National Association of Housing Cooperatives (NAHC) Annual Awards spotlight those who make a difference for Cooperative Housing nationally. Awardees were celebrated at the NAHC’s 64th Annual Conference in Vancouver, B.C. in October 2024. The Ida Curtis Fisher Registered Cooperative Manager (RCM) of the Year Award The Ida Curtis Fisher Registered Cooperative Manager of the Year Award honors the RCM who has demonstrated outstanding dedication by devoting time, energy and talent to the RCM program and the national cooperative housing industry. The award was established in 2013 in memory of Ida Curtis Fisher, one of the three founding members of the… Read More »

For the past 70+ years, baby boomers have been redefining life passages. As teens, parents, and professionals, these men and women pushed boundaries, challenged status quo, and reached for all the stars. No surprise, that as boomers reach retirement age, they are looking for distinctive lifestyles and living. Some of the major findings include: About six in 10 plans to move out of their current house More than two-thirds who plan to move are willing to update or renovate their next home to fit their specific needs and wants. The most important factor in their next home is low maintenance… Read More »

What is a Housing Cooperative? A housing cooperative is…formed when people join on a democratic basis to own or control the housing and/or related community facilities in which they live. Usually, they do this by forming a “not-for-profit” cooperative corporation. Each month they pay a fee to cover their share of the operating expenses of the corporation. Operating expenses may include underlying mortgage payments, property taxes, management, maintenance, insurance, utilities, and contributions to reserve funds. Cooperative home ownership offers many benefits which may include personal income tax deductions*, lower turnover rates, lower real estate tax assessments (in most areas), controlled… Read More »

Michigan Shores, a residence building that provides retirement living for active, independent seniors, 55 and older, which is been part of the FRANKFORT scene since May 1991, when it first opened its doors. It is located on a 19-acre scenic and almost pastoral site, at 641 Michigan Ave. near the north west corner of the city, where the building overlooks Lake Michigan. It is intended for independent living and about 70 folks live there in one of 54, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that range in size from about 600 ft.2 to 1380 Square feet. There is currently a hired staff… Read More »

LIVING IN A HOUSING COOPERATIVE As a cooperative homeowner, you have certain rights and responsibilities. These are outlined in your cooperative’s documents, which typically include the articles of incorporation, bylaws, proprietary lease or occupancy agreement, subscription agreement, and house rules. As a shareholder, you have a right to elect board members, to remove board members, and to amend the bylaws. You also have the responsibility to pay your monthly charges on time as well as follow all other rules and regulations of the cooperative. Below are some commonly asked questions from housing cooperative residents: Do I need homeowner’s insurance? Yes,… Read More »