Northern Michigan Policy Summit Highlights Critical Link Between Housing Shortage and Economic Growth
Political leaders and business executives gathered at the Grand Traverse Resort on Friday, the 2026 Northern Michigan Policy Conference focused heavily on the region's housing crisis. The summit revealed a growing consensus that economic growth has stalled because workers cannot find affordable places to live, this issue dominated discussions among the gubernatorial candidates present.
Housing Shortages Have Hindered Regional Growth for Years
The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is now in its eighth year, it has evolved from a small internal meeting into the region's premier political summit. Discussions in previous years focused on post-pandemic recovery and general rural prosperity, the conversation has shifted dramatically in 2026. Leaders now recognize that attracting new businesses is futile if employees cannot find housing, the central theme has become the urgent need to support the existing workforce. This change reflects a broader trend where job availability outpaces housing inventory, this dynamic creates a ceiling on potential economic expansion.
Gubernatorial Hopefuls and Officials Propose Major Funding Initiatives
Six gubernatorial candidates attended the event to pitch their visions for the state, housing policy served as the primary litmus test for leadership. **Mike Duggan** proposed a massive $500 million "gap funding pool" to address the shortage, this money would subsidize construction in communities that modernize their zoning laws. Jocelyn Benson focused on talent retention during the forum, she argued that the state must measure success by whether the next generation chooses to stay in Michigan. State Senator John Damoose offered a different perspective, he criticized recent state tax relief efforts as temporary measures that failed to create long-term stability in rural areas.
Collaborative Success Stories Offer Blueprints
Damoose highlighted a specific **$5 million teacher housing project** as a model for future success, this initiative forced rival educational groups to work together. The project involved Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Interlochen Center for the Arts, they collaborated to build affordable units for educators because traditional housing options were unavailable. Jeff Donofrio from Business Leaders for Michigan also spoke, he presented a roadmap for prosperity that requires the state government to become an active partner rather than a passive observer in regional economic systems.
Voters and Businesses Expect Concrete Policy Changes
The proposals discussed at the summit suggest a major legislative shift is coming, lawmakers will likely pivot toward employer-assisted housing models instead of traditional tax credits. The 2026 election cycle places significant pressure on candidates to solve these practical problems, the Northern Michigan agenda is now a deciding factor for winning the state. The region faces a serious risk of stagnation if these initiatives fail, companies may relocate to areas that have already bridged the gap between housing and talent.
Officials argue that the time for observation has passed, immediate action is required to secure the region's economic future. The upcoming legislative session will determine if these proposals become reality, the outcome will shape Northern Michigan for decades.
