Coalition Urges Michigan Legislature to Pass Housing Supply Bills
Bipartisan coalition backs zoning reform bills to address Michigan’s housing shortage, with median home prices at $270,000 and inventory at just three months.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — A broad coalition of organizations called on state lawmakers Monday to advance legislation designed to boost housing supply and reduce costs across Michigan, as the state faces a significant shortage of available homes.
The coalition supports the Housing Readiness Plan, a bipartisan package of bills introduced in February by state Representatives Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Twp.) and Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). The legislation targets zoning reform to address the state’s housing crisis.
Housing Market Challenges
The coalition’s press release highlighted concerning market conditions in Michigan. The median home sale price reached $270,000 as of March 2026, while the state maintains only three months of available housing inventory according to the National Association of Realtors.
A balanced housing market typically requires six months of inventory, making Michigan’s current supply roughly half of what economists consider healthy. The shortage has contributed to rising prices and limited options for prospective homebuyers throughout the state.
Legislative Package Details
The Housing Readiness Plan includes three main components addressing local zoning restrictions. The first bill would allow duplex construction in single-family residential zones located in or near metropolitan areas.
A second measure would update procedures for protesting zoning changes, while the third bill would permit accessory dwelling units on land parcels already containing single-family homes. These changes aim to increase housing density without requiring major infrastructure overhauls.
“The Housing Readiness Plan can help lower costs by reducing land use, modernizing outdated laws and regulations, and cutting lag and costly delays,” said Dawn Crandall, executive vice president at the Home Builders Association of Michigan, in the coalition’s press release.
Coalition Support
The diverse coalition backing the legislation includes business organizations, environmental groups, real estate associations, and housing advocacy organizations. These groups argue that current zoning laws prevent the construction of affordable housing options in many communities.
Crandall emphasized the need for policy updates to match current market realities. “Michigan needs policies to keep up with real world conditions, and we know exactly what contributes to rising homebuilding and residential expenses,” she stated.
The bipartisan nature of the legislation suggests potential for passage, as both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have recognized housing affordability as a pressing concern for Michigan residents. The bills remain under consideration in legislative committees as supporters push for action before the summer recess.
