Senate Bill 278 builds upon Senate Democrats’ previous efforts to help every hardworking family find a place to call home
LANSING, MI (June 24, 2026) — Today, Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 278, legislation within their A Michigan You Can Afford agenda to lower the cost of living for Michigan residents. Spearheaded by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), Senate Bill 278 would increase avenues for affordable housing through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) by expanding eligibility for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Program to include middle-income Michiganders.
“So many hardworking families can’t find housing they can afford and are being priced out of Michigan,” said Sen. Shink. “This legislation is a step in the right direction to address the housing crisis and connect people with existing resources that can build — and keep — strong communities right here in our state.”
The Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund (HDCF) helps residents find affordable housing and works to revitalize downtown areas and adjacent neighborhoods in Michigan. Under Senate Bill 278, an individual, family, or unrelated individuals living together whose adjusted household income is not more than 120% of the area’s median income would qualify for HDCF assistance.
“When folks have access to safe, affordable housing, it opens the door to better health outcomes, greater economic mobility, and more opportunity,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Since the onset of our Senate Democratic Majority, we’ve taken bold action to tackle the housing crisis head-on — and today’s passage of this legislation moves us even closer to a Michigan where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Recently, Senate Democrats passed legislation to increase the supply of affordable housing in our state and establish the Michigan Housing Opportunity Credit. Senate Bill 278 builds on this work and previous efforts to ensure every Michigan resident can afford a home without barriers.
Senate Bill 278 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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