News

Midland, Michigan – At the June 10 Midland City Council meeting, the Spicer Group will present information on how engineers are evaluating and scoring potential flood reduction and resiliency projects.

The City of Midland and the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure (ACOI) are planning for the best use of $40 million included in the current state budget signed by Governor Whitmer last July. The ACOI worked closely with our state legislators to successfully include two funding provisions for the City of Midland to support efforts to reduce the severity of flooding and enhance flood resiliency. The first is $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The second is a $15 million enhancement from the state, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Each of these grants have their own specific requirements around reporting, timelines and how funds can be used. Due to funding-related deadlines, decisions on future projects need to take place by the end of this year.

In an age where access to adequate housing remains a pressing issue for many, Midland County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) stands out as a path to sustainable homeownership. This global nonprofit organization’s efforts are alive and well in Midland providing affordable housing to those with low to moderate income. Yet, their impact goes beyond simply constructing houses. Habitat for Humanity creates pathways to housing that strengthen communities and empower individuals and families.

In the pursuit of thriving, sustainable communities, attainable housing options are a top-of-mind concern. Yet, beyond just cost, the pressing need for housing choice, particularly in vibrant, walkable areas, is a key factor often overlooked. This oversight not only affects the housing market but also has significant implications for talent retention, especially among empty nesters and experienced professionals seeking to downsize or transition into new phases of life.

Midland, Michigan – After passing in the U.S. House and Senate, several funding bills for fiscal year 2024 were signed by President Joe Biden on March 9. Locally requested items considered important to flood reduction in mid-Michigan were included in these bills.

In the pursuit of economic growth and development, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the availability of attainable housing. Housing is a fundamental component that contributes to the overall well-being of a city – it’s the glue that makes Midland a thriving community versus just a pin on a map. Thus, there is an important correlation between job creation and housing development. Yet with rental rates for the City of Midland and Midland County both effectively doubling since 2018, it’s apparent that we are facing a significant challenge in Midland and the broader Great Lakes Bay Region.

In the face of rising housing costs and attainability as a hindrance to economic growth, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance and several local partners, including Housing Forward, recently came together to address this critical issue at the Great Lakes Bay Region Housing Summit on January 26 at Saginaw Valley State University. Approximately 250 stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss and share innovative solutions around why workforce housing is one of the top factors in regional growth and why it should be a priority for everyone.

The MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the County of Midland on a large hydraulic/hydrologic study of the Tittabawassee River Watershed since 2021. This first study is coming to a close soon. Using new river surveying and GIS data, the study will result in a powerful computer model of the watershed.

The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure will be providing a progress report to the Midland County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, December 5.

What does attainable housing mean for the fabric of a community?