Across northwest Lower Michigan, the conversation around housing has shifted from whether we have a challenge to how we work together to solve it. Housing North has been a central piece to that conversation, and 2025 was a year of continued momentum towards solutions. The organization’s Annual Report, to be released this month, highlights our accomplishments in helping communities, developers, employers, and local leaders move housing forward.
First, a look at the numbers made possible through our efforts in expanding capacity with programs like our Housing Ready program. In 2025, the work of Housing North supported the development of 1,965 housing units across the region. Another 4,864 units are currently in progress. These units represent opportunity – for working families, seniors, young professionals, and more, to call our communities their home. These units also represent collaboration – between strategic developers and visionary local leaders, utilizing tools and services made possible with Housing North.
One of those tools is the Housing Zoning Atlas, launched in 2025 by Housing North in collaboration with the National Zoning Atlas, Michigan Association of Planning, Flywheel, and Land Use Atlas. At the heart of the effort is making zoning data accessible, comparable, and actionable for planning by giving local governments and developers of clear understanding of where housing can realistically and responsibly be built. The project has launched for eight of the ten service counties of Housing North through funding partnerships with local community foundations, municipalities, charitable foundations and state grants.
As important as data is education, engagement, and advocacy. With the 11th annual Northwest Michigan Housing Summit, and our many community workshops, webinars and discussions, Housing North helped hundreds of stakeholders engage in conversations about practical housing solutions. At a state level, Housing North continued advocating for policies that remove barriers to housing development. A notable success from 2025 was the allocation of Zoning Reform Grants in the final state budget, which will support communities in modernizing zoning regulations.
Housing North is being looked to and sought after as a leader in the state for building capacity, influencing policy, and raising awareness. Proven by the designation as the Regional Housing Partnership Lead for Region D of Michigan’s statewide Housing Plan, Housing North is advancing the needs of northwest Michigan on state and national stages. By coordinating regional efforts to develop and implement action plans that address the regions housing needs, Housing North has activated partnerships, solutions, and development. The progress made in 2025 demonstrates what is possible, and Housing North is dedicated to pursuing even more in the years ahead.
Watch for the Housing North 2025 Annual Report to be released this month to learn more about our work, the successes of our region, and how to get involved.