Give Where You Live, Support Where You Summer

Guest Opinion

By Mercedes Bowyer | Aug. 16, 2025

As early as the late 1800s, northwest Michigan was a vacation destination. The expansion of steamship routes across the Great Lakes and the rise of passenger railroads made the region more accessible to travelers from cities like Chicago and Detroit and even as far as St. Louis.

Wealthy industrialists and middle-class families alike were drawn to the area’s cool breezes, dense forests, and pristine lakeshores, seeking refuge from the sweltering heat and pollution of rapidly industrializing urban centers. Resorts, summer camps, and grand hotels began to dot the landscape helping to establish a tourism economy that would shape the region’s identity for generations.

Now, every summer, northern Michigan’s quiet towns and scenic shorelines come alive. Visitors to a region can make an impact in many ways: socially, economically, and physically, just to name a few. These impacts can be both negative and positive both in numbers and impression. On the positive side, tourism can stimulate local economies, support small businesses, and foster cultural exchange between residents and visitors. Seasonal events, farmers markets, and art fairs often thrive thanks to the influx of tourists.

While we enjoy the beauty and peace these communities offer, we must also recognize our role in sustaining them. The phrase “give where you live, support where you summer” reminds us to invest in our home communities. Increased foot traffic and development can strain infrastructure, disrupt ecosystems, and alter the character of small communities.

Balancing growth with preservation has become a central challenge for many towns in the region as they strive to maintain their charm while accommodating the needs of a growing number of seasonal guests. If you spend your summers in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties, you are part of the ecosystem—and these communities need your support.

A 2022 study by local workforce and community development nonprofit Networks Northwest found that the summer population in our region surges dramatically. Antrim County’s population nearly doubles, and Leelanau County’s increases by a staggering 126 percent during peak season. Grand Traverse and Benzie Counties also see significant seasonal spikes, driven by second homeowners and tourists.

As mentioned above, this seasonal influx is not a new phenomenon. But what was once a leisurely migration of vacationers has evolved into a complex dynamic that deeply impacts the region’s year-round residents.

This influx brings economic benefits—tourism in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie Counties generated $1.4 billion in 2022, supporting nearly 9,000 local jobs. However, roads, emergency services, and public utilities are stretched thin during peak months, while schools and healthcare systems must adapt to fluctuating populations and seasonal employment patterns. It also places immense pressure on housing, infrastructure, and local nonprofits.

Additionally, the region is facing a housing crisis. Grand Traverse County alone has a housing gap of over 11,000 units, with a rental occupancy rate of 99.3 percent—leaving little to no availability for workers and families.

In Leelanau and Benzie Counties, the majority of homes for sale are priced well above what most residents can afford. Seasonal demand drives up prices, pushing out the very people who keep these communities running. Historic cottages and modest homes are increasingly converted into short-term rentals or luxury second homes, further reducing the stock of affordable housing.

Without strategic investment and policy reform, the region risks losing its workforce, its character, and its ability to sustain the very tourism economy that fuels it.

Local nonprofits are stepping up to meet growing needs—from combating food insecurity and providing youth programs to engaging in environmental protection efforts and offering housing assistance. These organizations are the backbone of community resilience, often rooted in decades of service and driven by a deep understanding of local challenges.

But they can’t do it alone. As northwest Michigan continues to welcome seasonal visitors, the gap between summer abundance and year-round need becomes more visible. If you summer here, consider this your invitation to support where you summer.

Donate to local nonprofits that serve year-round residents. Shop local—support the farmers, artists, and small businesses that make this region special. Volunteer your time or skills, especially in the off-season. Advocate for policies that promote affordable housing and sustainable tourism.

As you enjoy the lakes, trails, and towns of northern Michigan this summer, ask yourself: How can I help ensure these places I love remain vibrant, livable, and welcoming for everyone?

Mercedes Bowyer is the Donor Engagement Director for the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. She has worked in the nonprofit sector, often serving in leadership roles, for more than 25 years. Mercedes holds a certificate in Fundraising Management from Lilly School of Indiana University and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma.