Over the past five years, the average home price in Michigan increased by more than $100,000. Rental prices for homes and apartments have also skyrocketed. State and local lawmakers have been attempting to tackle the problem through tax breaks and subsidized housing, but the biggest piece of the puzzle has largely been missing from this conversation: Zoning reform.
Zoning is land-use restrictions placed on private property by the government. These rules limit where and what people can build. It may require larger houses, or fewer duplexes and apartments. It may mandate a certain number of parking spots, that all properties look similar, setback limits and other rules unrelated to public safety. Metro Detroit has some of the strictest zoning rules in the country.
Across the country, states and local governments have begun to take a second look at zoning reform ideas. This panel will discuss what Michigan lawmakers should consider to balance local concerns, private property rights and housing affordability.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Program: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Louie Building
Freedom Hall (6th Floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Call our Events office at
Registration is closed.
Emily Hamilton is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Her research focuses on urban economics and land-use policy. She publishes both academic research and policy work. Her writing has appeared in outlets including the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, and she writes an occasional column at Governing. Hamilton has testified before several state legislatures as well as the U.S. House of Representatives. Hamilton serves on the Advisory Boards of Up for Growth and Cityscape, a journal published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She received her PhD in economics from George Mason University.
Jessica Letaw is a community organizer and activist for housing abundance and affordability in Ann Arbor. She believes in an inclusive process that’s welcoming to everyone, and that how we get there matters just as much as where we’re going. Jessica seeks to help people connect the stories of who they are with the stories of where they are to enable agency and empower collective work towards change.
Joshua Lunger is the vice president for government affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce where he has worked for more than a decade. He also serves on the Kent County Housing Commission. Josh attended Grand Valley State University and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
