Northwest Michigan Housing Summit

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About the Summit

2025 Keynote Speaker

SUMMIT AGENDA

2025 NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HOUSING SUMMIT

The 11th Annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit took place on October 27–28th, 2025 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City! The annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit is an annual event presented by Housing North and its partners. This year’s summit, themed: "ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: Housing Solutions for Collective Impact", brought together leaders and changemakers to advance housing solutions rooted in local needs and collective action.

SAVE THE DATE: 12th Annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit

Save the date to join us this 2026! We hope to see you again on October 26 & 27, 2026, at the Hagerty Center for the 12th Annual Housing Summit. We will be in touch in early January to gather your input on breakout sessions, awards, and more.

2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Norm Van Eeden Petersman

With a background that spans municipal government, faith leadership, construction, and rural community life, Norm speaks with authenticity and authority. His presentations are shaped by years of real-world experience—including work alongside one of British Columbia’s most successful mayors—and his deep understanding of the needs, politics, and potential of local communities. Whether addressing elected officials, grassroots advocates, or municipal staff, Norm equips audiences with practical insights and contagious optimism. Petersman is the Director of Movement Building at Strong Towns. He is a skilled communicator of the Strong Towns message and a community builder. He leads DelPOP, a land use reform and housing advocacy group in Delta, British Columbia, and is a leader of the Strong Towns Toastmasters Club.

Housing Champions - Awards

Each year at the Housing Summit, Housing North proudly honors outstanding leaders through our Awards Ceremony. The awards recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate unwavering commitment to advancing housing solutions, building stronger communities, and advocating for equitable, affordable housing across the region. The recipients of this award inspire change, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our mission. Their dedication strengthens the foundation for a future where everyone has a place to call home. Congratulations to this year’s award winners:

Housing Leadership Award: Jane MacKenzie – Executive Director, Northern Homes CDC

This year’s Housing Leadership Award honors Jane MacKenzie, who has spent more than 30 years advancing housing solutions across Northern Michigan. Under her leadership, Northern Homes CDC has grown into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit housing developers, now owning and managing 237 units across five counties, with 70 more in progress. Her recent work includes helping bring the first major multifamily development to Petoskey in over 20 years, a 60-unit project opening this December. Jane’s steady leadership, innovation, and deep commitment have strengthened communities across the region.

Champion Housing Advocate Award: Dan Buron & Nora Dunlop – Goodwill Northern Michigan

We are proud to recognize Dan Buron and Nora Dunlop for their outstanding advocacy on behalf of residents earning below 30% AMI. Dan, Executive Director of Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads a network of housing, food security, and supportive service programs that serve ten counties in Region D. His leadership in regional collaborations has strengthened efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Nora, a leader in housing development and nonprofit finance, has helped advance major projects like the East Bay Flats redevelopment into 100% permanent supportive housing and worked to secure critical local support for chronically homeless residents. Together, they reflect Goodwill’s mission to ensure every person has access to safe, stable housing and essential support.

Funders Award: Huntington Bank

This year’s Funders Award goes to Huntington Bank for its strong commitment to expanding housing opportunities in Northwest Michigan. Through innovative financing tools, community partnerships, and support for local developers, Huntington has played a key role in moving new affordable and workforce housing projects forward. Their efforts—from bridge loans to permanent financing to homebuyer support—continue to strengthen the region’s housing ecosystem.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

We are deeply grateful to our Summit sponsors, whose generous support helps make this event possible each year. Their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in housing solutions is instrumental in driving progress for our communities. Thank you for helping us make a difference.