Grand Rapids, MI is experiencing a housing shortage, this impacts individual households though higher prices and rents, as well as limiting the economic growth of the city.  Those who wish to move to Grand Rapids for the city's economic and cultural opportunities have few options when looking for housing.  The Housing Next needs analysis indicated the city has a shortage of ~13,000 units, and the shortage is deepening by ~5 units ever day

We need more housing, in the city, where existing infrastructure and services exist to provide housing where it with minimal ecological impact.

After years of public conversation and engagement - including the current Master Planing process which took feedback from over 1,000 residents just in the most recent phase - the Planning Commission has presented a series of zoning reform proposals to the City Commission to facilitate the development of addition housing..  These proposals are on the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the City Commission.

The reforms include:

• Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units.
• Increasing the number of unrelated occupants who can share a home.
• Permitting Single Room Occupancy residences in central neighborhoods.
• Liberalizing the permitting of transitional and emergency residential facilities.
• Allowing small scale (2 - 6 unit) developments on corridor streets.
• The elimination of onerous parking minimums

The proposed reforms are one step, a first step, in addressing the city's housing shortage.  The construction of new housing is a complex process which takes time; we need to begin now.  These proposals will allow a gentle increase in density while diversifying the city's housing options.

- StrongtownsGR