Keeping Howell’s Momentum
By: Alexander Clos – Councilmember, City of Howell,
November 17, 2025
Howell is one of Michigan’s most livable cities. People move here for our schools, our historic downtown, the charm of our walkable neighborhoods, and the community all those elements create. Sustaining that success, however, requires a diversity of housing choices for the people who want to come to live here, while maintaining the character and desirability of our existing neighborhoods.
The MI Home Program offers a framework and resources for cities to offer those choices, while still honoring local decision-making.
In 2023, Howell took the lead in revising its Master Plan to encourage mixed-use development and encourage the rehabilitation of our existing housing stock. We also moved to allow property owners to maximize the livability of their properties by opening opportunities with accessory dwelling units.
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Housing policy works best when it’s locally crafted and regionally supported.
— Alexander Clos
The perceived imbalance between housing demand and supply is the result of burdensome regulations that restrict infill projects and increase financing hurdles that keep developments from getting out of the planning stage. We need partners at the state level to see the opportunities in our cities, but also respect local decision-making and zoning laws.
That’s where “partnership over preemption” comes in. This operating principle ensures Lansing incentivizes, rather than commands. The MI Home Program aligns with Howell’s approach of targeted investment, community input, and flexibility to innovate. With $160 million annually in statewide funding, we can rehabilitate older neighborhoods, support first-time home buyers, and encourage development that aligns with the character of our neighborhoods.
The MI Home Program’s structure allows Howell to retain its character while addressing affordability and workforce needs. It’s a partnership, not a top-down mandate, and that makes all the difference.
Click here for additional information on MI Home. List your support for MI Home here.