Gov. Whitmer Awards $8.4 Million for First Missing Middle Housing Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

December 16, 2022  

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Gov. Whitmer Awards $8.4 Million for First Missing Middle Housing Projects

Investments will support new home builds and the construction or renovation of rental units 

LANSING, Mich. – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded grants to help facilitate new home construction, new rental housing and rental unit rehab to increase the supply of attainable housing units for Michiganders in six counties. The local organizations will receive $8.4 million in total under the Missing Middle Housing Program. 

“Expanding affordable housing is critical to helping Michigan families put down roots in their communities,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I set a goal for Michigan to create or preserve 75,000 housing units over the next four years. Today’s announcement will get us closer to that goal by investing in affordable housing across the state. I am committed to growing Michigan’s economy, lowering costs for families, and building a state where everyone can thrive.” 

The Missing Middle program, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), uses federal resources allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and provides funding to developers investing in, constructing, or substantially rehabbing properties. The program encourages economic mobility and increases the attainable housing stock of both rental and for-sale properties in Michigan. The grants will reduce the amount charged to the buyer or renter, making the housing unit affordable for folks between 185% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 

“We knew before the pandemic that there were limitations in our state’s housing stock, and the pandemic exacerbated some of those challenges. These funds are essential in helping us equitably fill some of those gaps by increasing affordability,” said Chad Benson, rental development director at MSHDA. 

A total of $50 million was allocated to MSHDA for creation of the program. It’s anticipated a second funding round will be announced in spring 2023, when grants will be awarded for new construction and rehab for either single family homes or rental units. 

To qualify for the Missing Middle Housing Program, awardees had to have tax exempt nonprofit status and have a proven track record of doing business in Michigan. Here are the grantees, pending State Administrative Board approval: 

*** Rehabilitated units. All other housing units are new.