Few Upper Peninsula cities can say they grew last decade, and even fewer can say the rate was a healthy eight percent. Houghton Manager Eric Waara says he is pleased about the results released by the Census Bureau earlier this month. County and municipal officials put together a great game plan, according to Waara.
Especially as it relates to infrastructure, population count plays a huge role in the amount of funding Houghton is in line for.
Waara says the goal is to have growth, but at a manageable level. A steady increase is necessary for Houghton’s future vitality, but the goal is not to grow too big. Much of the city’s charm lies in the fact that it retains a small-town feel.