Managing growth together: Ottawa County launches ‘24ward’ coalition of local leaders

WEST OLIVE — Facing a 25% population surge since 2000, local leaders from across Ottawa County gathered on Oct. 20 to unveil a regional growth coalition aimed at tackling pressing housing, infrastructure, and environmental challenges.

The new "24ward Vision Task Force" will bring together representatives from the county's 24 local units of government to coordinate long-term planning across municipal boundaries.

Ottawa County's continued growth presents complex challenges that affect all communities, putting strain on housing, infrastructure, groundwater sustainability, transportation, and farmland. To address these issues proactively, the county gathered more than 120 local leaders and policymakers on Oct. 20 — including representatives from 22 of the 24 local units — for the "Coordinating the Future: Countywide Visioning for Growth Summit" at the Pigeon Creek Golf Course Event Center in West Olive.

The summit was facilitated by County Administrator Patrick Waterman and Department of Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs. It featured a comprehensive presentation and feedback session highlighting current and emerging issues facing the county, along with existing and potential solutions. The event culminated in the introduction of a regional initiative: the 24ward Vision Task Force, a coalition of local government leaders intended to represent all 24 municipalities within Ottawa County.

"We've consistently been one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. That growth has resulted in challenges that span jurisdictional boundaries," Sachs said. "The big question we asked attendees was, 'Should we prepare for continued growth differently than we have in the past?' We believe this proposed coalition does just that."

The 24ward Vision Task Force will serve as a forum for local government representatives to collaborate, share information, and discuss community challenges and opportunities. It will also help establish a shared countywide vision for managing growth — as outlined in the County Board of Commissioners' 2026–2028 Strategic Plan — and support implementation at the local level, where growth-related decisions are made.

Using live-survey technology, organizers polled attendees throughout the presentation to gather feedback on local growth concerns. Housing demand and affordability emerged as top priorities, with 50% of respondents selecting them as their primary concern. Increased infrastructure demands ranked second, with nearly 74% of respondents listing them as a first or second priority. When polled on support for the 24ward Vision Task Force concept, 85% voted "yes," while 15% indicated they were "not sure." No attendees voted "no."

"We are encouraged by both the attendance and the level of engagement throughout the day," Waterman said. "The conversations were constructive, forward-looking, and focused on finding practical ways to ensure future growth strengthens our communities rather than challenges them."

Waterman provided attendees with a draft resolution of support to present to their respective governing bodies. Municipalities that adopt the resolution can designate up to two representatives to serve on the task force, ensuring every community has a voice in the initiative. Once established, the task force will be facilitated by County Administration and the DSI, with members serving as liaisons to their local councils and boards.

"The turnout demonstrates the strong commitment local leaders have to working together on issues that will shape the future of Ottawa County for generations," Waterman said. "While each community is unique, the challenges and opportunities we face are increasingly interconnected. The participation of 22 local units sends a powerful message that Ottawa County leaders are ready to engage in thoughtful, collaborative conversations about how we grow while protecting what makes our communities special."

Over the next few months, the DSI will compile and analyze attendee feedback and release the full survey results. Once local municipalities adopt the resolution of support, Ottawa County will formalize the task force and set a date for its first meeting.

"The 24ward project is an incredible opportunity to bring all 24 local governing bodies into the conversation so that together, we can face these challenges," said Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chair Josh Brugger. "Participants are invited to ensure that Ottawa County continues to grow smartly with an eye on the horizon. No individual city council, village council, or township board has all of the answers. But together, in partnership with our residents and businesses, we can do this."

To learn more about the 24ward initiative, view the event presentation, or watch a recording of the summit, visit miottawa.org/24wardhub. For questions, email plan@miottawa.org or call 616-738-4852.

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