How MSHDA Is Reimagining What’s Possible in Affordable Housing Development
In 2021, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) committed to a bold target: build or rehabilitate 75,000 homes across the state by September 2026. It was an ambitious goal in affordable housing development—especially against the backdrop of rising construction costs, limited supply, and mounting demand for safe, stable, and affordable housing. For context, this was nearly double the state’s previous five-year average—and one of the most aggressive housing targets in the country at the time.
But less than four years later, that milestone is already within reach. MSHDA now estimates it will hit the 75,000-unit mark by summer 2025—more than a year ahead of schedule.
Rather than rest on early success, the agency has done what forward-thinking housing leaders do: they raised the bar.
Michigan’s new statewide housing goal stands at 115,000 units by 2026—a 53% increase that reflects the urgency of the moment and the agency’s deep commitment to the future of its communities.
“By building more housing, we can expand supply and lower costs; make our big cities and small towns better places to live, work, and invest; and we can attract and retain the talent we need to grow Michigan’s economy.”
Why It Matters
MSHDA’s progress is more than a success story—it’s a model. One that shows what’s possible when state resources are aligned, housing strategy is long-term, and impact is tracked with intention. It’s also a reminder that momentum matters. When the conditions are right—funding, political will, agency alignment—housing agencies can not only meet expectations, but exceed them.
That success didn’t happen by chance. MSHDA’s approach included targeted tax credits, increased collaboration with local developers, and investments in both new construction and preservation—ensuring the state’s housing stock grew in quality as well as quantity.
The real success? Thousands of Michigan families—many of them first-time homebuyers, seniors, or those previously at risk of homelessness—now have stable, affordable places to call home.
MSHDA’s approach adds to the growing body of strategies HFAs are using to expand housing access—showing what’s possible when bold goals are paired with strong policy and sustained alignment.
By the Numbers
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Building Permits Survey (adjusted by MSHDA for completion rates), Michigan has:
- Built or rehabilitated nearly 65,000 homes since 2021
- Maintained steady permit volumes quarter over quarter
- Continued to invest in housing across urban and rural regions
- Kept its pace despite pandemic-era disruptions and cost challenges
This progress in affordable housing development comes at a time when many states are struggling to add housing fast enough to meet shifting demand—especially as post-pandemic migration reshapes both urban and rural markets.
MSHDA’s ability to move quickly, recalibrate, and scale up efforts reflects the kind of operational agility and purpose-driven leadership that’s essential in this era of housing transformation
We’re proud to highlight MSHDA’s achievement not just as a milestone—but as motivation. Their work embodies what it means to think bigger, act faster, and deliver more for the communities they serve.
Here’s to raising the bar—and then building right past it.
Explore More
Want to learn how your agency can support large-scale housing goals with the right tools in place, contact us today at hfa-sales@emphasys-software.com. To learn more about MSHDA’s bold vision and ongoing progress, visit their Building Michigan Together initiative below.
