Community Catalysts Unveils Path Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Non-Profit, Community Catalysts, Unveils Path Forward to Address Critical Housing Shortage
HOWELL, MI – Community Catalysts has released the findings of a comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) conducted by ECOnorthwest. This landmark study, made possible through the generous funding and support of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County, reveals a significant gap between the county’s current housing production and the projected needs of its current and future residents.
The study serves as a data-driven call to action for local leaders to address a growing crisis that impacts the county's economic vitality and the quality of life for residents across all income levels.
Key Takeaways from the ECOnorthwest Study The HNA findings highlight a stark reality: Livingston County must triple its current housing production to keep pace with demand. Key findings include:

• A Need for 16,000 Units: To properly house current and future residents by 2035, the county needs approximately 16,033 new units.
• Production Gap: While the county has been producing roughly 500 to 760 units annually in recent years, it requires a "run rate" of 1,600 units per year—a level of building not seen since the 2004 boom.
• Impact on All Incomes: The need is most acute at both ends of the spectrum. Approximately 35% of new units are needed for households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while 53% are needed for those earning over 150% AMI.
• The "Rent Down" Effect: A lack of high-end housing is causing high-income residents to "rent down," creating intense competition for lower-cost units and further burdening the county's workforce and low-income families.

“This data provides a clear look at the challenges we face,” said Amy Johnston, Senior Director of Housing at Community Catalysts. “Thanks to the Howell Chamber and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County, we now have the evidence needed to move past anecdotes and start making informed decisions about our community's future.”

Next Steps: From Data to Action To translate these findings into results, Community Catalysts is working with the Livingston County Planning Department on its Zoning Build-Out Analysis (ZBOA). This analysis will estimate the maximum development possible under current regulations, helping the Housing Catalysts initiative and members of the local municipalities to identify exactly where zoning may need to evolve to meet community housing needs.
Simultaneously, Community Catalysts is engaging Flywheel to lead a strategic initiative through the end of 2026. Flywheel will focus on:

• Integrated Research: Combining the Target Market Analysis and ZBOA into a single, actionable narrative.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating sessions with county leadership and the development community to build a "shared commitment" to housing solutions.
• Housing Action Framework: Developing a concise guide of priority actions, including regulatory reforms, infrastructure investments, and financing tools tailored specifically for Livingston County.

“Housing is fundamentally tied to economic vitality,” added Janelle Smith, Howell Area Chamber President. “Employers cannot grow or attract talent when people can't find attainable housing within the communities they serve. This study gives Livingston County the data needed to move beyond conversation and toward thoughtful, collaborative solutions that support business and community.”
For more information on the Livingston County Housing Catalysts initiative or the Housing Needs Analysis, please contact Amy Johnston via email at ajohnston@community-Catalystss.org.

About Community Catalysts: Community Catalysts is dedicated to supporting seniors, veterans, the homeless, and other lower-income people by funding and developing quality affordable housing and services.  We care deeply about the people in Livingston County. Together with our partners in the Housing Catalysts initiative, we are bringing housing solutions to our community.

About Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County: The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Livingston County and is a catalyst for a vital business environment and exceptional community, serving businesses in Livingston County and the surrounding region through leadership, advocacy, and connection. In partnership with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County, the organizations work collaboratively to support business growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and smart, sustainable economic development initiatives that strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity.