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NEWS
LANSING, Mich. -- Hundreds of economic development and affordable housing advocates from dozens of agencies across Michigan have joined a statewide coalition to support a fund to help boost Michigan’s economy through job creation, affordable housing and economic and community development.
"We all know Michigan is in a serious budget crisis today," said Ken Bensen, Chairperson of the Coalition for Michigan’s Housing and Community Development Fund (MHCDF). "In order for the state to have a serious economic turnaround, Michigan must put money into the state and not just look at cutting away programs and services."
In 2004, a bipartisan group of legislators created Michigan's Housing and Community Development Fund – a $100 million-a-year program that will leverage an additional $280 million investment annually. The MHCDF will create more than 6,000 good-paying jobs and generate $21 million in state and local taxes. The fund will also create vibrant cities, towns and villages where people are invested in the future of their communities.
However, the program was never funded. Of the 38 states that have created a dedicated fund for housing and community development, Michigan is the only state yet to put money into its fund. Today Michigan ranks 48th out of 50 states in spending on affordable housing.
To demonstrate to the state Legislature the vast support for the MHCDF, hundreds of coalition members will descend upon the state Capital, Wednesday, May 2 for "Lunch On The Lawn - Advocacy Day." Member of the coalition will be in Lansing to build bipartisan support in both the Senate and House to include this fund in their investment strategies for the state.
"We are confident that once the legislative leadership learn more about this fund they will realize how this fund can help boost Michigan’s economy and attract jobs," Bensen said.
The MHCDF will allow Michigan cities and communities to compete for, attract and retain the brightest and best workers in the country. The program focuses on revitalizing downtowns, neighborhoods, affordable housing and supportive housing across the state. "Investing in Michigan means creating affordable homeownership and work force housing to attract workers and job providers who will consider relocating from other parts of the country to Michigan," Bensen said.
The coalition includes Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, the Great lakes Capital Fund, Michigan Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and grassroots organizations such as the Homeless Action Network of Detroit and the Coalition on Temporary Shelter.
The MHCDF is front and center in the state budget debate after state House Democrats publicly announced earlier this month that the MHCDF is a part of their "Road Map to Michigan's Recovery" plan. House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) unveiled the Road Map, which includes sweeping reforms to state and local government. House Majority Leader Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) added that Democrats want to invest $100 million to boost community and neighborhood development as well as create more affordable housing to meet existing needs and support our emerging work force.
The return on that investment for Michigan will be attracting jobs, housing our work force, keeping our employers – both large and small – and supporting the less fortunate. This fund will help Michigan create and maintain vibrant places for people to live, work, retire and play.
"We need to create vibrant communities to attract companies and their workers to help put Michigan back on solid economic footing. It just makes sense that when you improve neighborhoods and housing, you essentially create places where people want to be," Bensen said.