House economic committee hears testimony on Michigan housing supply, citing materials, labor and regulations as barriers

The House Committee on Economic Competitiveness heard testimony Thursday on barriers to increasing housing supply in Michigan, with witnesses telling members that shortages of materials, an aging construction workforce and state regulatory processes are constraining new home building.

"My name is Dawn Crandall. I am the EVP of government relations for the Home Builders Association of Michigan," said Dawn Crandall, who told the committee the industry faces three central challenges: materials, labor and regulations. "Time is money in our industry," she added, saying delays and regulatory requirements increase the cost of a new home.

The testimony, delivered by Crandall and Jen Rigtrink of the Michigan Municipal League, summarized statewide data and policy priorities. Crandall cited permit trends and affordability figures: roughly 54,000 single-family permits were pulled in 2005, falling through the late 2000s to about 6,900 at one point; in 2024 there were 15,137 single-family permits pulled and the industry forecast for 2025 was 15,728. She also told lawmakers the median cost of a new home in Michigan in 2025 is about $430,000 and that a qualifying income to purchase at that price is approximately $137,934.

On materials, witnesses described ongoing shortages and price volatility. Crandall said builders…