Delta County is showing us how small communities can thrive by combining smart infrastructure, forward-thinking energy plans, and strong community roots. Here is a clear look at how these pieces fit together to drive real growth.
The region's location and transit network—spanning port access, rail, a regional airport, and highways—make it a natural hub for business. Bringing in an Amazon distribution center has already sped up local deliveries and proven the area's potential for larger logistics investments. We can see how to get local products more systemically into these distribution and markeplace platforms (i.e. a downtown free class on how to get your products listed. Amazon themselves might want to be part of that and provide the class. You don't know until you ask. Likewise, something like the DDA could consider organizing businesses to export under a local brand. Just random ideas to think about.)
As local leaders explore solar power, one goal might be encouraging of building energy independence while protecting the community's natural beauty: (There is a cost to creating energy so let us consider maximizing the local benefit first.)
Powering Local Needs First: Using locally generated solar energy keeps power consistent and costs manageable, with any extra energy sold back to the broader grid.
Responsible Planning: Sustainable development means planning ahead for panel replacement and recycling, as well as using natural tree buffers to keep solar farms visually appealing (It also can make the land more appealing for the next people when solar is replace. Further, it reduces heating, protects against erosion, etc.).
Delta County's strong military community is one of its greatest assets. Expanding local career development programs—and partnering with groups like (VFW, AMVETS, etc.)—helps current veterans build rewarding careers while drawing new skilled talent to the area.
A active downtown naturally complements industry investment, making the community a place people want to live and visit:
Building Diverse Opportunities: Welcoming new startups downtown creates fresh jobs, diversifies the local economy, and helps existing businesses thrive.
Boosting Quality of Life: Combining four-season tourism, upgraded downtown spaces, and community events makes it easier to retain great talent and keep the local vibe welcoming.
Finding Value Parity with Larger Businesses: Local larger companies may like start-ups, tourism, etc. by retaining and attracting talent. Young people often do leave the area but a robust small smart city changes that equation some. Likewise, attracting more start-up investment often leads to more larger investments. Further, larger companies could consider investing in start-ups that lead to innovation for their companies.)
By balancing solid financial management with intentional investment, Delta County is building a resilient, welcoming environment for families and future businesses alike.
*Above are some random ideas that sort of relate to the discussion on hand. If you want to watch the video and come up with some of your own ideas you can find a summary and video below.
** If you like these free articles consider advertising space, buy some artwork, etc. :)
A Quick Summary of the Meeting
Call to Order & Opening: The regular meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Delta County Service Center conference room by the County Clerk, followed by a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call of commissioners.Administrative Approvals: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting (October 13, 2026) and approved the agenda with the addition of an item regarding the Eastman/Terrace Group LLC property. Written communications and committee reports were placed on file.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
A resident from Cornell Township raised concerns regarding specific wording in the solar ordinance amendment (Section 708-1), questioning regulations on screening, stormwater runoff, wildlife impact monitoring, and security bonds, and noted actions taken by Escanaba Township regarding the Public Service Commission.Another member of the public spoke against the solar ordinance changes, arguing that they impose unnecessary regulations and delay development compared to successful projects already underway in the county.
Departmental & Committee Updates:
The administrator's report and finance committee minutes were placed on file, noting a condensed budget resolution.A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs provided updates on staff, upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies (November 11), holiday assistance baskets, expanded collaboration with the American Legion, service committee vacancies, and record emergency relief funds distributed in the previous fiscal year.
Unfinished Business (RFP Investor Award): Following discussion on whether to transition from MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System) or handle pensions in-house, the board accepted administrative recommendations to reject investor award RFPs, remain with MERS, and work with administration to improve current management status.
New Business & Contracts:
Approved payment of claims totaling $3,934,741.40 and commissioner expenses of $226.64.Approved requests to fill a corrections officer position and accepted the MIDC contract.
Passed a resolution supporting Operation Green Light from November 4–11, 2026, lighting county buildings green to honor veterans.
Approved park rules and regulations, a Teamsters letter of agreement regarding insurance dates for transfers, and out-of-county travel for a MAC meeting.
Solar Ordinance Review: The board temporarily set aside Robert's Rules to discuss specific details and wildlife impact monitoring clauses within the proposed solar ordinance amendments.
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