Ann Arbor hopes to attract new development to tackle affordable housing crisis [Video]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) — There’s a new plan to tackle a growing affordable housing crisis in Ann Arbor.

City leaders are changing rules to encourage more development, some of which is now underway.

I talked with community members and other stakeholders about how they’re focusing on growth.

“It’s a problem. Nationally and here. Low-income housing. Most of all that’s missing,” one person told us.

“I went to school here. Grew up here. I’m a local,” Ann Arbor native Ken Dairiki says. “It’s a real issue here.”

On the streets of Ann Arbor, people are quick to point out the high cost of living and overall shortage of homes available, an issue they say has gotten worse and one that needs to be addressed – now.

“We have spent the last year reaching out to the community and gauging the community,” City Councilmember Jen Eyer says.

Eyer is helping to lead the charge that involves more than two dozen zoning changes in order for more …