This November, the HBA of Michigan will recognize leaders in housing advocacy. Some of those nominated are officials elected at the state and local level. Some are members of the HBA of Michigan who have gone above and beyond in advocating for housing in their communities and in the workforce space. Each of us has the opportunity to lead in promoting the need for change that will result in more needed housing in our state.

As your EVP of Government Relations at the HBA of Michigan, my days are spent advocating in the legislative arena. It’s more than having conversations with members of the legislature. It’s connecting them with other stakeholders or helping them with their message by providing data. In some instances, we provide a blueprint for success in getting their legislation signed into law. Each issue is different, and each bill sponsor has their own style.

This fall, we are expecting to see two bill packages introduced in the state House of Representatives. The first is a package of bills that Representative Kristian Grant is the lead on. She has a package of 8 bills that would reform the residential housing industry. Representative Grant has reached out to Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate to be sponsors of the Michigan Housing Reform Package.

Representative Grants legislation focuses on:

• Legalizing Duplexes in Single-Family Zones
• Establishing a Maximum Parking Requirement
• Modernizing the Zoning Protest Petition Process
• Clarifying Development Study Requirements
• Maximum Setback Requirements
• Reasonable Dwelling Size
• Maximum Lot Size
• Accessory Dwelling Units
  
  

Michigan continues to experience a severe housing shortage. If signed into law, this legislative package will establish common sense guardrails to modernize housing development practices, reduce regulatory barriers, and support the development of more diverse and attainable housing options across the state.             

Representative Grant began working on this and had four bills introduced last session. Unfortunately, the clock ran out. We expect opposition this session, so this will require all of us to be advocates for the industry and voice our support when these begin moving through the legislative process.

Representative Aragona is also working on a package of bills to address the housing crisis in our state. While we haven’t seen drafts on what he is considering, we have been told that the focus will be on those issues that drive up statewide regulations that escalate housing costs and cause permitting delays. The goal is to introduce legislation that will make dealing with the state easier, more transparent and more efficient.

If you are reading this and wondering what you can do to help advocate for housing policy changes, I would ask you to speak up and contact your local legislators – particularly once the measures noted above get introduced. Share stories on the challenges you have experienced. Ask for their support on these bills and encourage them to reach out to your state association should they need more information. 

To hear the latest on your state association's advocacy efforts, visit hbaofmichigan.com/advocacy.