. As accountability increases, practices such as protecting wrongdoing, blaming victims, or rewarding unethical conduct become more difficult to sustain.

This perspective aligns with research showing that reducing corruption requires more than punishing individual offenders. It also requires strengthening institutions, improving transparency, aligning incentives with ethical behavior, and fostering a culture where integrity is rewarded. By understanding corruption as both an individual and systemic challenge, we gain a clearer picture of how societies can reduce its influence and create stronger, more trustworthy institutions. Normalization of corruption should be discouraged.

There are greater responsibilities then self gain.......

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." — Pericles

*The Allegory of the clan is a philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. 

Seven Steps to Control Corruption: An Evidence-Based Road Map

• Corruption should be viewed as a systemic governance problem rather than simply a collection of individual illegal acts, requiring reforms that address institutions and incentives.
• Effective anti-corruption strategies begin with diagnosing whether corruption is the norm or the exception, allowing governments to tailor reforms to their specific institutional context.
• Sustainable reform depends on strengthening domestic institutions, civil society, transparency, judicial independence, and accountability rather than relying solely on external pressure or legal enforcement.
• The author argues that corruption is best controlled by reducing opportunities for abuse while increasing legal, political, and social constraints through public integrity systems.
• International donors should coordinate long-term support with local reformers, focusing on evidence-based policies that empower domestic actors to build lasting ethical governance.

Mungiu-Pippidi, A. (2018). Seven steps to control of corruption: The road map. Dædalus, 147(3), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_00500

Golf Balls, Fish Memos, and Fitness: Spear Fishing Adventures

 Someone gave me a tip about a creek where you can literally park your car, walk into the water, and start exploring. That sounded promising, so the next day I grabbed my camera, geared up, and headed out.

(Illustrative Only)

Whiefish

Well...let's just say the fish must have gotten the memo that I was coming.

The spot was fantastic for swimming, but as an underwater sightseeing destination, it was about as exciting as watching paint dry. There were a couple of rock beds, a little vegetation, and enough fish habitat to make you think, "Maybe there's something here..." But after swimming around for a while, I think the fish were all attending a meeting somewhere else.

I did learn something helpful from one of our local resource officers. Since spearfishing is only allowed on the south side of the Ford River, I started looking across the river and thinking, "That side actually looks a whole lot fishier." Apparently, the river is fairly shallow, so one of these days I may just wade or swim across with my gear like some budget version of Jacques Cousteau.

The other side has overhanging branches, submerged cover, and all the things fish seem to put on their real estate wish list. Even if I don't spearfish there right away, it looks like a great place to scout. Once I figure out where the fish are hiding, I might bring my little retractable fishing rod and see if they're willing to cooperate. If they are of the right species perhaps the spear.

7 golf balls on the bottom.

Speaking of discoveries, I found something today...just not fish.

Golf balls.

Lots of golf balls.

Apparently, I accidentally discovered the spawning grounds of the Titleist. Before long, I had golf balls stuffed in every available pocket of my wetsuit. I probably looked less like a spearfisherman and more like I had lost a bet at a miniature golf course. That's when I realized I really need a mesh dive bag. It's a lot more professional than using your wetsuit as an underwater cargo van.

One thing is certain, though. Whether you catch fish or just collect enough golf balls to open your own driving range, you're getting an incredible workout. I easily spend 40 minutes swimming, kicking, diving, surfacing, and exploring. By the time I'm done, I've burned a lot of calories—and I never once had to step on a treadmill.

That's one of the best parts about spearfishing. Even if the fish refuse to participate, you still get fresh air, time in nature, underwater adventure, and a solid workout. Some people pay good money for a gym membership. I just chase invisible fish around the lake until I'm exhausted.

As a certified fitness trainer, I appreciate activities that don't feel like exercise but still get you into great shape. If you'd like help improving your fitness, swimming endurance, or overall conditioning, send me a message using the link to the right or the email below. Just don't ask me where the fish are yet—I can tell you exactly where to find golf balls.

Spearfishing and Public Health Promotion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

• The study analyzed data from 12,737 adults in Hawai'i to determine the prevalence of lifetime spearfishing participation and its relationship to health and demographic characteristics.
• Approximately 25% of respondents reported participating in spearfishing at some point in their lives, with the highest participation rates among men, Native Hawaiians, other Pacific Islanders, and residents of rural islands.
• Individuals with a high school education or less were more likely to have participated in spearfishing than those with higher educational attainment.
• Spearfishing participation was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, suggesting it may contribute to healthier lifestyles.
• The authors conclude that supporting culturally meaningful activities such as spearfishing represents a strength-based public health strategy that can promote physical activity, social connection, and community well-being.

Hansen, L., Wu, Y. Y., Sentell, T. L., Thompson, M., St John, T. L., Schmid, S., & Pirkle, C. M. (2025). Spearfishing and public health promotion: A cross-sectional analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. PLOS ONE, 20(3), e0319169. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319169

US Leading eaconomic Index-May 2026-LEI UP, Decline Has Moderated, Slower Growth Ahead (Economic Metrics)

Reviewing the major economic indicators helps you identify broader trends in the economy. As you read more reports and follow different sources, you'll notice that some indicators, such as the Leading Economic Index (LEI), provide a broad view of overall economic conditions, while others focus on specific industries or narrower aspects of the economy.

(Illustrative Only)

Janice lives out in the woods
in Rapid River in her
hut. She likes to 
forecast the market
and create economic models
like complex puzzles. 

