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Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Expand Affordable Housing in Michigan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken significant strides to address the housing shortage in Michigan, signing an executive directive to expand awareness of the state's affordable housing programs. Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has increased the supply of affordable housing through various programs, investing in initiatives that provide social and economic stability, strengthen the workforce, and lower costs for Michiganders. However, many young people and low-income individuals remain unaware of these programs or are ineligible. The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration aims to change this by directing the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to increase outreach and awareness of homeownership programs among young people, particularly those aged 18-35.

Key Takeaways:

  • The executive directive signed by Governor Whitmer aims to increase awareness of affordable housing programs among young people, particularly those aged 18-35, and ensure they have access to these programs.
  • The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will review its marketing and communications strategy to reach communities with disproportionately low levels of homeownership or access to affordable rental units.
  • MSHDA offers numerous programs that can help Michiganders buy their first home or afford rent, including competitive mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education and counseling.
  • Governor Whitmer has made record investments in affordable housing, creating initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing and lower housing costs, including a statewide housing plan to build or rehabilitate 115,000 housing units by 2027.
  • In 2023, Governor Whitmer invested $1.23 billion toward producing and preserving affordable homes, and in 2024, she invested nearly $2.16 billion, with a goal of backing mortgages in all 83 counties this year.
  • MSHDA's Homeownership programs offer mortgages with competitive interest rates, connections to homebuyer education and counseling, and up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.
  • The state's goal is for everyone in Michigan to be able to afford a quality place to call home that meets their needs, in the community of their choice, with a focus on increasing homeownership opportunities and stabilizing neighborhoods.
  • Interested homebuyers can search for experienced participating lenders or contact MSHDA at MSHDAHomeOwnershipPF@michigan.gov.

Statistics:

  • Governor Whitmer has increased the goal of building or rehabilitating housing units to 115,000 by 2027 from the original goal of 75,000 set in 2021.
  • In 2023, Governor Whitmer invested $1.23 billion toward producing and preserving affordable homes.
  • In 2024, she invested nearly $2.16 billion, with a goal of backing mortgages in all 83 counties this year.
  • MSHDA's Homeownership programs invested $608 million in 2023, supporting 4,402 homebuyers, and $772 million in 2024, supporting 5,082 homebuyers.
  • The state has developed programs that provide up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and save buyers thousands of dollars in federal taxes.
  • The $12 million First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program began offering first-time, first-generation buyers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance in February 2025.

Sources:

  • Michigan State Government
  • Governor Gretchen Whitmer
  • Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
  • Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
  • Amy Hovey, CEO and Director of MSHDA
  • Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan
  • Erin Hudson, Executive Director and CEO of Harbor Habitat for Humanity
  • Ryan VerWys, President and CEO of ICCF Community Homes
  • David LaLumia, Executive Director of Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan

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