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Michigan primary results boost push for statewide zoning reform

Housing reform cosponsors won reelection contests by an average 47.2 percentage points, even as local governments oppose state preemption of zoning authority.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Residential

Housing advocates in Michigan are pointing to August primary election results to argue that zoning and land use reform has political staying power. Housing Readiness Package legislation remains in committee amid resistance from local governments, according to HousingWire.

Housing Readiness Package cosponsors posted a strong reelection record this cycle, with 21 of 24 cosponsors seeking reelection. Seventeen of those 21 faced no primary challenger, while the four who did draw challengers won by an average margin of 47.2 percentage points.

The effort is stalled in legislative limbo statewide, despite months of sponsor testimony and public hearings. Local governments and township associations have pushed back on the package’s proposed preemption of local zoning control over lot sizes and permitting.

Support for the package continues from parts of the homebuilding industry and housing advocates focused on increasing supply. Meanwhile, outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in line with affordability efforts in other states, signed single-stair reform into law in July and followed by signing a bill creating Michigan’s first Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program to match the federal credit, HousingWire reported.

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