September 07, 2022
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
In Michigan, too many families are unable to find affordable housing. Among working class families, there is a 160,000-unit shortage of owner- and renter-occupied housing. That shortage means higher prices, further burdening families and contributing to housing instability for our lower-income residents.
The need to act is especially acute because the shortage disproportionately harms marginalized communities. Our nation’s discriminatory housing policies in the decades following World War II excluded women, racial minorities, and other marginalized individuals from building equity through homeownership and securing safe and adequate housing. We know that investing in housing will benefit Michigan’s economy by creating new jobs and expanding options for our workforce. Without housing, our state cannot hope to attract new businesses or support existing employers. Expanding housing options will also foster greater economic inclusion for all Michiganders, wherever they live and whatever their backgrounds.
Addressing Michigan’s complex housing challenges will require coordinated action and new approaches. That is why, earlier today, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (“Authority”) issued a Statewide Housing Plan (“Plan”). The Plan presents opportunities for organizations to partner on common goals, including housing rehabilitation and stabilization, reducing equity gaps, reducing homelessness, and increasing home energy efficiency and weatherization.
Achieving these goals will require persistence and time. But progress is possible. The formation of a new partnership to advise the Authority—the Statewide Housing Partnership—will facilitate a coordinated, data-driven, outcome-oriented approach to housing to help create policies and programs that enable Michigan residents to secure affordable housing.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
Creating the Statewide Housing Partnership
(a) The Statewide Housing Partnership (“Partnership”) is created as an advisory body within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (“Authority”).
(b) The Director of the Authority must provide appropriate staff support for the Partnership, subject to available funding.
(c) The Partnership must include:
1. The Director of the Authority, or the Director’s Designee from within the Authority, who will serve as the chair of the Partnership;
2. The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or their designee;
3. The Chair of the State Landbank Authority Board of Directors, or their designee;
4. The Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors, or their designee;
5. The Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or their designee; and
6. Eighteen individuals appointed by the governor representing the intersections of housing in various fields, including:
(A) Two representatives of philanthropic or nonprofit organizations that promote the welfare of others through funding or programing.
(B) Two representatives of community development or advocacy organizations that provide services or housing to families, or support other organizations who do.
(C) Two representatives of business advocacy organizations.
(D) Three representatives of development associations or organizations, which might include organizations representing realtors, builders, and planners.
(E) Two representatives of the finance industry, which might include banking institutions, credit unions, or their respective associations.
(F) Two representatives of local government, which might include representatives from county or municipal government associations.
(G) One representative of a tribal government located within this state.
(H) Two representatives of organizations that advocate in support of access to resources and services for marginalized individuals and families.
(I) Two individuals with lived experience of housing instability.
2. Charge to the Partnership
(a) The Partnership must act in an advisory capacity to the governor and shall do all of the following:
2. Monitor the Authority’s implementation of the Plan, including formulation and coordination of state-wide outcome measures. Deliver progress reports to the governor and the public on the Plan’s implementation.
3. Establish regional consortiums to address key aspects of Plan implementation in alignment with regional and local efforts, building on existing networks where appropriate. Develop action plans for each regional consortium to ensure alignment with the goals and strategies of the Plan.
4. Propose a communications and marketing plan for the work of the Partnership. Consider incorporating a speaker’s bureau, promotional materials, and a website into the communications and marketing plan.
(b) The Council will dissolve on September 6, 2024, or such other time as the governor directs.
3. Operations of the Partnership
(a) The Authority must assist the Partnership in the performance of its duties and provide personnel to staff the Partnership. The budgeting, procurement, and related management functions of the Partnership will be performed under the direction and supervision of the Director of the Authority.
(b) The Partnership must meet at least quarterly and at the call of the Chairperson or as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Partnership.
(c) Members who attend less than 50 percent of the scheduled meetings in any calendar year have vacated their appointment. Upon notification, the governor must fill the vacancy in the same manner as the original appointment.
(d) The Partnership may adopt additional procedures, consistent with this order and applicable law, governing its organization and operations.
(e) The Partnership must comply with the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, as amended, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(f) The Partnership may establish advisory workgroups composed of individuals or entities participating in Partnership activities, including other members of the public as deemed necessary by the Partnership, to assist it in performing its duties and responsibilities. The Partnership may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by an advisory workgroup.
(g) The Partnership may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, and investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Partnership also may consult with outside experts to perform its duties, including experts in the private sector, organized labor, and government agencies, and at institutions of higher education.
(h) The Partnership may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations must be received and used in accordance with law.
(i) Members of the Partnership must not receive additional compensation for participation on the Partnership. Members of the Partnership may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with applicable law, rules, and procedures, subject to available funding.
(j) Members of the Partnership must refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Authority.
4. Implementation
(a) All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state must give to the Partnership any necessary assistance required by the Partnership in the performance of the duties of the Partnership so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this order and applicable law. Free access also must be given to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Partnership, consistent with applicable law.
(b) This order is not intended to abate a proceeding commenced by, against, or before an officer or entity affected by this order. A proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the successor of any officer or entity affected by this order.
(c) Nothing in this order should be construed to change the organization of the executive branch of state government or the assignment of functions among its units, in a manner requiring the force of law.
(d) If any portion of this order is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable provision will be disregarded and the rest of the order will remain in effect as issued.
(e) Executive Order 2022-5, section (1)(b)(1), is amended as follows “Seven (7) parents, guardians, or family members (“parents”)” is hereby replaced with “Eleven (11) parents, guardians, or family members (“parents”)”.
(f) This order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Michigan.
Click to view the full PDF of the executive order.
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