Click to Learn More About this Bill Package >>

Everyone agrees we need to build more homes. It’s a basic concept of supply not meeting demand. And while everyone agrees that something needs to be done, the discussions in Lansing are focused on two solutions: For the supporters of housing – like the HBA of Michigan and other stakeholders – it’s about the policy. For local units of government, it’s all about keeping their POWER.

You have heard me speak on Representatives Grant and Aragona’s bipartisan legislative package on housing and zoning reform for at least the last two legislative sessions, and I continue to speak to it. I applaud them for working together and building a strong coalition in support of these bills.  

While Representatives Grant and Aragona have worked to build a large stakeholder group of housing advocates and legislators from both sides of the aisle and in both chambers, local government groups are working daily, talking with legislators and urging them to oppose these bills.

We aren’t surprised by their opposition. What I am surprised by is how quickly locally elected officials began threatening to primary those legislators who are sponsors of the bills. Apparently, some would rather make political threats rather than have civil conversations on the policy. Let me be clear, the loudest opponents aren’t fighting the policy, they are fighting to keep their power.

SEMCOG, MML and MTA held a press conference opposing this package and honestly, I was appalled by some of the comments made.

Frank Viviano, Macomb Township Supervisor, said, “This legislation essentially would shift the decision making, and not to Lansing, but to private developers whose sole motivation is increasing profits. This sets the stage for them to make decisions in their own self-interest at the expense of our residents, and we must not allow that to happen.”

I will agree with Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift when he said, “When is the last time you saw Republicans, Democrats and Independents gathered on the steps of the Capitol, either in Washington or in Lansing, united so definitively behind an issue? This visual is just as impressive because we represent communities across the region. Even as you've heard from the speakers before me; different political, economic, geographic backgrounds, yet united. So difficult in this current political environment.”

Look at the sponsors, and co-sponsors, of this legislative package and of the stakeholders who are supporting the Housing Reform package. They come from all corners of the state. We are seeing Republicans and Democrats who hear from their constituents that housing is a top priority.  Governor Whitmer mentioned this zoning reform package as her number two priority in her recent State of the State address.

Abundant Housing Michigan release poll results and those surveyed are overwhelmingly supportive of this legislative package. Over 80% of Michigan voters agree the state legislature should take action to address the costs and availability of homes.

Voters also think the state should take action to address housing concerns and prioritize building more homes and bringing down costs over blanket protections of local control. On that same point, only 15% of respondents think their city or town is doing enough to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis.

The HBA of Michigan has been a partner on this legislative package, along with others, since 2022. That’s how long this conversation has been taking place in Lansing. These concepts are not new. The nine-bill package is currently awaiting a hearing in the House Government Operations committee.

With the legislature going on break, this is an ideal time to invite them to your jobsite, or office. Walk them through how local zoning impacts your ability to build and some of the costs associated with those zoning regulations.

We don’t ask you to reach out to your legislators often, but time is of the essence. You can find out more on this legislative package, sign a petition of support and contact your legislator directly by going to hbaofmichigan.com/ advocacy.

I am speaking with legislators daily, and now I am asking you to do the same: reach out to your state representative and senator while they are in district, and join us in Lansing to help advance real housing policy solutions.