About the Department of Strategic Impact
Collaboratively focusing on today’s issues while planning for tomorrow
Welcome to the Department of Strategic Impact! But what do we mean by Strategic Impact? Simply put, DSI has its pulse on the community – staff focus on the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors to Ottawa County while pursuing solutions to complex problems and planning for the future.
On any given day, DSI staff work on a multitude of initiatives that impact the lives of the citizens they serve, including such diverse challenges such as groundwater protection, farmland preservation, and high-speed internet service.
Our skilled staff also provide evaluation and data support for long-term projects and build evaluation capacity for other County departments, local units, municipalities, and local nonprofits.
Find Us
12220 Fillmore St., Room 260
West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 738-4852
FAX: (616) 738-4625
plan@miottawa.org
Monday – Friday:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Paul Sachs
Director
- Strategy
- Advocacy
- Performance management
- Organizational development
- Encouragement
Pam VanderMolen
Administrative Assistant
- Administrative and technical project support
- Budget administration
- Scheduling
Becky Huttenga
Agriculture & Economic Resources Coordinator
- Brownfield redevelopment
- Agricultural initiatives
- Entrepreneurial support
- Bond projects
Matt Chappuies
Land Use Coordinator
- Land use planning
- Transportation planning
- Groundwater resources
Julie Lamer
Farmland Preservation Analyst
Farmland preservation
Marley Wolff
Land Use Specialist
- Land use planning
- Environmental resiliency
- Housing
Andrew Roszkowski
Land Use Specialist
- Land use planning
- Transportation/non-motorized planning
- Remonumentation
Stephanie Oesch
Research & Data Analyst
- Statistical analysis
- Evaluation support
Joe Pierce
Special Projects Coordinator
- Project Management
- Evaluation Support
- Communication
- Research and Data Analysis
Rich C. Lakeberg
Project Support Specialist
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Communications and Community Engagement
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Graphic and Presentation Design
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Website Management
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Research and Data Support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ottawa County's population and what are the projections for future population growth?
The 2020 U.S. Census population for Ottawa County was 296,200. From 2010 to 2020, Ottawa County saw a 12.3% increase in total population. For the latest population estimates and population growth projections for Ottawa County and its local units of government, please refer to the County Statistics page.
Where can I review local unit of government's master plans and zoning ordinances?
City, village, and township Master Plans and Zoning Ordinances can be reviewed at any respective local city, township, or village office.
Where can I obtain geographic information system (GIS) maps of Ottawa County?
Copies of GIS maps for Ottawa County can be obtained by contacting the Ottawa County GIS Department by phone at (616) 738-4600.
Annual Report
At the intersection of divergent and often competing interests is the Department of Strategic Impact (DSI). Our staff take on some of the County’s biggest challenges by building relationships between municipalities, investigating issues, facilitating state and federal programs, conducting thorough research, and planning for the future. See what DSI has accomplished in the past year by perusing our Annual Report!