It is windy today
after the rain. 

Perpetual Sustainable
Development

GDP Projection Example 

Over time, you begin to develop a more complete understanding of how these indicators fit together. Major events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause significant short-term disruptions, but economies generally move toward a new equilibrium until the next major event occurs. By following these patterns, it becomes easier to recognize the cycles of economic growth, slowdown, and recovery.

It's also worth paying attention when smaller or less commonly used indicators begin telling a different story than the larger, widely followed metrics. Those disconnects can be valuable because they may signal that different parts of the economy are behaving differently or that emerging trends have not yet been reflected in the broader data. From a research perspective, those differences are worth investigating rather than dismissing.

Overall, reading broadly and monitoring a variety of economic indicators suggests that, at least in the near term, the economy appears relatively stable.

U.S. Leading Economic Index (LEI) – May 2026

• The U.S. Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased 0.1% in May 2026, marking its second consecutive monthly gain.
• The six-month decline has moderated, suggesting economic conditions have stabilized compared to late 2025.
• Positive contributions came from financial markets and manufacturing-related indicators.
• The Conference Board expects slower but continued economic growth rather than an imminent recession.
• The LEI is designed to forecast changes in U.S. economic activity approximately six to nine months ahead. 

The Conference Board. (2026, June 18). U.S. leading indicators. https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators/

"Usable" Classic Cars 2026 Market and Not All Mechanics are the Same (The Hunker Junker Chronicles)

(Illustrative Only)

Isaac realizes
that the shimmy the mechanic
said is from the tire, then the rim, 
doesn't really
have a clue what is wrong.

However, their cluelessness
costs him $$

 Working on classic cars is equal parts joy, frustration, and a long-term financial experiment. I'm currently restoring my 1985 Buick Riviera—better known as the "Gupster Gangster Wagon." (Named after a friend who originally owned the car.) It's one of those classics that actually gets driven instead of sitting under a cover. Everywhere I take it, people stop to admire it. Of course, they don't see the growing stack of repair receipts in the glove box.

The car still needs the Landau roof redone (I did a bad job trying to do it but it cost me $30 so it looks better then it did and if I spend $50 I can do a better job next time. You learn by doing.), a fresh paint job, and a few cosmetic touches, but mechanically it's getting there... one repair bill at a time.

One thing I've learned is that not all mechanics are created equal. Some charge a little more and fix exactly what needs fixing. Others charge a little less and somehow manage to repair everything except the actual problem.

I've also learned to be very specific about what I want repaired. If you simply ask them to "look it over," they'll head off on an archaeological dig, uncovering expensive "discoveries" you never knew existed.

Take my front-end shimmy, for example. The car only shakes under light acceleration at 55 mph. As soon as I let off the gas, the vibration disappears. That didn't exactly scream "bad tires" to me, but the mechanic was convinced.

"It's the tires," he said confidently.

So... four new tires later...

The shimmy was still there.

Then it became, "Well... maybe it's the rims."

Fortunately, I already had a spare set. They swapped them on and proudly announced they'd solved the problem.

Translation: "It's only shaking a little now."

In other words... still shaking.

Sometimes mechanics are absolutely right. Sometimes they're just making educated guesses with your wallet. That's why it's worth doing a little research yourself and asking questions. At the end of the day, nobody cares more about your car than you do.

Then there was the starter.

Every once in a while the Riviera refuses to start. Turn the key once... nothing. Twice... nothing. Five, six, seven, maybe ten attempts later... suddenly it fires right up like nothing ever happened.

Could it be the solenoid? The starter? A bad electrical connection? Probably.

Rather than paying someone to spend hours "diagnosing" it, I've decided to simply replace the starter. For about $350 in parts and labor, it's cheaper than paying someone to scratch their head for three hours before telling me they "think" it's the starter.

Classic car ownership teaches you an interesting lesson about money. Whatever your monthly payment would have been on a brand-new car, you'll probably end up spending something close to that keeping an old one alive. The difference is, nobody waves at your new crossover SUV at the stoplight.

The goal is simple: fix all the expensive mechanical problems first. Once those are behind you, the rest is mostly cosmetic—paint, trim, the Landau roof, and little finishing touches.

Then, when the Guppy Gangster Wagon is finally done...

You can reward yourself by buying another hunker junker and starting the whole adventure all over again.

Apparently that's how classic car owners define "fun."

Why “Usable” Classic Cars Are Leading the 2026 Market

• The classic car market is shifting away from prioritizing concours-quality restorations and factory originality toward vehicles that are reliable, practical, and enjoyable to drive on modern roads.
• Buyers increasingly value classic cars that feature discreet upgrades such as improved cooling systems, modern brakes, fuel injection, five-speed transmissions, and enhanced suspension while maintaining the vehicle's original character.
• A new generation of collectors is placing greater emphasis on driving experiences rather than preservation, favoring cars that require less maintenance and can be used regularly without sacrificing dependability.
• Modern traffic conditions, higher cruising speeds, and increased expectations for safety and reliability have made usability an important factor in determining both demand and market value for classic vehicles.
• The article concludes that the most desirable classics in today's market are those that balance authenticity with practicality, allowing owners to enjoy their vehicles rather than keeping them stored as static collectibles.

DM Historics. (2026). Why “usable” classic cars are leading the market in 2026. https://www.dmhistorics.com/journal/articles/why-usable-classic-cars-are-leading-the-2026-market/