Housing Michigan, a coalition led by the Grand Rapids Chamber, Home Builders Association of Michigan, Michigan Municipal League and Housing North, and supported by dozens of businesses, builders, local governments and non-profits across Michigan, applauds the Michigan House of Representatives for passing the bi-partisan Housing Michigan legislation today.
About the Legislation
The legislation, sponsored by Senators Brinks (SB 362), Horn (SB 422), Moss (SB 364) and Schmidt (SB 432), expands proven programs to allow for residential builders, and non-profits to work with their local units of government to create workforce housing in their area. The bills are headed back to the Senate for concurrence and then to the Governor for signature.
The goal of the legislation is to support market-based solutions to increase the supply of attainable housing for working households. Research shows that there is a significant gap in housing at all price points. Across Michigan we are underproducing housing options for households earning 60% to 120% of area median incomes. This legislative effort creates targeted solutions to address this need and will have an impact across the housing spectrum.
What Difference will it Make?
“West Michigan employers have said that housing supply and affordability is a critical workforce, talent and quality of life issue,” said Joshua Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “Supporting a healthy housing market and the supply of attainable housing will have a positive impact on communities, residents and job providers across Michigan.”
“With interest rate increases adding further burdens on home builders already under pressure from supply chain and workforce challenges, these tools become even more necessary today than we started,” said Dawn Crandall, Executive Vice President for the Home Builders Association of Michigan. “This bi-partisan, collaborative effort shows Michigan is ready to rise to meet our housing challenges.”
“Local governments will be empowered to partner with non- and for-profit developers, builders and property owners to create or retain affordability and drive investment in housing that is attainable to more households in every community,” said Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director, State & Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League.
“Northern Michigan communities, residents and employers are thankful to the Michigan House for advancing these important bills,” said Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North. “Rural, seasonal and tourist communities are in a uniquely challenging position to provide desirable workforce housing solutions. We are seeing an impact on our economy due to a lack of year round housing and these bills are an important step forward.”
“We have seen a lot of investment in Grand Rapids—which has created great opportunities for some. But it has also driven up the price of rent, and that has left a lot of people behind”, said Senator Winnie Brinks. “The ones with the fewest resources are bearing the greatest burden when it comes to the housing shortage. This legislation will open up more doors for people of every income to find a stable place to call home.”
“Allowing for collaboration between local governments and private sector investments is vitally important to the growth of our state and the prosperity of our communities,” said Senator Ken Horn. “My legislation will increase our ability to better address workforce housing needs in our state and to strengthen economic opportunities for Michigan families.”
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The Housing Michigan Coalition consists of community, business, and government organizations whose efforts focus on increasing housing supply and affordability; enhancing the accessibility and affordability of homes; and supporting economic and job growth for all Michigan families. For detailed information on the legislative agenda, coalition partners and background information, visit https://housingmichigan.weebly.com
