HUD secretary discusses housing affordability during Michigan visit

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner visited Lansing this week to promote a number of affordable housing projects in mid-Michigan.

This comes as Michigan continues to struggle with rising housing costs and a shortage of inventory, which some have labeled a “crisis” for Michiganders.

Turner joined U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, for tours of several housing developments.

“Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges working families are facing across mid-Michigan and the country,” Barrett said. “The solution isn’t more bureaucracy—it’s building more homes, expanding opportunities for homeownership, and making sure families can compete in the housing market.”

One of the tours included The Residences at Walter French, a low-income apartment complex developed inside a former Lansing school building.

Turner said this is an example of the importance of “public-private partnerships.”

“Lansing is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful economic growth and community revitalization,” Turner said. “Innovative construction practices and strategic investment through Opportunity Zones are helping increase housing supply and transform historically forgotten communities.”

Turner also met with local housing, business and government leaders to discuss ways to expand housing opportunities across the region, which they said should include continued taxpayer-funded federal housing spending.

“From retention of Community Development Block Grant dollars to funding for housing and homeless resources, federal investments are necessary for Lansing, and all cities, to be successful,” said Andy Schor, mayor of Lansing.

Following the visit, Turner applauded what he saw in Michigan.

“Mid-Michigan is leading the way,” he posted to social media. “Great visit . . . to see public-private partnerships expanding access to affordable housing. That is exactly what the Trump Administration promised to deliver—affordable housing and the American Dream within reach for every family.”

Amy Hovey from Michigan State Housing Development Authority was present as the state-level representative.

“Thank you to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner for touring Michigan this week to see the innovative solutions that are expanding housing opportunities and enhancing communities across the state,” the authority said in a statement following Turner’s visit. “It’s always valuable to come together with our federal partners to strengthen our collaboration, advance our shared mission, and continue making an impact for Michiganders.”

State lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have advanced dozens of housing bills this year as housing availability and affordability remains a growing concern, both in Michigan and nationally.

Last month, Michigan House Republicans approved a package of bills they say would reduce housing costs by eliminating the state property tax, as previously reported by The Center Square.

Many other housing-related proposals continue to move through the state legislature.

Just this week, State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, testified before the House Regulatory Reform Committee in support of Michigan’s First-Time Home Buyer Savings Program, which allows first-time homeowners to save for down payments through tax-advantaged accounts.

Meanwhile, the Republican-led House recently approved bipartisan legislation that would allow communities to permit certain multi-family housing developments with single-staircase designs.

Yet another proposal would prohibit large corporations from purchasing single-family homes if they already own significant housing portfolios.

“My legislation could not be clearer: corporations will no longer take advantage of our broken housing system for their own gain,” said State Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton and the bill’s sponsor. “By stopping these predatory practices, we’re ensuring that single-family homes on the market are available for the people who need them.”

Barrett is leading a similar push in the U.S. Congress.