Public Policy Associates (PPA) released a new report that examines Michigan’s homeowner rehabilitation programs and offers a series of recommendations for policymakers to increase program coordination and alignment. This report and summary are available for download below.
With more than an estimated 520,000 owner-occupied homes potentially in need of free or subsidized repair, rehabilitation, or preservation services, Michigan faces an urgent need to revitalize and preserve its existing housing stock. However, with programs funded and administered through a variety of sources, and a complicated web of program rules and requirements, it makes it difficult for program implementers to efficiently and effectively serve homeowners.
“For too long, Michigan homeowners most in need have faced significant barriers to accessing state and federal home rehabilitation programs. This work aims to rethink the delivery system for these critical programs. Consistent with PPA’s vision of better public policy for a better world, these recommendations offer a path forward that benefits homeowners, communities, and taxpayers alike.” Rob Fowler, CEO, Public Policy Associates
This study was designed to identify opportunities to improve coordination and governance, align resources, strengthen delivery systems, and support more cohesive and flexible delivery of housing rehabilitation resources.
“Conversations with stakeholders across the state gave us varying insights into the complexity and urgency of the issue. Together with data-driven analysis, these conversations helped identify systemic barriers and reinforced the importance of creating a more unified approach to delivering rehabilitation programs statewide.” Anna Fischer, Director for Healthy Communities, Public Policy Associates
The study included an environmental scan of relevant homeowner programs; a policy scan of recent housing rehabilitation legislation; data analysis; and input from housing program administrators, local implementers, and other experts. This input was collected through semi-structured interviews, roundtables, and feedback sessions.
“Our goal is to enter a home and address every possible safety hazard. Navigating multiple funding sources and varying requirements can make that work more challenging, but preserving our community’s housing stock is essential. It is a service to current and future generations, and we are committed to making it possible. This report offers recommendations that would allow us to make an even bigger impact” Gustavo Perez, Kent County Community Action Department
“Home repair remains under-researched considering the scale of the need, which makes efforts like this report especially valuable. PPA does an excellent job making the immense complexity of home repair easily visible, while giving state and local leaders a set of practical recommendations to discuss, build upon, and hopefully translate into effective solutions.” Heather Zygmontowicz, City of Detroit
This project was generously funded by Rocket Community Fund, Hudson-Webber Foundation, the Wege Foundation, Frey Foundation, InvestUP, and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. The Michigan Municipal League Foundation administered the grant funds.
