LANSING, Mich., March 12, 2024 — Last week, State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 5557 aimed at enhancing housing considerations in local master plans and among municipal planning committee members. The proposed legislation seeks to engage local municipalities in a proactive vs. reactive way when addressing the housing shortage in Michigan. It will ensure that communities plan for housing needs more effectively. After the introduction, Grant issued the following statement:
“The housing crisis in Michigan requires an all-hands-on deck approach if we truly intend to increase our housing stock for all Michiganders. This means that at every level, we must address the current need while planning ahead for our future need. This requires federal, state and local officials to be intentional. Currently, there is no requirement for local planning commissions, or the master plans they produce, to take housing into account. This crucial oversight has a direct link to our lack of housing. This bill addresses this. It is not the sole answer for our crisis, but it will ensure that a conversation is taking place in every municipality across the state with the goal of creating solutions. My legislation will help reduce barriers so that we can build more housing and lower housing costs for working Michiganders.”
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