Pictured are, from left, Lake Superior Community Partnership CEO Christopher Germain and Marquette County Housing Specialist Antonio Adan. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — During the inaugural Home Builders Association of Michigan (HBAM) “Leadership in Housing Advocacy Awards” event on Nov. 7, Marquette County housing officials and groups received two awards in recognition of the proactive and collaborative work being done in Marquette County to facilitate more housing development.  

Housing Now, a private-public initiative hosted by the Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation, was recognized in the “Coalition of the Year: Better Together, Build Together” category. This award honors a partnership of organizations, businesses, and stakeholders that have come together to advance the housing industry. This award recognizes exceptional collaboration in addressing key industry challenges, resulting in meaningful and impactful solutions. These coalitions have strengthened the housing industry by uniting their expertise and efforts. 

During the awards ceremony, HBAM recognized the strong progress the Housing Now initiative has made in just its first year. Guided by a 27-member leadership council representing builders, developers, labor, financial institutions, local governments, nonprofits, major employers, and others, Housing Now operates under a continually updated strategy focused on eight key areas: data, education, regulatory reform, capital access, developer support, skilled workforce development, policy change, and innovation. Created in response to the 2024 Housing Target Market Analysis (TMA) that documented demand for nearly 2,500 new or rehabilitated units annually, Housing Now has hosted several major speakers, expanded emerging developer meet ups, secured funding for locally developed housing pattern books, built an online and social media presence, provided direct support to multiple housing developments, and more within its first year. Through these efforts, more than 500 units of housing are on track for development, with many more in the early planning stages. Housing Now is currently updating its strategy for 2026, which will include additional educational opportunities, updated data, new developer support tools, and more.  

“Housing Now has moved the needle in ways many believed would take years,” said LSCP CEO Christopher Germain. “We’re honored by the incredible response we’ve had from the leadership council, attendees at events, developers, and local officials. While we have more work ahead of us to meet the housing demand outlined in the TMA that will make it easier for people to stay and come to Marquette County, Housing Now is a bright spot that is worthy of recognition as we move into 2026.” 

The Lake Superior Community Partnership team, including CEO Christopher Germain, provides overall leadership and day-to-day management. Housing Now also partners with the Marquette County Housing Specialist to amplify impact on direct developer and local government support. Together, the coalition and its partners are building the relationships and momentum needed to ensure a healthy, diverse housing ecosystem that supports both workforce and community growth, not only now but for years to come.  

The Marquette County Housing Specialist, Antonio Adan, was also recognized with HBAM’s inaugural “Emerging Advocate” award. This award recognizes the next generation of housing leaders, young professionals, students, recent graduates, and newcomers to the industry who are making a significant impact on housing advocacy and community development. This award is dedicated to those individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of housing and are committed to championing responsible growth and innovative solutions within their communities.  

As the Marquette County Housing Specialist, Antonio provides direct support to developers and local governments to help package housing projects and prepare sites for development, key aspects of the Housing Now strategy. Antonio also serves as the Executive Director of the Marquette County Land Bank, which plays a vital role in housing efforts by providing unique tools and resources to create affordable housing opportunities throughout Marquette County. Notably, in 2024, the Land Bank secured $1,826,100 in MSHDA MI-Neighborhood grants.