Tools & Resources for Developers
Region G needs more homes. The data is clear, the demand is real, and the partnerships are in place. What we need now are developers ready to build.
The resources in this section are organized for affordable and workforce housing developers working across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties. They cover the financing tools that move projects from concept to closing, the programs that support emerging developers entering the field, technical assistance partners that strengthen project execution, and the specific Michigan programs that fit different project types.
Tax Credit and Financing Programs
These are the financing tools that most affordable and workforce housing projects in our region depend on, in some combination.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The most important financing tool for affordable rental housing in the United States. Available for new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation. MSHDA administers Michigan’s allocation through two funding rounds per year, with both 4% and 9% credits available.
- MSHDA Direct Lending. Loans from tax-exempt and taxable bonds, plus gap funding loans for affordable housing development.
- Combined Application for Rental Housing Programs. A single application that streamlines access to multiple MSHDA rental development financing programs. Detailed program parameters are posted online.
- Enterprise Community Investment (LIHTC equity). Housing Credit equity, New Markets Tax Credits, and multifamily lending through Bellwether Enterprise. More than $92 billion invested since 1982.
- Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP). MEDC gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, with more than 238 projects supported statewide.
- Build MI Community Grant. Gap financing for small-scale, incremental redevelopment, designed for developers with limited prior experience. A practical entry point for first-time and second-time developers.
Emerging Developer Resources
If you are new to housing development or scaling a small operation into
something larger, these resources are designed for you.
something larger, these resources are designed for you.
- MSHDA Emerging Developer Resources. Programs and resources specifically built for new and emerging housing developers in Michigan. The right place to start if you are early in the journey.
- MiPlace Developer Resources. A comprehensive MEDC portal for developers, including program information, site selection tools, and incentive details.
- CEDAM Real Estate Development Boot Camp. A multi-part training program for emerging developers, with a rural-focused track designed for communities like ours. Provides the tools to develop affordable housing in your community.
- Enterprise Preservation Partnership. Free predevelopment services for owners of existing affordable housing. Helps create preservation strategies and prepare properties for recapitalization, with no cost to the owner.
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
Strong projects come from strong support networks. These partners offer training, peer connection, and on-the-ground assistance.
- CEDAM Training and Networking. Conferences, webinars, and customized training in community economic development. Strong peer network across Michigan.
- Enterprise Research and Resources. Affordable housing tools from Enterprise’s policy, capital, and impact teams. Useful for market analysis, neighborhood-level decisions, and policy questions.
- Redevelopment Ready Sites. Michigan database of vetted, development-ready sites for faster project launch.
- Great Lakes Housing Services
- Housing Forward and Midland Business Alliance. Regional housing advocacy, data, and technical assistance across all eight Region G counties.
Programs By Type
Specific programs that fit particular project types and structures.
- MI Neighborhood (new construction). MSHDA grants for new construction of affordable for-sale homes, with developer fee provisions and a construction financing framework. The Heritage Trails development is an active Region G example.
- Project-Based Vouchers. A way to attach Housing Choice Vouchers directly to specific rental units, securing long-term affordability for a development.
- MCRP (Michigan Community Revitalization Program). Grants, loans, and economic assistance for contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, or historic properties. Useful for adaptive reuse and infill projects in our older downtowns and neighborhoods.
Bringing A Project To Region G
If you are evaluating a project in our region, Housing Forward can help you understand local market conditions, identify the right financing stack, and connect with the right local officials, lenders, and partners. We are a project quarterback, not a developer or regulator, and our job is to help your team move with clarity, ultimately reducing risk and helping good projects move faster.
Reach out before you finalize a pro forma. Earlier is better. The sooner we are in the conversation, the more options stay on the table.
Tax Credit & Financing Programs
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Investment vehicle for construction and preservation of affordable rental housing. Available for new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation. Two funding rounds per year.
MSHDA Direct
Lending
Loans from tax-exempt and taxable bonds, gap funding loans for affordable housing development.
Enterprise Community Investment (LIHTC Equity)
Housing Credit equity, New Markets Tax Credits, and multifamily lending through Bellwether Enterprise. $92B invested since 1982.
Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP)
Gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development. 238+ projects statewide.
Build MI
Community Grant
Gap financing for small-scale incremental redevelopment. Designed for developers with limited experience.
Emerging Developer Resources
MSHDA Emerging
Developer Resources
Programs and resources specifically designed for new and emerging housing developers in Michigan.
MiPlace Developer
Resources
Comprehensive portal for developers including program information, site selection tools, and incentive details.
CEDAM Real Estate
Development Boot Camp
Multi-part training program for emerging developers, with a rural-focused track. Provides tools to develop affordable housing in your community.
Enterprise Preservation Partnership
Free predevelopment services for owners of existing affordable housing. Helps create preservation strategies and prepare for recapitalization.
Technical Assistance & Capacity Building
CEDAM Training & Networking
Conferences, webinars, and training customized for community economic development. Connects developers with resources and peers.
Enterprise Research & Resources
Expert affordable housing resources from policy, capital, and impact teams. Tools for understanding community needs and neighborhood factors.
Redevelopment
Ready Sites
Database of vetted, development-ready sites across Michigan for faster project launch.
EMCOG Regional Planning & Data
Regional Housing Partnership lead. Provides regional planning data and economic development services for project planning.
Housing Forward / Midland Business Alliance
Regional housing advocacy, data, and technical assistance for all 8 Region G counties.
Programs By Type
MI Neighborhood (New Construction)
Grant program for new construction of affordable for-sale homes. Includes developer fee provisions and construction financing framework.
Project Based
Vouchers
Attach Housing Choice Vouchers to specific rental units to ensure long-term affordability for developments.
MCRP (Michigan Community Revitalization Program)
Grants, loans, and economic assistance for contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, or historic properties.