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South Haven Today
By the People, for the People
South Haven City Council Hears Updated Economic Development Plan
Consultant highlights progress, challenges, and new strategies for the lakeside community's future growth.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The South Haven City Council received a presentation on a newly updated Economic Development Strategic Plan for the community. Consultant James Hettinger discussed the city's progress on goals like improving telecommunications and business retention, as well as ongoing challenges such as building the off-season economy. Hettinger recommended shifting away from traditional population-growth strategies toward an asset-based approach focused on South Haven's strengths like its walkable downtown and Lake Michigan access.
Why it matters
As a lakeside community, South Haven faces unique economic development opportunities and obstacles. This updated plan aims to position the city for long-term success by leveraging its existing assets and workforce rather than solely relying on attracting new residents.
The details
Hettinger noted that with the Palisades nuclear plant reopening, the city has replaced jobs lost when it closed. While South Haven has made progress on goals like improving telecommunications, building a year-round economy remains a 'huge challenge' with only 54% of homes occupied year-round. To adapt, Hettinger advised focusing on strengths like the walkable downtown and access to Lake Michigan, as well as engaging the city's older residents who have reliable incomes and time to contribute.
- The South Haven City Council heard the presentation at its regular meeting this week (February 19, 2026).
- The last economic development plan was drafted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The players
James Hettinger
A consultant who presented the updated Economic Development Strategic Plan to the South Haven City Council.
South Haven City Council
The governing body of the city of South Haven, Michigan that received the economic development plan presentation.
What they’re saying
“It's been our intent to try and improve the housing stock over the past five years to make the remote worker a little bit more at home in South Haven.”
— James Hettinger, Consultant (moodyonthemarket.com)
“One of the other initiatives, of course, was to try and build the off-season economy. That has proven to be very, very difficult, and approximately 54% of the houses that we have in South Haven are occupied on a year-round basis.”
— James Hettinger, Consultant (moodyonthemarket.com)
What’s next
The South Haven City Council will consider the recommendations from the updated Economic Development Strategic Plan as it works to implement new strategies for the community's long-term growth and prosperity.
The takeaway
South Haven is shifting its economic development approach to focus more on leveraging its existing assets and workforce rather than solely relying on population growth. This reflects the unique challenges and opportunities facing lakeside communities as they adapt to changing market conditions.
