Housing Forward, the housing initiative of the
Midland Business Alliance (MBA), has been named the new administrative lead for the Region G Regional Housing Partnership under the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan. The transition is being conducted in partnership with the
East Michigan Council of Governments (EMCOG), which previously held the leadership role.
“Stepping into this role allows Housing Forward to expand our work, both in size and scope, across the region,” says Jenifer Acosta, lead consultant for Housing Forward. “We are committed to accelerating progress through strong partnerships, better data, and on-the-ground collaboration that leads to real housing outcomes.”
Region G encompasses Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties, playing a vital role in promoting local and regional solutions for housing availability, affordability, and quality.
"At its core, housing is economic development,” says Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development at the Midland Business Alliance.
“By taking on the leadership of Region G’s Housing Partnership, we’re aligning regional housing efforts with long-term growth, talent, and business attraction efforts of our Economic Development colleagues across all eight counties.”
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority launched its first-ever Statewide Housing Plan in 2022. Regional Housing Partnerships were created as part of the plan to support local implementation efforts. The Region G action plan began in early 2024 and includes three core committees led by local officials, housing professionals, bankers, and private sector leaders.
As the administrative lead, Housing Forward will coordinate regional efforts, streamline communication among committees, and track essential housing data to inform decision-making. “Housing Forward is built to bring people together around our housing challenges and turn vision into action,” says Wilson.
A core part of this effort includes leading targeted working groups focused on the Housing Ecosystem, Housing Stock, and Communication & Education—all components of the Region G Action Plan, alongside the top priority identified among its stakeholders: a regionally-focused housing initiative.
Housing Forward will also lead community engagement efforts and work with local governments, housing providers, employers, and residents to create and implement housing strategies tailored to specific communities.
"Housing Forward is committed to supporting attainable workforce housing growth in Midland County first and foremost,” says Wilson. “This work is deeply important to our community's growth, and we're grateful that the Charles J. Strosacker and Midland Area Community Foundations continue to support this initiative and its outcomes."
Acosta adds, “We are grateful for EMCOG’s leadership and support in making this a smooth transition. This is an opportunity to continue moving the region forward with clarity, consistency, and collaboration.”
Housing Forward will begin committee engagement and data collection immediately, with the first full-region meeting under new leadership expected this summer.
To learn more about the project, receive updates, or become involved in one of the committees, fill out the Region G Housing Partnership interest form
here.
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