The Review Magazine : May-June 2022

The overarching goal of this plan is to strategically address ways to increase our housing supply. Do we need more multi- family rentals? Yes. What about single-family homes for sale? Or condos? Also, yes. Retrofit or new construction? Yes. A multi-faceted set of problems such as these will require an equally complex array of solutions. By this plan’s estimate, Michigan needs 75,000 new housing units. All formats, all income levels. When considering the potential political ramifications of focusing on the legacies of segregation and the persistent links to lifelong outcomes, Gagnon points out that “Homelessness and poverty are without political party. When it’s the right thing to do, we need to do it. Invest in housing, invest in children, invest in our communities, and we are investing in our future.” “Housing is a value-laden topic. If we are to do it right, improving the housing markets across the state and addressing housing affordability will help increase the levels of disposable income. This, in turn, will affect educational outcomes and flow into local economies,” said Allen. “It is, at its very core, a quality-of-life issue.” King agrees, “When it comes to measuring quality of life, housing is huge. Having a safe, healthy, and affordable place to live is at the core of living a life of opportunity and prosperity.”

These types of strategic investments are poised to benefit those who are not struggling for access to the housing ladder and who are not faced with financial hardship. Allen pointed out that “When your community not only survives, but thrives, everyone benefits. That’s why the Statewide Housing Plan relates to every Michigander, not just those who are experiencing housing instability.” Municipal leaders will be key partners in advancing the Statewide Housing Plan because markets vary substantially across the state and local knowledge is critical to accurately estimating needs. What is urgent in a large urban city may not be an issue in a smaller rural town. Local leaders have a standing invitation to find themselves in the framework of the Statewide Housing Plan and participate in its implementation. “We need to know what resonates, where we need to work on it more. This is a living document, informed by fresh data and the voices of Michigan residents,” said King. “Jump in, don’t wait to be invited. We need many hands, many partners to advance this work.” Melissa Milton-Pung is a policy research labs program manager for the League. You may contact her at 734.669-6328 or mmiltonpung@mml.org.

EQUALITY

EQUITY

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THE REVIEW