Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive aimed at increasing awareness of Michigan’s affordable housing programs, with a particular focus on younger residents. The directive instructs the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to enhance its outreach and communication strategies to inform more Michiganders, especially those aged 18-35, about available programs that support homeownership and affordable renting.

Governor Whitmer said, “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to expand affordable housing for every Michigan family. These programs make it possible for more people to buy their dream home, a starter home, or rent a great apartment in a thriving community. We’ve made a lot of progress, but we need more Michiganders, especially our young folks, to take advantage of the programs our state has to offer. This executive directive will help more Michiganders know about and use the affordable housing programs we’ve worked hard to establish. I’ll keep working with anyone to help more families ‘make it in Michigan.’”

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II stated, “Every Michigander deserves a safe, affordable place to raise their family in a vibrant community. Across Michigan, we are building affordable housing, revitalizing communities, and investing in people, places, and projects. This executive directive will ensure more young people can get the resources they need to buy or rent and be their best selves in Michigan. Let’s keep Standing Tall so every Michigander can find a great place to live.”

Amy Hovey, CEO and Director of MSHDA, added, “MSHDA is proud to support Governor Whitmer’s Executive Directive to expand access and awareness of our homeownership programs among younger people. We will continue working statewide and with our regional housing partnerships to expand awareness of our competitive mortgage rates and down payment assistance programs across the state. We will build on our record-breaking progress by meeting potential homebuyers where they are, in communities with disproportionately low participation rates in our homeownership programs. Together, these actions will improve coordination, raise awareness, and increase access that will result in meaningful progress toward helping more Michiganders achieve the stability and security that comes with owning a home.”

Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, commented, “Housing is the largest monthly expense for many Michigan families, and the Small Business Association of Michigan applauds the Whitmer Administration and MSHDA for their leadership and innovative efforts to expand awareness and make homeownership more attainable. SBAM supports the MSHDA Statewide Housing Plan in our own policy work, recognizing that addressing the housing shortage and closing the supply gap are critical to attracting and retaining talent, supporting small business growth, and driving Michigan’s long-term economic success.”

Erin Hudson, Executive Director and CEO of Harbor Habitat for Humanity, said, “Across Michigan, the lack of affordable housing affects where we work, how our children learn, and how our communities grow. In Southwest Michigan, we see families working full-time — including teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders — who are unable to find homes within reach of their income. Affordable housing is the foundation that keeps our workforce local, strengthens neighborhoods, and drives our economy forward.”

Ryan VerWys, President and CEO of ICCF Community Homes, stated, “A home is where we belong. Right now, too many of our neighbors are being priced out of that fundamental need. This directive will help young people and families afford not just housing, ultimately it ensures they have a place to put down roots, foster meaningful connections, and thrive in the communities that make Michigan so great.”

David LaLumia, Executive Director of Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan said, “There is a critical shortage of affordable housing for older adults and for all Michiganders. We support the efforts of Governor Whitmer and MSHDA to reduce barriers to home ownership and affordable renting across our state."

The executive directive calls on MSHDA to review its marketing efforts to ensure communities with low homeownership or rental rates are better informed about available resources. Other state departments are also directed to support MSHDA’s efforts.

Michigan has made significant investments in affordable housing over recent years. In 2021, Governor Whitmer introduced a statewide housing plan aiming to build or rehabilitate 75,000 units within five years; after meeting this target ahead of schedule in August 2025, she raised the goal to 115,000 units by 2027. The financial commitment toward producing and preserving affordable homes increased from $1.23 billion in 2023 to $2.16 billion in 2024.

Programs have also been established to lower costs for buyers: MSHDA invested $608 million supporting over 4,400 homebuyers in 2023 and increased this investment to $772 million supporting over 5,000 homebuyers in 2024. Initiatives like the MSHDA Rate Relief Program and First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program provided substantial financial aid but were quickly exhausted due to high demand.

For those interested in learning more about MSHDA’s homeowner and renter assistance programs—including mortgages with competitive interest rates and down payment assistance—potential homebuyers can contact MSHDA at MSHDAHomeOwnershipPF@michigan.gov.