The Strong Towns Podcast Want To Innovate Housing in Your State? Try Copying Michigan.
Oct 6, 2025
Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, dives into Michigan's innovative housing landscape. He shares how local governments can empower communities through tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies. Gilmartin discusses the My Home program, aimed at creating a housing-ready ecosystem and addressing affordability issues. He highlights Muskegon's transformation through strategic investments and explains the importance of local stewardship in housing, blending community needs with economic development.
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League Plays Both Civic And Municipal Roles
- Michigan Municipal League purposely speaks for both municipal operations and the broader civic realm to shape place-based policy.
- That dual role pushes innovation in struggling cities by blending best practices with civic engagement.
Local Government Shapes Daily Life
- Local government is the closest government to daily life and shapes everyday human experiences in places.
- Decisions about downtowns, parks and sidewalks matter more frequently than federal actions to residents.
Horizontal Networks Build Resilience
- Resilient communities have broad horizontal networks rather than vertical, centralized control.
- Local government should host civic collaboration rather than act as sole actor for innovation.