Building a Foundation for Attainable Housing

Michigan is facing a housing challenge of serious proportions as discussed in Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. The lack of affordable, attainable and workforce housing is becoming a critical issue that limits the full potential of our communities. Regional, tribal, and local officials and staff have a responsibility to help communities address housing demands and ensure an availability of a wide range of housing types and prices. Despite the challenges, there are a diverse range of planning and regulatory tools available as solutions. Communities that proactively plan and implement greater access to a variety of housing types can improve residents' quality of life and overall prosperity.

MSU Extension, in partnership with the Region J Housing Partnership, is offering this free training to help local government officials and staff plan for, and implement strategies to improve access to attainable, affordable, and inclusive housing. Activities in the program will help build participants’ skills and confidence in local housing discussions and decisions. This training will cover:

• Perspectives on Michigan’s current housing situation, trends, and local data
• History of zoning and other policies as a toll for exclusion
• Strategies communities can use to assess their current housing situation and plan for the future
• An overview of zoning and other policy tools, including tools for greater equity in zoning
• Two scenario-based learning activities to gain experience and confidence in housing discussions around planning and implementation

Lunch will be provided and all participants will receive a copy of the program materials and additional resources. To fully participate in the activities participants are asked to either bring, or have access to, a copy of their community’s master plan, zoning ordinance, and zoning map.

Locations

This workshop is being offered in three different locations throughout the Regional Housing Partnership. Choose the location and date most convenient for you.

• Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  
  • Van Buren Conference Center, 490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064
• Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  
  • ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital Community Care and Conference Center, 370 E. Chicago, Coldwater, MI 49036
• Monday, June 17, 2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  
  • Kalamazoo Expo Center Room B, 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Cost:

This training is being provided free to participants thanks to the partnership with the Region J Housing Partnership.