Robert J. Sarro

This document outlines Lakeshore Advantage's strategic framework, referred to as the 'Lakeshore Region's GPS,' to cultivate a bright economic future. The strategy centers on three core pillars: 'GROW,' focusing on primary employer retention, attraction, and expansion; 'PLAN,' dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation; and 'SOLVE,' addressing talent retention, attraction, and career pathways. The organization aims to achieve its goals through extensive collaboration, business retention and expansion assistance, attraction efforts, and robust entrepreneurial development and startup support.

The Board meeting included an informational session on economic development provided by Lakeshore Advantage, focusing on business and talent retention, expansion, and entrepreneurial support. Consent items approved included the audit of claims and interfund transfers, an appointment to the OnPoint Board for community mental health, and an amendment to the Michigan Department of Corrections Comprehensive Community Corrections Grant to include pretrial services. Additionally, the Board discussed and expressed support for the sale of the Calkins Dam from Consumers Energy to Confluence Hydro, LLC, highlighting the importance of the dam for local water ecosystems and the regional economy.

The agenda for the Board of Commissioners includes an informational session regarding economic development, followed by consent items such as the review of claims and interfund transfers, an appointment to the OnPoint Community Mental Health board, and an amendment to a grant for the Sheriff's Department. Discussion items include supporting the sale of Calkins Dam from Consumers Energy to Confluence Hydro, LLC. Additionally, the board will address strategic planning, including the closeout of the 2025-29 plan and the addition of new projects for the 2026-30 planning cycle.

The board discussed several items including the appointment of members to the Jury Board and Material Management Planning Committee, confirmation of changes to the Senior Citizens Services Millage renewal proposal, and a resolution to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds. Other topics included the approval of Farmland Preservation Applications, a grant application for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and renovation plans for the Human Services Building. The board also received an informational session from the Sheriff's Office regarding the 2025 Annual Wellness Report and the 2026 Quarterly Capital Report.

The meeting featured an informational session by the Sheriff's Office and the presentation of annual and quarterly wellness and capital reports. The board approved several consent items, including claims, interfund transfers, and appointments to the Jury Board and the Material Management Planning Committee, alongside changes to a senior citizens services millage renewal proposal. Key discussions included the authorization of general obligation limited tax bonds for medical facility improvements, the approval of farmland preservation applications for Lee Township, and the acceptance of a brownfield redevelopment grant for a Saugatuck project. Additionally, the board awarded a contract for the renovation of the Human Services Building first floor and reviewed a public health quarterly report.