Our Mission & Values
The Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation is a non-partisan nonprofit with a mission to make available all of the tools, resources, and collaborative opportunities to assist the businesses and communities of Leelanau County, in order to strengthen and sustain their economic vitality.
We implement our mission by following these core values:
Lead positively
Connect ideas and initiatives
Invite new perspectives
Our Work
Founded in 2014, the LPEF has achieved substantial early wins in establishing the needs of Leelanau County business owners, expanding broadband internet service, paving the way for more workforce housing opportunity and bolstering resources for high quality early childhood program options.
The LPEF convenes Leelanau, state, and federal stakeholders to make progress in our locally-driven initiatives: affordable housing, broadband, zoning regulations, and RRC (Redevelopment Ready Communities).
Why Leelanau?
Leelanau County needs an economic development strategy tailored to our unique place.
Leelanau County, Michigan is an exceptionally beautiful place. Those who are fortunate enough to call The County home cherish its farms, villages, woods and water.
But Leelanau is becoming a difficult place for middle class families to live. Available housing is scarce and increasingly priced out of reach. There are barriers (lack of infrastructure, confusing regulations) that prevent businesses from creating new year-round jobs. Families with young children have few options for childcare and support. As a result, young people who grow up in the County tend to move away and not come back. School enrollments are declining. The median age in the County is 15 years older than the U.S. overall and rising. Leelanau County runs the risk of losing all of the first responders, health care workers, teachers, retail businesses, residents, and other people and institutions needed for a thriving community.
The Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation was founded in 2014 to strengthen economic and community development in Leelanau County. The organization has a diverse board representing multiple constituencies, local chambers of commerce and geographic areas of the County. The LPEF has listened carefully to the needs of business people and residents of Leelanau County and sees a number of ways to make Leelanau County the best place in the world to live, work and play.