Policy would reduce barriers to address Michigan’s housing crisis
State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) speaks to the press on her housing reform package on Nov. 14, 2024, at the House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 15, 2024 — State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) held a press conference yesterday with fellow legislators to discuss the introduction of their new housing reform legislation aimed at addressing the housing crisis by expanding the supply of housing across Michigan. The proposed reforms in the legislative package, House Bills 6095–6098, will address critical barriers in current local laws that hinder the development of diverse and affordable housing, creating more opportunities for families to plant their roots in Michigan.
“To truly improve Michiganders’ quality of life, we must intentionally and innovatively address the housing crisis. Michigan must be a place where people of all backgrounds and all income levels can find a home they love. This legislation empowers planners and communities to meet the high demand that has grown over the last several decades. People are hurting for housing that would meet their needs and provide the stability they deserve. I know this is a top priority for residents from Grand Rapids, to Detroit, to the U.P. It’s now time to take bold action on housing, and I’m excited to help lead the way to solving the housing problem in Michigan,” Grant said.
The bill package modernizes regulations and encourages the development of diverse housing options, including multi-family units and affordable housing. The reforms will streamline the approval process for housing development, reduce unnecessary red tape and promote smart growth strategies that align with community needs.
“We have been engaged with community leaders, developers, builders and people who need and want housing to create solutions to address the crisis. What we know is, the disinvestment in affordable and attainable housing in Michigan has been occurring for decades. There are projects right now waiting for the green light but the process is too cumbersome, slow and can get expensive quickly from concept to time-to-build. This package creates multiple pathways to build like never before, to get caught up in creating neighborhoods and communities with housing,” Grant said.
The press conference highlighted the importance of reform in tackling the state’s housing crisis, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable and adequate housing. Grant was joined by her colleagues in the Legislature, local housing advocates, city planners and other key stakeholders who support the initiative.
“We urgently need more affordable housing options in both rural areas and urban centers like my hometown of Flint. Equitable housing isn’t just about roofs — it’s about stability, opportunity and dignity,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “More and better housing means that young people won’t have to leave their hometowns for other states. It’s a win-win and an imperative of our time.”
House Dems are making smart policy choices and investments to improve the quality of life for Michiganders in ways that are felt in bank accounts and seen on Main Street — making it easier to take a breath and enjoy Michigan life. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. House Dems are investing in equitable housing and support services to help those experiencing homelessness find a path to stability.
“The status quo isn’t going to get more housing built. Housing policy that meets Michigan’s housing demand is critical to keep Michigan economically competitive, to retain our current residents, and to attract new talent to our state,” said Andrea Brown, AICP, executive director of the Michigan Association of Planning.
The Michigan Association of Planning represents 1,000 professional community planners and more than 3,000 elected and appointed officials like planning commissioners, zoning board members and elected leaders.
“Michigan municipalities are eager for solutions to help them solve local housing challenges. Representative Grant’s bills lay out a policy framework for local government to advance the regulatory changes that can move the needle on housing development. Michigan will soon be one among many states advancing innovative and solutions-oriented state level statutory reforms to address the housing shortage, and Representative Grant’s housing bills are a step in the right direction,” Brown said.
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