02/07/2024

Helen S. Willis Award for Outstanding Commissioner 

Betsy Dayrell-Hart

Planning Commission Chair, City of St. Ignace

Betsy Dayrell-Hart's passion for tackling issues is infectious and heartfelt. From fighting to expand housing options in the city for long term and seasonal employees, to attempting to broker a compromise on food trucks in the downtown and helping rewrite the city’s master plan, Betsy is inquisitive, persistent, humble, and collaborative.  When times get tough in these initiatives – which always happens – she manages to keep the long-term picture in mind.  Rebecca Bolen, formerly a planner with Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Development Commission, said, "Betsy's leadership and collaboration with others led to the completion of other key projects, including the completion of a public participation plan [and] developing the City’s first capital improvement plan. Betsy truly values St. Ignace’s heritage, and champions the role that its residents have in building the City’s future through the planning process."  MAP congratulates Chairperson Dayrell-Hart and thanks her for her planning leadership in Michigan.  

Watch the award program video here.