Housing costs remain a major challenge for families. And if you’re building a home, those costs could be even higher.
Metro Detroit households spend over $22,000 a year on housing. That’s more than 30% of their budget.
Home prices have skyrocketed, now running about six times the average income -- up from two to three times just a few years ago.
A big reason is a shortage of homes, made worse by rules that make building harder. Building a home can cost a family up to $475,000.
Last week, Local 4 reported about a bipartisan group of lawmakers introducing legislation that they say will make it easier and more affordable to build homes, including allowing duplexes, cutting parking requirements and speeding up approvals.
Part of that, though, could take away some power or authority from local municipalities. And we’ve been hearing from a lot of them who aren’t happy with these new bills.
State Rep. Joe Aragona, one of the authors of the bill, previously joined Local 4 Live to discuss the proposed legislation. You can watch the full interview here --> Michigan lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to boost housing affordability
On Feb. 24, Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudback, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Vivanio joined Local 4 Live to share their perspective on the proposed bills. You can watch the full discussion at the beginning of this article.