We Are
Harbor Springs

With so many varied interests, how can we better ensure that everyone is represented?

While the rest of the world accelerates, Harbor Springs maintains a unique charm. It is a great mixing bowl of new and old, with a deep history. Part of our community is present year-round. Part of our community have homes in Harbor Springs but live elsewhere for portions of the year. Other Harbor Springs citizens are in town once a year, every year, for generations. And all parties need to be heard.

What is We Love Harbor Springs?

We built this organization because the character of Harbor Springs is unique. It is the product of great people from all parts of our community. These people include voters, full time residents, part time residents, generations of families, area townships, and occasional visitors. To properly manage donations to support studies, research, publications etc we created a 501(c)4. We represent no one constituency. We are a collective of 1000+ people from the community with different political views and economic backgrounds. We have more voters than seasonal residents.

The city is faced with big decisions that will impact the culture of Harbor Springs. It is harder and harder for the City leaders to engage the breadth of the community. And in some cases City leaders find it easier to leave people out. It’s not apathy. Effective, valid survey gathering is critical and continuous communication is hard work but mandatory.

We will invest in sound research and simplify the issue for clear understanding. If the city is focused on an issue, and citizens are confused, our role is to engage the broader community. We will  use technologies and analysis to keep people informed.

We will help with legal support when the City resists citizen input.  If a group of voters want to run a referendum, or encourage good people to run for office, we help them understand the process, but never dictate their platform. We will attend and publish a summary of what we find – current issues or areas of concern – in our weekly newsletter, when part time residents find it hard to track the in-person meetings in the city. 

We will change the language of the City Charter to be in line with the U.S. constitution and state law.  For example, w found that the city charter makes the referendum process vague and confusing. 

We will seek a pause in the process if needed, guide citizens on their rights, and find better solutions.  If changes to zoning drive up the cost of housing and push out long time residents we will find a plan and funding for affordable housing, and we will find the investors.

More people are now talking about sitting on City Commissions and engaging in the discussions. The recent citizen led-referendum had support from every demographic and neighborhood in Harbor Springs. Our most active members are all full-time residents of Harbor Springs and area townships.

We have no opinion beyond transparency and engagement. We focus on ideas. We only care that the people of Harbor Springs, no matter how often they are here, have access to the best information on the matters that impact Harbor Springs. Through that process, we can strengthen the character of Harbor Springs. 

Yours Sincerely,

We Love Harbor Springs Inc – An organization to support people communicating with the City of Harbor Springs.

Board of Officers:  

• Maureen Kenney President
• Tim Patton VP
• Janie Jenkins Treasurer
• Mark Wagoner Secretary – Mark also serves as legal cousel for WLHS

Supporters and Volunteers

We have 20+ people who help write content, canvas, conduct research, attend meetings in City Hall and host a tent in Zorn park on the the weekends.  They are all dedicated in one way or the other to their community in Harbor Springs, in Michigan and in other professional endeveors.  Content published under We Love Harbor Springs authorship is typically a combined effort of several people.