Adequate and available housing has become a challenge in Lenawee County. To meet the needs of county residents, Housing Lenawee was formed under the umbrella of One Lenawee. Housing Lenawee is currently working on a county-wide, comprehensive approach to housing by partnering with local governments, developers, building contractors, realtors, and non-profits in order to improve existing housing and create new housing at all levels.
Step one of the process was a Target Market Analysis, a $75,000 housing study that was funded by Lenawee County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. This study identified supply and demand, demographic forecasts on demand, forecasts of market potential, and missed formats unique to each municipality in Lenawee County.
Housing Lenawee is now seeking partnership with municipalities to fund the second step in the process, a Strategic Housing Plan. The plan will assist with policies, development priorities, reinvestment opportunities, and marketing to help attract investment and new development, which in turn can attract new residents and business to Morenci. Further, the plan will use TMA data on housing needs and align zoning and planning ordinances to ensure Master Plan alignment.
The cost of the Strategic Housing Plan is $75,000. Housing Lenawee has approached each municipality in Lenawee County to cover their portion based on population. At the December 12th City Council meeting, council moved to approve the $1,637 contribution determined by Morenci’s population of 2147. It is anticipated that Housing Lenawee will be fully funded and engaged in next steps in early 2023.