Kent Wood | Author

Finding Common Ground in an Unpredictable Year

Sept. 26, 2026

Predicting what the Michigan legislature will do next is rarely easy. In an election year, under divided government, it can be nearly impossible. That makes what happened on housing policy this summer worth examining.

While Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree on plenty, l… Read More >>

Looking to the Past to Solve Today’s Housing Challenges

April 4, 2026

This year has made one thing clear: even as progress is made, some of the most important structural solutions to Michigan’s housing imbalance remain politically vulnerable.

To be sure, there has been real momentum. A number of communities across Northern Michigan have adopted … Read More >>

Housing Incentives Are a Reality Check, Not a Handout

Feb. 14, 2026

No one disputes that housing in northwest Michigan has become expensive—uncomfortably so for many families who live and work here year-round. Home prices are rising faster than inflation. Construction costs remain elevated. Labor shortages persist.

These are not abstract trend… Read More >>