Local Leaders in Michigan Push Back Against Zoning Preemption Proposals
As Michigan grapples with the challenge of affordable housing, local leaders are voicing strong opposition to potential state-level zoning preemption. This move, suggested by some in Lansing, aims to loosen regulations that allegedly hinder affordable housing development. However, local authorities argue that such measures would undermine their autonomy and disrupt community-specific planning.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is anticipated to back similar initiatives as part of her agenda to address housing affordability in her final year in office. Despite these efforts, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor emphasized during a recent press conference that cities are already implementing innovative strategies to facilitate affordable housing construction.
“These are the things that we deal with every day, but we need the state’s help,” Schor stated. “We don’t need preemption, but we need partnership and funding support.” He further pointed out that zoning laws are not the only barriers, citing labor shortages, rising interest rates, and increased costs of construction materials as significant challenges.
Proposed legislation in the state House, which enjoys bipartisan backing, seeks to override local control over certain zoning decisions, such as those concerning multi-unit housing, lot sizes, and dwelling dimensions, among other aspects. Local officials express concerns that this approach would diminish their decision-making power, reduce resident involvement, and impose uniform solutions on varied communities.
Highlighting the potential drawbacks, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett likened the proposal to an extreme measure with negative consequences. “It’s not good for democracy. It’s not good for any Michigander listening today,” Barnett remarked. “Preemption does not lead to greater affordability.” His comments underscore a rare bipartisan consensus among local leaders against the preemption initiative.
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