This bill creates the MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability in Michigan by establishing new state funds and programs for grants, loans, and assistance. It defines specific categories of eligible applicants and developers, including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals, while allowing qualified zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, permit smaller homes, and encourage denser development near transit. The legislation empowers the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to administer these programs and distribute money to support the construction, rehabilitation, and rental of residential properties for income-qualified households.
HB 5401 extends the deadline for granting new exemptions under Michigan's Attainable Housing Facilities Act from December 31, 2027, to December 31, 2037. This directly affects developers and property owners seeking new exemptions for affordable housing projects under the Act. Existing exemptions granted before the new deadline will continue until their certificate expires, ensuring no disruption to ongoing projects. The bill amends Section 16 of the 2022 Attainable Housing Facilities Act (MCL 207.916) to update the sunset provision.
HB 5365, the "SFR Tax and Economics Act," imposes a surtax on large investors (entities owning 50+ single-family homes) for acquiring, selling, or holding properties. It requires certified entities (like community land trusts or MSHDA-approved groups) to implement 15-year affordability covenants limiting rent/sale prices to 30-80% of local median income. The bill affects large real estate investors and entities receiving state benefits related to single-family homes, mandating reporting and compliance. Proceeds from surtaxes fund affordable housing initiatives, while exemptions apply to qualifying "mission buyers" like public housing agencies.
SB 213 requires the Michigan Strategic Advisory Board to create a 10-year economic development plan for the state within one year of its appointment, with annual updates thereafter. The plan must include specific goals covering all regions (rural, suburban, urban), infrastructure needs, affordable housing, environmental protection, water resources, education access, and economic opportunities for all residents. It mandates measurable metrics for success, such as population growth and resident prosperity, and requires a "whole-government approach" to achieve these objectives. The bill directly affects the Strategic Advisory Board and Michigan Strategic Fund by establishing their planning obligations under the Michigan Strategic Fund Act.
Senate Bill 278 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 to modify the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. It expands the fund's focus to include middle-income households and projects located in downtown areas or adjacent neighborhoods, in addition to existing support for low-income households. The bill revises how the fund's money is allocated, adding considerations for accessible housing and the availability of other funding sources for specific groups, while removing some previous earmarks for rental and homeownership projects. It also enhances public engagement requirements for the fund's biennial allocation plan, mandating virtual participation options and targeted outreach.
HB 4539 amends Michigan's housing law to clarify definitions and strengthen funding rules for affordable housing projects. It defines key terms like "extremely low-income" (≤30% of area median income) and "downtown area" (50+ years of commercial use with mixed buildings), directly affecting low- and middle-income households in these zones. The bill requires 30% of funds to support projects for extremely low-income households (including homeless and supportive housing) and mandates that 20% of units in all funded projects serve households earning ≤60% of area median income. It also requires the housing authority to create a public input process for its biennial funding plan, prioritizing areas with high poverty, disability needs, and housing distress.
SB 442 creates a new state-level process for charitable nonprofit housing organizations to obtain property tax exemptions on specific residential properties (like single-family homes, duplexes, or small multi-unit buildings). Organizations must apply to the state tax commission, which has 60 days to approve or deny the exemption. If approved, the exemption lasts 3-5 years (depending on property type) or ends sooner if the property is occupied by an income-eligible person (family income ≤120% of statewide median) or transferred. The bill modifies existing rules to shift from local resolution-based exemptions to a centralized state application system.
HR 216 is a procedural resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as described in H.R. 5356. It does not create new funding but proposes a public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt to finance infrastructure projects like road repairs, school upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and affordable housing. The resolution highlights Michigan's infrastructure challenges - such as 33% of roads in poor condition and 11% of bridges deemed structurally deficient - and cites widespread support from state legislatures and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests congressional action but does not enact policy changes itself.
