What do electeds think of housing?

“...the next legislative session: repealing the statewide prohibition on rent stabilization policies; clawing back tax incentives for wealthy developers to build ‘attainable’ (and nowhere close to affordable) and redirecting those efforts to supporting construction of low-income, workforce, and social housing units.”

“Raise taxes on the rich to build public housing while removing the statewide ban on rent control. This takes care of 2 problems at once: stabilizing renters and increasing low income housing stock.”

“A home is not truly affordable if residents must spend an excessive amount on transportation to reach work, school, healthcare, groceries, or other daily needs. Access to local markets, parks, schools, healthcare services, and reliable public transit is essential to creating affordable and connected neighborhoods.”

“Expanding affordable housing also strengthens neighborhoods, supports economic growth, and improves overall quality of life for current and future residents.”

* “This includes: repealing the constitutional prohibition on a graduated income tax (and instituting marginal tax rates); closing the loopholes in the corporate tax code (including reducing flow-through entities and instituting a minimum corporate tax); and pursuing a progressive property tax structure.”

“Stop giving tax breaks to corporations and billionaires.”

“A dedicated millage would ensure funding is protected and used specifically to build and preserve affordable housing. Increasing taxes on non-primary residences could help reduce speculative investment while generating resources for housing. Another option worth considering is a modest surcharge on rideshare services…with the revenue dedicated to affordable housing.”

“extreme inequality becomes a public concern when some residents possess extraordinary resources while others cannot meet basic needs. Those who have benefited most from our economy should be expected to contribute fairly to the community that helped make their success possible.”

“The extreme inequality we see today is a reflection of choices we make about our priorities and investments. It is unacceptable that we have tremendous wealth in our communities while so many neighbors are struggling to afford rent, experiencing homelessness, or living one unexpected expense away from crisis.”

“Many of us have been fighting for this for years, but we need reinforcements. This means changing the culture of corruption that is present in government and getting money out of politics, while also investing in and putting the working class first. Raise wages to a living wage of at least $30 by 2030 and raise taxes on the rich.”

“A Countywide housing millage would be the best and most achievable solution.”

“Corporations that can afford to pay a thriving wage ($25 or more per hour) should be required to do so now. Employees of certain small businesses and/or business sectors that cannot afford to pay a thriving wage now could be qualified for a universal basic income supplement to make up the difference while we continue to work through the systemic barriers to these businesses’ inability to do so”

“When the city provides land, tax incentives, or financial assistance, I would seek enforceable commitments related to affordability, local hiring, accessibility, and long-term community benefit.”

“I would support publicly tracking housing production, affordability levels, shelter capacity, permitting timelines, public expenditures, and the outcomes of tax incentives. Residents should be able to see where the money is going, what is being accomplished, and where the city is falling short.”

“If rent stabilization or a rent cap is permitted in Michigan, I will be a vocal advocate for giving local communities the ability to use those tools to protect residents from displacement.”

“Grand Rapids, like many areas throughout our country, continues to experience the effects of redlining, housing discrimination, disinvestment, and unequal access to opportunity. Those patterns did not develop accidentally, and they will not disappear without intentional action.”

“Community members must have meaningful opportunities to shape policy before decisions are finalized, not simply be asked to react afterward.”

“Our intention and humility must be front and center as we acknowledge that government has not always shown up in the ways our residents deserve. Building trust requires us to be honest about where we have fallen short, listen to residents, and follow through with meaningful action.”

“We need to approach investment in the Southside with the same urgency and commitment that we have brought to downtown development. Downtown investment is important, but our neighborhoods deserve the same level of attention.”

“The City should improve access to contracts, capital, technical assistance, and commercial space for Black-owned and other historically disadvantaged businesses. When public incentives are provided to major developments, residents should see measurable benefits through local hiring, workforce development, affordable housing, and neighborhood investment.”

“Yes, unequivocally. Housing is the foundation of fairness for the entirety of the human experience - it is essential for safety, security, health and dignity.”

“Treating housing as a human right requires more than making a statement. It means increasing the supply of housing at different price points, preserving existing affordable homes, preventing avoidable displacement, enforcing reasonable health and safety standards, and connecting residents experiencing homelessness with shelter, healthcare, supportive services, and permanent housing.

It also requires recognizing that housing is produced, maintained, and financed through a complex system. We need responsible property owners, nonprofit organizations, developers, lenders, and public agencies working together. Policies should protect residents while also making it possible to build and maintain the homes our community needs.”

“Yes. It is really hard and crushing.”

“homelessness is not a personal failure; it is often the result of systemic barriers, a lack of affordable and accessible housing, and circumstances that can impact anyone.”

“we need to de-commodify our housing system; peoples wealth should not be all tied up in their homes, and we should not have corporations buying and renting homes. We need to work towards this system in the long term while stabilizing the current broken system.”

“I have ideas surrounding 'tax porting' that would incentivize empty nesters, retirees, senior citizens, etc. to downsize. That would open up a large swatch of inventory for people who need bigger housing, ultimately affecting the entire housing spectrum by allowing a shift for all. More to come on this.”