Engagement Toolkit for Local Leaders: Housing

A nine-bill bipartisan package introduced in the Michigan House by Representatives Kristian Grant (D–Grand Rapids) and Joe Aragona (R–Clinton Township) would strip locally elected officials of their decision-making authority, dismiss years of community planning work, and completely override local voices and voter-backed decisions.

SEMCOG Summary of HBs 5529-5532, 5581-5585
Sign the letter of opposition

A better alternative for Michigan to implement is the bipartisan MI Home Program, which offers a solution grounded in partnership rather than preemption. The program would provide funding to build and redevelop housing, offer incentives for communities to pursue zoning reform, create a state match for employer contributions to workforce housing, and establish a revolving loan fund designed for long-term impact with an initial startup investment. Homes supported through the program would be available at up to 120 percent of Area Median Income, helping to ensure affordability for Michigan residents.

Learn more about the MI Home Program
Sign the Petition to Support the MI Home Program

If you have not already, please meet with your community’s state representative(s) and senator(s) to discuss the legislation above, explain how zoning decisions are made in your community, and highlight the work underway to address local housing needs. SEMCOG is happy to participate in these conversations and assist with data or technical expertise if needed.

Contact your State Legislator

Communities across the state are beginning to pass resolutions calling attention this issue, opposing HBs 5529-5532 and 5581-5585 for the detrimental impacts they will have on local zoning decisions, and other unintended consequences. Below is sample resolution language that your board can use to take a position on this important issue. Once passed, don’t forget to send it to the state representatives and senators serving your community.

Sample Board Resolution

Resolutions of opposition
Belleville
Farmington
Farmington Hills
Lincoln Park
Mount Clemens
Sterling Heights
Wayne County
Livington County Planning Commission
Bloomfield Township
Clinton Township
Genoa Township
Green Oak Township
Independence Township
Orion Township
White Lake Township

A letter is a great way to explain your concerns with the preemption legislation to the State officials that represent your community. Below is a sample letter that SEMCOG drafted. Please customize all highlighted areas of this letter before sending. It is also advised to add in specific examples of housing projects happening in your communities and impacts of the proposed bills.

View the sample letter.

Residents also need to be informed about how the proposed legislation would diminish their voices in the local zoning process, while also placing increased demand and strain on the services and infrastructure provided by their local government.

Publish an Editorial/Op-Ed in your local newspaper or community newsletter
SEMCOG has prepared a sample editorial for use in community newsletters and for submission to local newspapers. Please use this draft editorial as starting point, and add impactful community examples that will resonate with your residents.

Sample Editorial

Example Editorial
Michigan Chronicle | March 23, 2026 | “Please Voice Your Opposition to ‘Housing Readiness’ Legislation and Protect Local Decision-Making“

Community Meetings
SEMCOG also recommends hosting community meetings to gather resident insights on the bill package. Inviting your state legislators or sending them a recording of the discussion is a great way to ensure residents’ voices are heard.

Share key messages on your community Social Media pages
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Youtube

SEMCOG is also developing social media content in the form of info graphics and videos that can be shared with your residents. Below is suggested social media content. Please also engage with SEMCOG’s social media pages and let us know how you’re helping to amplify these messages.

Crain’s Detroit Business | February 27, 2026 | “Editorial: Housing push should avoid zoning mandates”
Detroit News | February 24, 2026 | “Dozens of local leaders gather to oppose state zoning bills”