LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Municipal League on Tuesday rolled out the MI Dwelling Program, a five-year technique that might pump $160 million per yr into constructing and rehabbing “attainable” housing whereas rewarding communities that modernize zoning guidelines.
League officers say the package deal might create greater than 10,000 houses priced for households making as much as 120% of the realm’s median revenue and ease a scarcity that impacts each huge cities and small cities.
“Michigan’s housing shortage affects every corner of our state — from large cities to rural communities,” mentioned the League Board President and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie. “The MI Home Program is a targeted, practical approach to building more attainable housing units, while supporting local decision-making and creating thriving, more vibrant communities.”
“Not only does it reward and incent local zoning changes, like we have made and many communities have made, but it also assists builders and developers to fill the finance gaps to get these projects done,” Lansing Mayor Andy Schor mentioned at a press convention.
This system would:
Add $5 million per yr in grants to assist cities rewrite zoning and a matchmaking portal linking these cities with builders.
The MI Dwelling Grant would add $95 million in every of the primary two years, rising to $145 million, to shut financing gaps for brand spanking new development or rehab tasks.
The MI Dwelling Fund would add $50 million in every of the primary two years for a revolving mortgage pool that may layer with grants.
Further $10 million per yr to proceed a state match for employer-assisted housing packages.
Communities should undertake no less than seven of 14 “housing-friendly” zoning practices — comparable to permitting duplexes, accent dwelling models, or diminished parking minimums — to unlock the money.
Builders might use grants or loans for single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, small multifamily buildings, condos, or mixed-use tasks. Houses should stay attainable for no less than 10 years.
“This is a housing development strategy that chooses partnership over preemption,” mentioned State Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “It’s about empowering local decision makers to meet the unique housing needs of their communities and ensuring they have the resources and flexibility to get the job done.”
Brian Farkas, workforce housing director at Allen Edwin Houses, referred to as the proposal “a blueprint for long-term economic vitality” that aligns public cash with personal capability.
