HOLLAND, Mich. (February 4, 2026) – Lakeshore Advantage is taking a proactive role in advancing workforce housing development across Ottawa and Allegan counties with the hiring of housing specialist Chris Marco as its first community development director.
Recent housing needs assessments for the two counties, conducted by Bowen National Research, have identified a combined shortage of approximately 22,700 housing units. Employer and employee feedback affirm the assessments:
• A 2023 emerging worker study commissioned by Lakeshore Advantage cited housing availability and affordability as a limiting factor for locating in the region.
• Lakeshore Advantage’s business intelligence research shows that local employers point to housing challenges as a major obstacle to recruiting and retaining talent.
“As we’ve listened to our primary employers and studied the data, the message is clear: housing is economic development,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “If we want to remain a business and talent magnet, we must ensure the people who power our companies can also find a place to call home here. This is a complex challenge, and it requires coordination, creativity, and trusted partnerships. That’s the role we’re stepping into.”
Lakeshore Advantage will act as the regional connector for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, bringing together housing stakeholders and moving projects from planning to completion. Key activities include fostering collaboration, offering technical assistance to communities and developers, and sharing workforce housing best practices. Workforce housing is affordable for households earning 60-120% of the area’s median income.
“Workforce housing solutions need to be tailored to meet the needs of every community,” said Marco. “My role will support local leaders and developers in identifying and understanding the tools available—from state and federal financing programs to innovative local strategies—and bring the right partners to the table. When we align resources and move projects forward thoughtfully, we strengthen both our communities and our economy.”
Marco brings experience in housing and community development policy at both the state and local levels. As community development director, he will serve as a connector and facilitator, helping communities navigate funding opportunities and structure viable projects that meet local needs.
Marco started with Lakeshore Advantage on Feb. 2. Prior to joining the organization, he managed community development projects across the state at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He began his career with the City of Grand Rapids, where he managed grant programs, supported housing projects and conducted public policy research. He holds a master of public administration in state, local and regional governance from Grand Valley State University.
Over the past several years, Lakeshore Advantage has been working with county leadership, community foundations, chambers of commerce, and developers to identify the obstacles to developing workforce housing in the Lakeshore region. This new focus for Lakeshore Advantage was made possible due to grants from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and Haworth Helps, a corporate giving fund of Haworth, Inc.
In addition to local stakeholders, Lakeshore Advantage will also be working in partnership with Housing Next, a regional partnership focused on guiding best practices in housing development and housing policy across a 13-county West Michigan region. Housing Next has supported the Lakeshore region since 2017 and will continue to offer policy leadership and technical expertise.
