Huron County is currently updating its economic development strategy for the first time since 2004, marking a significant milestone in local planning. The Huron County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is leading the effort, aiming to create a comprehensive roadmap that reflects the community’s current and future needs. This strategy, expected to take six to nine months to complete, will be finalized and presented to the public in January 2026.
The EDC is working with consulting firm TPMA, which was selected for its expertise in rural development. The firm’s services are costing $70,000, with $50,000 funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the remaining $20,000 covered by the EDC’s own budget. The strategy development process includes three main phases: identifying stakeholders, collecting and analyzing community data, and synthesizing this information into a formal plan.
Samantha Schnettler, Director of the Huron County EDC, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the strategy. She noted that the previous plan, developed in 2004, had successfully addressed broadband access but that current priorities include workforce development, education, and housing. The county maintains strong high school graduation rates but struggles with post-secondary education levels, making workforce upskilling a key focus.
The EDC is also evaluating which past initiatives, such as tourism promotion and brownfield redevelopment, should continue based on their alignment with current needs and the office’s limited capacity. Schnettler highlighted the importance of focusing on areas like housing and business retention, which are critical for the county’s growth.
Emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and delivery services are being considered alongside traditional industries such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture. The county’s concentration of tier-two auto manufacturers makes this sector particularly important, especially given recent fluctuations in the industry.
Agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy, with many businesses adopting automation and AI tools. Tourism also presents an opportunity for better coordination among towns like Caseville, Port Austin, and Harbor Beach, which currently operate independently.
— news from Huron Daily Tribune