Tools & Resources for
Home Builders & Contractors
Builders, contractors, and the skilled trades that work with them are at the heart of housing production in Region G. Without you, no plan turns into a home.
The resources in this section are organized for home builders and contractors working across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties. They cover financing programs that fit small and mid-scale projects, the industry associations that support the trade, workforce development partners, and permitting resources that can shorten the path from application to a finished home.
Financing and Incentive Programs
These programs are designed to help builders take on housing projects that conventional financing alone cannot support.
- MI Neighborhood New Construction Program. MSHDA grants that support the construction of new affordable housing units. Includes set-asides for both low-income households (up to 60% AMI) and middle-income households (up to 120% AMI). A useful fit for builders working on attainable housing for Region G’s workforce.
- Build MI Community Grant. MEDC and MiPlace gap financing and technical assistance for small-scale redevelopment projects. Designed for property owners and builders with limited development experience. Often the right entry point for a builder taking on a first or second small project.
- Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP). Gap financing for place-based infrastructure and real estate projects, including residential redevelopment. Useful when a project depends on adjacent public improvements or shared site work.
Industry Associations
Local industry associations are practical partners for builders working in Region G. They offer networking, advocacy, training, and connections to contractors, suppliers, and local officials.
and partnerships needed to support housing development.
- Great Lakes Bay Home Builders Association (GLB HBA). Serves Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
- Home Builders Association of Central Michigan (HBACM). Serves Clare, Gratiot, and Isabella counties.
- Michigan Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA). Statewide association supporting the manufactured housing industry, including factory-built homes that can meet workforce housing needs in our region.
Workforce Development
A strong housing pipeline depends on a strong workforce pipeline. These partners support the people who do the building.
- Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Workforce development and employer services across Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Connects construction employers with available talent and connects workers to training and job opportunities.
- Delta College Construction Trades. Community college construction trades training programs for students and adult learners. Serves Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
Permitting and Planning Resources
Time is money on a construction site. These tools help reduce friction in the permitting and site selection process.
- Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC). Communities certified through the MEDC RRC program have streamlined development approval processes and make permitting information available around the clock. Before bidding on a project, check whether the host community is RRC certified.
- Redevelopment Ready Sites. A statewide MEDC database of vetted, development-ready sites across Michigan. These sites are pre-qualified for faster project launch, which can shorten the timeline from purchase to permit.
How Builders Can Plug
Into Housing Forward
Housing Forward works alongside builders across Region G to identify financing tools, navigate local processes, and connect with developers and local officials. We are not a regulator. We are a regional partner with a practical interest in seeing more homes built at price points our workforce can actually afford.
A few practical ways to engage:
- Bring a project to us. If you are working on attainable or workforce housing in any of our eight counties, we can help you map available financing and connect you with the right local contact.
- Join the Housing Stock Committee. Builders, contractors, and tradespeople are essential voices in the regional partnership. Volunteer through our Get Involved page.
- Stay informed. Sign up for Region G Housing Partnership updates to stay current on programs, funding rounds, and zoning changes that affect what you can build and where.
If you do not see what you need on this page, reach out. We will help.
Financing & Incentive Programs
MI Neighborhood New Construction Program
Grants supporting new construction of affordable housing units. Includes both low-income (60% AMI) and middle-income (up to 120% AMI) set-asides.
Build MI
Community Grant
Gap financing and technical assistance for small-scale redevelopment projects. Designed for property owners with limited development experience.
Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP)
Gap financing for place-based infrastructure and real estate projects. Can be used for residential redevelopment.
Industry Associations
Great Lakes Bay Home Builders Association
Industry association for home builders in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Networking, advocacy, and industry resources.
Home Builders of Central Michigan
Industry association for home builders in Clare, Gratiot, and Isabella counties. Networking, advocacy, and industry resources.
Workforce Development
Great Lakes Bay
Michigan Works!
Workforce development, employer services, and employment connections. Connects construction workforce with opportunities.
Delta College
Construction Trades
Community college with construction
trades training programs.
trades training programs.
Financing & Incentive Permitting & Planning Resources
Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC)
Communities certified as RRC have streamlined development approval processes and make permitting information available 24/7.
Redevelopment Ready Sites
Database of vetted, development-ready sites across Michigan. Pre-qualified for faster project launch.