LTBB Master Land Use Plan - Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa ...

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Population Projections
Carrying this reasoning one step further, we must look into the future. Population projections
can be developed using many methods, however in rural areas such as Northern Michigan the
simplest techniques will most likely produce the most accurate results. In addition, the choice of
method (in this case a straight-line progression) reflects that used by the State of Michigan for most
purposes.
As can be seen from Table 9, both Charlevoix and Emmet Counties can reasonably expect to see
population increases near 10,000 persons over the next 25 to 30 years. Graph 7 illustrates the
problem with this simple approach. In effect, the ratio of population distribution between the
various units of government is permanently fixed, and so only total County population is accurately
projected. Changes in population amongst the MCD’s are not accurately portrayed.
Perhaps a better way to look at population distribution within a County is shown in Table 10.
This method takes a 30-year historical snapshot of population in a jurisdiction, and essentially
continues the trend that averages out, for that jurisdiction. Thus, it is more likely to show patterns of
change, i.e. population moving from one township to another. Graph 8 and Table 11 both display
the result.
HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
Housing in the area covered by this plan varies enormously in availability, cost, and quality
throughout the Reservation area. The use of land for housing and shelter represents a significant
proportion of all land uses in most areas. Generally, changes in statistical information related to
housing and shelter mirror important changes in the character of an area. Therefore, the change in
the number of housing units, percentage of owner-occupied units, or increases in building permit
activity over time are all important factors that shape planning decisions.
Dwelling Unit Percent Change 1990 – 2000
Graph 9 is entitled “1855 LTBB Reservation Lands – Dwelling Unit % Change 1990-2000” and
depicts the growth or decline in the actual number of dwelling units, by area municipality, between
the 1990 Census and the 2000 Census. A dwelling unit can be a single-family house, a condominium
unit, an apartment, or any other structure that can be permanently lived in. The source of this graph
is shown as Table 12.
This graph gives us a clear indication of which areas are experiencing the most residential growth
pressure. Most importantly, however, when used in conjunction with other data on land use it gives
us a good way to predict where residential development opportunities might exist in the near future.
This can be seen further in Maps 7 through 10, which show the data evolving over time.
Housing Characteristics Tabulation
Related directly to the population demographics of an area are the characteristics of the housing
base. The use of land for housing and shelter is a significant portion of all land uses in most areas.
Generally, changes in statistical information related to housing and shelter mirror important changes
in the character of an area. Officials and citizens alike cite the need for adequate housing, and for
housing that matches the demographics of the area.
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