April 2023: Fair Housing Month

WHEREAS, Michigan law requires fair housing opportunities throughout Michigan regardless of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, and familial status; and,

WHEREAS, April 11, 2023, marks the 55th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Law Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which creates a national policy for fair housing; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is committed to providing fair and equal housing opportunities for all; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights enforces state and federal fair housing laws, and Michiganders who face housing discrimination have the right to file a complaint with the department; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan joins the federal government in educating local governments, community leaders, realty companies, and housing associations of fair housing laws and policies to reduce the number of incidents of housing discrimination and fair housing law violations; and,

WHEREAS, the bipartisan Building Michigan Together plan invests hundreds of millions in housing for underserved rural and urban areas; and, 

WHEREAS, we join the federal government in encouraging local governments to bolster their efforts to further the purpose of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act; and, 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority continue to support communities in their efforts to provide Michiganders with safe, affordable housing through the use of state and federal programs; and, 

WHEREAS, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is leading the implementation of Michigan’s first collaborative statewide housing plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Michigan.