Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Access to Affordable Housing for Younger Michiganders, Putting Money Back in Their Pockets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2025

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Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Access to Affordable Housing for Younger Michiganders, Putting Money Back in Their Pockets

Executive directive builds on record investments in housing, including commitment to build or rehabilitate more than 115,000 homes by 2027

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive that will expand awareness of Michigan's affordable housing programs so more young people can become homeowners without breaking the bank. Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has also increased the supply of affordable housing by establishing multiple historic housing programs that provide social and economic stability, strengthen Michigan's workforce, and lower costs for all Michiganders. However, many Michiganders, especially younger people, don't know about these programs or are unaware of their eligibility. The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration is committed to ensuring everyone has a safe, affordable place to live and will continue making record investments to build or rehabilitate housing as they have for the past seven years.

"I'm proud of the work we've done to expand affordable housing for every Michigan family," said Governor Whitmer. "These programs make it possible for more people to buy their dream home, a starter home, or rent a great apartment in a thriving community. We've made a lot of progress, but we need more Michiganders, especially our young folks, to take advantage of the programs our state has to offer. This executive directive will help more Michiganders know about and use the affordable housing programs we've worked hard to establish. I'll keep working with anyone to help more families 'make it in Michigan.'"

"Every Michigander deserves a safe, affordable place to raise their family in a vibrant community," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "Across Michigan, we are building affordable housing, revitalizing communities, and investing in people, places, and projects. This executive directive will ensure more young people can get the resources they need to buy or rent and be their best selves in Michigan. Let's keep Standing Tall so every Michigander can find a great place to live."

"MSHDA is proud to support Governor Whitmer's Executive Directive to expand access and awareness of our homeownership programs among younger people," said Amy Hovey, CEO & Director of Michigan State Housing Development Authority. "We will continue working statewide and with our regional housing partnerships to expand awareness of our competitive mortgage rates and down payment assistance programs across the state. We will build on our record-breaking progress by meeting potential homebuyers where they are, in communities with disproportionately low participation rates in our homeownership programs. Together, these actions will improve coordination, raise awareness, and increase access that will result in meaningful progress toward helping more Michiganders achieve the stability and security that comes with owning a home."

"Housing is the largest monthly expense for many Michigan families, and the Small Business Association of Michigan applauds the Whitmer Administration and MSHDA for their leadership and innovative efforts to expand awareness and make homeownership more attainable," said Brian Calley, President & CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. "SBAM supports the MSHDA Statewide Housing Plan in our own policy work, recognizing that addressing the housing shortage and closing the supply gap are critical to attracting and retaining talent, supporting small business growth, and driving Michigan's long-term economic success."

"Across Michigan, the lack of affordable housing affects where we work, how our children learn, and how our communities grow," said Erin Hudson, Executive Director & CEO of Harbor Habitat for Humanity. "In Southwest Michigan, we see families working full-time - including teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders - who are unable to find homes within reach of their income. Affordable housing is the foundation that keeps our workforce local, strengthens neighborhoods, and drives our economy forward."

"A home is where we belong. Right now, too many of our neighbors are being priced out of that fundamental need," said Ryan VerWys, President & CEO of ICCF Community Homes. "This directive will help young people and families afford not just housing, ultimately it ensures they have a place to put down roots, foster meaningful connections, and thrive in the communities that make Michigan so great."

"There is a critical shortage of affordable housing for older adults and for all Michiganders," said David LaLumia, Executive Director of Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. "We support the efforts of Governor Whitmer and MSHDA to reduce barriers to home ownership and affordable renting across our state."

Executive Directive to Ensure Full Access to and Participation in Housing Programs

Governor Whitmer has directed the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to increase outreach by reviewing its marketing and communications strategy relating to programs that seek to reduce barriers to homeownership and affordable renting. MSHDA offers numerous programs that Michiganders can use to buy their first home or afford rent. However, people often don't know that they are eligible for these programs or know of the programs' existence.

MSHDA should work to reach communities with disproportionately low levels of homeownership or access to affordable rental units, such as Michiganders age 18-35, ensuring Michiganders in such communities are aware of and have access to available programs to increase rates of participation. Other departments are also directed to work with MSHDA to support affordable housing in our state.

Increasing Affordable Housing in Michigan

Governor Whitmer has made significant investments in affordable housing, creating numerous initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing and lower housing costs. In 2021, Governor Whitmer created Michigan's first-ever statewide housing plan which set a goal of building or rehabilitating 75,000 housing units over five years. After meeting the original goal in August of this year, Governor Whitmer raised the goal to 115,000 units.

Governor Whitmer has also made record investments to expand access to housing in Michigan. In 2023, she invested $1.23 billion toward producing and preserving affordable homes. In 2024, that investment was nearly doubled to $2.16 billion. In addition to increasing supply, Governor Whitmer has established programs to lower costs for homebuyers. In 2023, MSHDA homeownership programs invested $608 million supporting 4,402 homebuyers. In 2024, that investment increased to $772 million supporting 5,082 homebuyers.

Last year, Governor Whitmer launched the $50 million MSHDA Rate Relief Program to lower mortgage-interest rates by up to a full percentage point for first-time buyers. The state has also developed programs that provide up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and save buyers thousands of dollars in federal taxes. In February of 2025, the $12 million First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program began offering first-time, first-generation buyers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance. Both the Rate Relief Program and the First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program were quickly exhausted, underscoring the need for additional state investment in homeownership programs.

This year, MSHDA expects to invest over $1 billion in its homeownership programs. The state has set a goal of backing mortgages in all 83 counties this year and expects to reach that goal in the coming weeks.

MSHDA Homeowner and Renter Assistance Programs

MSHDA's Homeownership programs offer mortgages with competitive interest rates, connections to homebuyer education and counseling, and up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.

The state's goal is for everyone in Michigan to be able to afford a quality place to call home that meets their needs, in the community of their choice. Homeownership is a powerful way for families to gain a foothold into the middle class, build wealth and participate in the American Dream. Increasing homeownership opportunities helps stabilize neighborhoods, making communities stronger.

Interested homebuyers can search for an experienced participating lender to start exploring a MSHDA mortgage or contact MSHDA at [email protected].

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