 In the 1990s, with federal and state funding scarce, attention was turned away from building projects toward the renovation of existing township properties.The federal government designated Lake County as an "Enterprising Community", which facilitated the development of sewer and natural gas systems.Businessman John O. Meeks purchased and renovated the Morton Motel, and founded organizations to develop and promote the community, including Mid-Michigan Idlewilders and the Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce.