Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton City Manager Eric Waara addresses a joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and the DDA/FIFA boards.

HOUGHTON — Despite some challenges, the City of Houghton is in pretty good shape. That was the overall message delivered at a special joint meeting of the Houghton City Council, Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority/Tax Increment Finance Authority Tuesday at the Lake Shore Center in Houghton.

Houghton City Manager Eric Waara led the 90-minute presentation which covered a variety of topics from branding to the upcoming rehabilitation of the Portage Life Bridge. “Once a year, it’s a good idea to get everybody together,” Waara began, stressing the informal nature of the meeting and encouraginmg participants to join in with any questions and comments.

Representing the City’s Branding Committee, Waara explained its importance. “This is not about re-branding,” he said, adding “There is no finish line.” Waara spoke about the City’s goals and said a recent survey coupled with a public input session was very valuable. “We learned a lot about ourselves.” He said information in the gathering process showed residents and visitors identified several Core Values. Among the values mentioned were a friendly atmosphere, a vibrant downtown, and the advantages of a small town the “feels like home.”

Waara said moving on from the information gathering phase requires professional help, “And that means bucks.” He said the important thing is that the city can take this in small attainable bites. “A brand is not a tattoo, it’s not permanent. But it’s more like buying a shirt.” He used the analogy that you can replace a shirt or modify it as time and situations warrants.

In his City Report, Waara said one of the biggest recent changes in city government has to do with personnel. “The last year saw a 50 percent change in the city’s administrative personnel including the addition of a Community and Business Development Manager.”

He went on to list a number of upcoming events in the city, some returning and others new. “In May we’ll have ‘Spring on a Wing,” an event tied into our Bird City designation process.” Waara said the popular Locavore Festival on the Houghton waterfront has already had hear from more than 50 vendors with fresh locally produced foods along with arts and music.

“Good Times Music Summer Slam music series will expand to 12 weeks this summer on the Houghton Pier,” Waara said, adding the City will participate in Thimbleberry Fest as well.

The discussion turned to infrastructure with Waara detailing a $3.5 M summer water and sewer project in Central Houghton. He said the City has received a Michigan Talent Partnership grant that will fund three projects — assisting construction of a trail connection from MTU to the Houghton Waterfront, a “pocket park” on Shelden Avenue and a Business and Creative Incubator at 326 Shelden. “This will be a Soft Space and Safe Space for ‘low-tech’ entrepreneurs” Waara said, adding that funding will also come from the Michigan Economic Development Commission.

Among other infrastructure projects coming up will be the identification of existing lead water lines in the city, and repairs to the East Houghton Park docks. Looking ahead, Waara mentioned future projects could include the Subway Garage, rebuilding MacInnes Drive, heavy maintenance at Chutes and Ladders Park and new glass at Dee Stadium.

The city manager discussed the upcoming maintenance project involving the Portage Life Bridge. “It will run from 2026 through 2028 and possibly into 29.” He said the concrete drive leading up to the bridge will be replaced adding the city has been working with the Michigan Department of Transportation to make the disruptions as manageable as possible. “MDOT will do it in small chunks.,”

Waara provided an update on some private projects including the former Kirkish Building downtown. “When it’s finished it will house a restaurant, and nine apartments.” Waara said construction is continuing at 401 Memorial Drive, which will feature four-unit apartment building. He also reported that six new homes are currently under construction in the city.

Waara also provided an update on the rental property situation in the city. “Currently 20 percent of all single-family homes in the city are rentals. And currently the price is decreasing.” At this point Waara said it in unclear exactly how many Michigan Tech students are living within the City of Houghton.

Waara provided an update on the city’s tax base, reporting that both the assessed value and taxable value of properties are going up. He also reported that the taxable value of the downtown is trending in the right direction. While there are still some vacant storefronts downtown, he said, “most unoccupied spaces do have a story.” He mentioned some bright spots downtown including the Prickly Pine Cafe and the relocation of Rhythm Bike shop.

And to answer the question that everyone seems to be asking — “Meijer currently has no plans to open a store in Houghton.”

He said despite all the good, there are challenges. “State revenue sharing is decreasing and the road funding that is now tied to recreational marijuana currently isn’t doing what the state thought it would.” Other challenges include an aging infrastructure and increasing the speed at which new homes can go to market.

Waara concluded by saying the State of the City is strong. “”We are in a good place. Our tax base is growing, our finances are strong and investments are happening.”