LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Offering more affordable housing to Michigan residents is at the forefront of the Whitmer Administration going forward this term. 

Gov. Whitmer’s vision for building new homes.

At the sixth State of the State Address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared her vision for building new homes and rehabilitating current ones. 

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“In 2024, we will make the largest investment to build housing in Michigan history,” said Whitmer during the address. “We will invest almost $1.4 billion to build or rehabilitate nearly 10,000 homes. That’s 10 times what we put into housing just 10 years ago. Getting this done will support thousands of good-paying, middle-class jobs in the skilled trades—from pipefitters and carpenters to bricklayers and roofers.” 

Some legislators shared concerns regarding the new proposals, including State Representative Joseph Aragona (R-Clinton Township). 

“As Gov. Whitmer claims credit for addressing Michigan’s housing problems with federal dollars, we must acknowledge that throwing more and more money at this without fixing our broken bureaucracy won’t solve our problems.

The Republican vice chair of the Housing Subcommittee instead suggested a different approach. 

“Instead of pushing for solutions, her desire to grow government bureaucracy and her support for policies like reinstituting prevailing wage seem counterproductive, limiting housing construction and driving up costs,” he said in a statement. “A better approach involves creating an environment that supports local contractors, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and getting the government out of the way so our communities can make progress.”

Housing projects to begin in Berrien County.

On Thursday, the governor and others gathered for the announcement of a $300,000 grant to the Berrien County Land Bank for energy efficiency home repairs and upgrades to qualified homeowners. 

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“Every Michigander deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s MI-HOPE grant will help Michiganders in Berrien County make much-needed home improvements, lower their utility bills, and make their homes more comfortable and efficient. Last night, in my State of the State address, I announced our plan to build or rehabilitate 10,000 homes, expanding the supply of housing to lower costs and create thousands of good-paying jobs. Together, we will ‘build, baby, build’ more housing, lower costs for homeowners, and ensure everyone can make it in Michigan.” 

State Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) also weighed in on the importance of the grant.  

“Making homes more affordable and more energy efficient are two of the ways we’re lowering costs for Michiganders,” said state Rep. Andrews. “I’m proud to help announce this grant, and I want to thank not only Gov. Whitmer for her commitment to affordable housing, but also to the Berrien County Land Bank for its role in bringing these critical improvements to fruition.” 

The State Housing Development Authority is on board.

The MI State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is focused on addressing many of the growing challenges of the state’s aging homes, roughly half of which were built before 1970. 

The Michigan Housing Opportunities Promoting Energy-efficiency (MI-HOPE) program from MSHDA provides grants for homeowners to make repairs and upgrades for homes, often in the realm of energy efficiency and health guidelines. 

Some of the eligible improvements include insulation, modifying or replacing the heating/cooling systems, and roof repair or replacement. 

“We are moving quickly with solutions like MI-HOPE, which helps homeowners repair and upgrade older homes to make them more efficient, saving them money,” said MSHDA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Amy Hovey. “But we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to the Berrien County Land Bank for distributing these grant funds to local homeowners for their new windows, doors, insulation, and more.”  

The application for the MI-HOPE online application will close on Jan. 29 at 8 am to the public according to the MSHDA. For the application see here.