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Sterling Heights joins national Housing Supply Accelerator to expand housing strategy toolbox
Summary
City planner said Sterling Heights was one of 16 communities selected for the inaugural Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge and will receive coaching, peer exchanges and technical assistance as it updates zoning and housing policy.
Sterling Heights is one of 16 communities selected for the inaugural Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge, a joint initiative of the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Planning Association (APA), City Planner Jake Parcel told the City Council on Tuesday. The city’s participation will give staff and elected officials access to coaching, peer exchanges and technical assistance aimed at expanding housing strategies.
Why it matters: Planner and administration officials said the program will provide low-cost technical support and training for staff and planning commissioners as Sterling Heights updates its zoning ordinance and addresses a forecasted demand for new units.
Parcel said the Accelerator focuses on a package of strategies — not just unit counts — including expanding housing types, preserving existing stock and improving livability. He said the city’s master plan forecasts demand for 1,400 to 2,100 housing units over the next 8 to 10 years and that about 60% of the city’s housing stock was built before 1980.
Parcel told council the city was selected to the “second tier” of the program, which includes a housing study and access to additional technical assistance. He described benefits that include free training and webinars for staff and planning commissioners, a peer exchange with other participant communities, and eligibility for exclusive technical assistance and grant opportunities.
City Manager Mark Vanderpool emphasized the importance of planning for smart growth while preserving Sterling Heights’ high owner‑occupancy rate; the presentation noted roughly 76% of housing in the city is owner‑occupied. Parcel said the Accelerator will inform the city’s zoning ordinance rewrite and the toolbox of policy options staff and commissioners consider.
No formal vote was required; the presentation was informational. Parcel said staff will return to council with recommendations and any technical assistance offers that require council action.
