Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s latest announcement marks a major leap forward in tackling Michigan’s housing crisis. Thanks to a strategic blend of state investments, federal funds, and robust private development, Michigan has created or renovated 50,000 housing units, significantly easing the housing shortage from 190,000 units to 141,000. This effort is set to continue, backed by unprecedented funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and new resources from the state budget.
Governor Whitmer celebrated the progress, saying, “Our commitment to building housing has given tens of thousands more Michiganders a place they can proudly call home.” She emphasized the economic benefits as well, noting, “We’re not just building homes; we’re also creating good-paying jobs. There are more Michiganders working in construction today than at any point in the last 22 years.”
Amy Hovey, MSHDA’s CEO and Executive Director, reflected on the data driving these efforts. “The latest Census Bureau numbers show we’re moving in the right direction,” she said. “That’s why we raised the state’s five-year housing goal by over 50% last month. We’ve made significant strides, but there’s still a lot more to do.”
Michigan is on track to add around 20,000 new housing units each year through 2026. Hovey highlighted the need for ongoing investment: “The numbers clearly show that continued investment in housing production is crucial. We need funds that are flexible enough to meet local and regional needs effectively.”
The Statewide Housing Plan, introduced in 2022, set an ambitious target of 115,000 new units over five years. Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has overseen the construction or renovation of 34,000 affordable housing units, creating 20,000 construction jobs in the process. In her 2024 State of the State Address, she announced a groundbreaking investment of nearly $1.4 billion to build or rehab close to 10,000 affordable homes.
Other significant initiatives include a bipartisan agreement to invest $275 million in affordable housing and community revitalization, securing ongoing funding for the Housing and Community Development Fund to support working-class families, and the introduction of the Transformational Brownfield legislation to drive economic development and affordable housing projects across Michigan.
Governor Whitmer also pointed out the support provided to homeowners through programs like Down Payment Assistance and MI Home Loan Mortgage, which have enabled thousands of families to purchase homes. Additionally, the Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund has helped tens of thousands of families avoid foreclosure, ensuring they can stay in their homes.
As we continue to build on these successes, it’s clear that the state’s commitment to reducing the housing shortage and expanding access to affordable homes is stronger than ever. The collective effort of state and local partners is transforming Michigan’s housing landscape, ensuring a brighter, more secure future for all Michiganders.
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