At the May 18, 2026 meeting, consultants from Fishbeck, Indigo Architecture, and SME presented Brownfield items for condominium and apartment projects, including a plan for 54 apartments whose Brownfield Housing TIF has already been approved by the Ionia County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority; ground-breaking is planned for fall 2026. In his June Manager’s Report, Mark Borden explains that he is researching Brownfield TIF practices, has spoken with multiple experts, and was referred to a 42‑year Brownfield consultant who authored Michigan’s original legislation. He states he is waiting for a proposal from this independent consultant to represent the Village and recommends that Council hire such a consultant to negotiate a better TIF deal with the developer rather than simply approving the initial request. This is a live pre-procurement need for specialized Brownfield and development finance advice directly tied to a specific housing project and its tax capture terms. Firms with Brownfield/TIF negotiation, financial modeling, or municipal development advisory experience can compete to be Lake Odessa’s independent advisor, help Council evaluate scenarios, and possibly shape future Brownfield policy. The next step is an engagement discussion with the Manager and Village Council on scope, fee, and timing ahead of any Council vote on the pending TIF agreement.

The Manager cites peer city feedback that they pushed back on over-aggressive TIF requests and even ...