Newsflash--Ottawa County is one of the top agricultural powerhouses in the state. That means farming is literally (okay, figuratively) in our DNA. Julie Lamer and Becky Huttenga from the Department of Strategic Impact join the podcast to discuss how strategic, data-driven land planning is essential to the county's economic future, and how preserving and protecting farmland from being overdeveloped is at the center of that effort. We discuss the philosophy and data behind Farmland Protection Program, its impact thus far, and how DSI is able to secure funding without using county general funds. Also, details on Farms Are The Tapas, a beloved annual small-dish chef competition and silent auction event coming up in September. 

Question of the day: What's one business you'd like to see open a location in West Michigan? 

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Learn more about Farmland Preservation: https://miottawa.org/dsi/economic-development/farmland/

Get tickets to Farms Are The Tapas (act quickly-- tickets are selling fast!): https://event.gives/tapas2025

Cops and Bobbers: https://miottawa.org/events/cops-and-bobbers-08-07-2025/

Visit the Idema Explorers Camp: https://miottawa.org/parks/iec/

Back-To-School Parent Resources: https://miottawa.org/health/parents/

Public Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

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