About

City of Portage Stanwood Crossings Workforce Housing Initiative

Community: Portage
Population: Over 12,001

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Project Description

Stanwood Crossings is a transformative housing initiative led by the City of Portage to address critical workforce housing needs identified in the 2022 W.E. Upjohn Housing Study in Kalamazoo County and the city’s 2022 Attainable Housing Policy. In response, the city purchased property, established the Portage Community Land Trust, and stepped into the role of housing developer.
This 42-unit subdivision features two- to three- bedroom, single-family homes, marking the first project in Portage to be fully housing workforce and entirely owner-occupied.
Made possible through more than $5.6 million in federal, state, county, and local investment, the project combines multiple funding sources with a Housing TIF to ensure long-term affordability. Strategic partnerships with a local builder, lenders, housing counselors, and real estate professionals strengthen buyer access and support.
By prioritizing attainable homeownership and leveraging public-private collaboration, Stanwood Crossings creates a scalable model for housing opportunities and builds long-term neighborhood stability.

Is your project easy to replicate in other communities (clear in its impact and execution for other communities)?

Yes. Stanwood Crossings is highly replicable due to its strategic use of layered funding, public-private partnerships, and policy tools such as a community land trust and Housing TIF. The City of Portage structured the project to leverage federal, county, and local investment alongside trusted local developers, lenders, and housing support agencies. This model provides a clear roadmap for other communities seeking to address workforce housing gaps, particularly on underutilized or challenging sites. Its emphasis on attainable, owner-occupied housing and strong buyer support systems can be adapted to communities of varying sizes and housing markets.

What is the Community Wealth Impact (based on one or more of the categories you selected) of your project?

Most workforce housing projects in Michigan since the Housing TIF legislation passed are rental projects. Unlike those, Stanwood Crossings advances community wealth by creating attainable homeownership opportunities for working households, helping residents build equity and long-term financial stability. By prioritizing 100% owner-occupied workforce housing, the project strengthens neighborhood cohesion and reduces housing cost burdens. Investment in infrastructure and redevelopment also enhances surrounding property values and supports broader economic resilience. Additionally, partnerships with local lenders and housing counselors expand access to financial resources and education, ensuring buyers are well-positioned for long-term success.

Describe the creativity and originality of your project.

Stanwood Crossings represents a first-of-its-kind approach to housing, combining 100% workforce housing with 100% owner occupancy. This innovative, city-led development is supported by a city-created and administered Community Land Trust, ensuring long-term affordability and stability for future generations. The project creatively aligns multiple funding sources, including federal earmarks, county grants, and local capital investment, to overcome financial barriers and deliver attainable housing at scale. Its use of the flexible Housing TIF extends beyond traditional redevelopment by supporting initial residents and future homeowner needs. The integration of financial institutions, housing counseling, and land trust principles ensures buyers are supported throughout the process, making this a holistic and forward-thinking solution to workforce housing challenges.