KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Some Kalamazoo County commissioners say that the housing millage is not accomplishing what the voters approved it to do.
That’s providing truly affordable housing.
After getting a look at the applications for this year’s grants and incentives, commissioner Jen Strebs found nothing for residents well below the average median income, where the Upjohn Market Study showed the need was greatest.
She wonders if the projects they are helping to fund are a good use of tax dollars.
Board chair Tami Rea agrees they should put this year’s selection process on hold until they revise their policy.
But board vice chair pro-tem Jeff Heppler says that would be changing the rules in the middle of the game.
Housing director Mary Balkema says it’s almost impossible for developers to finance those projects right now in this housing market.
Board Vice Chair John Taylor says perhaps they should put the money in a voucher program and let the renters call the shots, instead of giving the money to the landlords.
But Strebs says vouchers won’t work unless landlords are required to accept them, and right now they are not.
The board decided to go ahead with the selection process for now, and will use their concerns about affordability to determine which projects they pick. The discussion on policy revisions will come later.
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