From “Not Here” to “Yes, On My Street”: A Quick Guide to Getting Involved

Categories: Article Series, Policy, Pressure & What's At Stake

All month long, we’ve talked about the policies that decide what gets built. If you’re ready to get involved but aren’t sure where to begin, start here: where to learn, who does what, and who to know. This is your quick start guide to learning about affordable housing in La Porte County and how to take those initial steps to get involved.

1. Start learning

LaPorte County Housing Analysis and Action Agenda. Produced by the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and adopted by the County Commissioners in November 2025, it offers a snapshot of the county’s resources, needs, and priorities its leaders have agreed to address. You can read it here.
Michigan City’s housing plans explain how the city uses federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing and neighborhoods. Read the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan on the city’s Community Development page or at the Michigan City Public Library.
The ALICE report. Indiana United Way tracks households that are working but still can’t afford basic costs, showing who affordable housing is really meant for. Read the 2026 ALICE Report here.
Meeting agendas. A few Plan Commission or BZA agendas will quickly show you what’s being built and debated near you.

2. Know who does what

As a rule of thumb, Michigan City decides how land is zoned within its limits. Outside any city or town, the county handles that responsibility. Other municipalities, such as La Porte, also have their own boards.

City of Michigan City

Common Council: final vote on ordinances, including zoning changes.
Mayor: runs city departments and appoints most board and commission members.
Plan Commission: reviews zoning changes and sends recommendations to the Council.
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA): decides variances for individual properties. Meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
Planning and Inspection Department: city staff who prepare reports, administer zoning, and run the CDBG program.

LaPorte County

Board of Commissioners: the county’s executive body, which adopted the county housing analysis.
County Council: controls the county budget.
County Plan Commission and BZA: handle zoning in unincorporated areas.

3. Get to know those who are making an impact in your community.

Your council member: they cast the final vote, and they want to hear from you between meetings, not just at them.

City planning staff: they can explain how a proposal works and what’s coming up next.

County officials: especially if you live outside city limits, these individuals make decisions that affect what gets built where.

Local nonprofits: housing groups and shelters, including us, know what’s happening on the ground.

The Unity Foundation of LaPorte County: it led the county housing analysis and connects donors, nonprofits, and leaders.

Employers and the Chamber: businesses see housing as a workforce issue and make strong allies.

Builders: they can tell you what makes housing hard or expensive to build here.

Your neighbors: neighborhood associations and faith communities are where minds change.

4. Take your first steps

Bookmark the Boards & Commissions page for your local governing boards, whether you are in the city, town, or county limits in La Porte County.
Watch a meeting live or on the Access LaPorte County YouTube channel or attend one just to listen. You can watch meetings live here.
When something comes up that you care about, speak up for two minutes or send a written comment.
Take neighbors’ concerns seriously. “I support this, and I’d like to see the parking plan” is a yes that builds trust.
Bring a friend next time. Two “yes” voices get noticed.

Your jump-start checklist

Read the county housing analysis or the city’s housing plan. Know the situation and common roadblocks cited for bringing affordable housing to the community.
Find out whether your home is under city or county zoning. As a constituent, you’ll want to attend your governing body’s meetings and speak in support of affordable housing there.
Learn who represents you on the Common Council or County Council. Get to know your elected officials. Relationships build action.
Introduce yourself to one official, one planner, or one local nonprofit. Learning from those who do this work daily is invaluable.
Watch or attend one meeting.
Make a comment when you’re ready. Your voice matters.

Small steps can make a big impact

For those who have never gotten involved, attending meetings or speaking at a community meeting can feel like a lot. Taking the time to learn about affordable housing is a powerful first step. Knowledge is power, and understanding the housing landscape in your community matters. Being a resource in this conversation is valuable. From there, you can choose how you’d like to support affordable housing and stand up for your community.