![]() Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Portage Township, said he sees room to cut red tape, like permitting through state agencies, to help with housing and other development. And we know that people won't come or they won't stay," Brinks said. ![]() If you don't have a home that you can afford in a price range that works for you, it's going to be a problem. "We've talked a ton about economic development and we know that you can't just do sort of these incentive programs without also supporting the more holistic approach, what happens around those businesses that people who are going to work there really value. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said lawmakers hear a lot about the need for housing and are putting a spotlight on the issue. More: Voucher program can help low-income Michigan families get housing - but using it isn't easy Infusing housing into economic developmentįor Donald Rencher, group executive of housing, planning and development for the city of Detroit, it's pretty clear: "Housing should be and is a key component to any economic development strategy," he said. Opinion: Mackinac Policy Conference panel was fascinating insight into changes in Michigan As they age, he said, they're looking for the next generation of people who might be able to take over and finding there aren't enough young people in the region. He said business owners are interested in housing not just for seasonal workers, but for the future of their businesses. "Housing and the lack of it is one of the most difficult challenges businesses are facing up in the north, it's been that way two decades," Sutherland said. Here are some approaches they're taking: Direct investmentīob Sutherland, president of Cherry Republic, said he's one of several northern Michigan employers that have directly invested in housing developments to support their sometimes-seasonal workforces. Over the last decade the cost of for-sale homes has gone up 84% while incomes have gone up about 25%, she said, making the cost of housing out of reach for many.Īll this has some employers looking to get involved. Sometimes there is a mismatch between where housing is available and where people want to live.Īnd, people are surprised to hear it, but, "our housing in Michigan is expensive," Hovey said. The number of people per household is decreasing, meaning more people want homes. She outlined a few factors: Some of Michigan's housing stock is older and in disrepair. ![]() Michigan needs more affordable housing, said MSHDA Executive Director Amy Hovey at the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering of political and business leaders, on Tuesday. MACKINAC ISLAND - As Michigan businesses work to recruit talent and hire new employees, some are running into one big problem: those employees need a place to live. ![]()
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