Oakland County Officials Own Northern Michigan Resort

Experts raise ethics questions about elected leaders' private business interests.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Key Oakland County officials and their families own a resort in northern Michigan called the Blue Haven Beach Resort. The resort, which was recently renovated, is located about 200 miles north of the officials' home city of Royal Oak. While the officials say the ownership poses no ethical issues, experts have raised questions about the potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The ownership of a private business by public officials raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the officials are using their positions to benefit their private interests. This is especially true in a case like this where the officials' resort is located far from their jurisdiction, leading to questions about why they chose to invest in that particular property.

The details

The Blue Haven Beach Resort, built in the 1940s along Lake Huron, was recently renovated. The resort's vintage marquee welcomes visitors from Royal Oak, the Detroit suburb that is home to many of the resort's owners - key Oakland County officials and their families.

  • The Blue Haven Beach Resort was built in the 1940s.
  • The resort was recently renovated in 2023.

The players

Blue Haven Beach Resort

A northern Michigan beach resort along Lake Huron, built in the 1940s and recently renovated.

Oakland County officials

Key elected officials from Oakland County, Michigan, who own the Blue Haven Beach Resort with their families.

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What’s next

Experts have said they will be closely examining the officials' ownership of the resort and any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.

The takeaway

The ownership of a private business by public officials raises ethical concerns and questions about whether they are using their positions to benefit their personal interests, especially when the business is located far outside their jurisdiction.