New Polling: Housing Cost and Availability is a Top Concern for Voters
Michigan voters support state legislative proposals to address housing shortage
For Immediate Release: February 23rd, 2026
Contact: Lauren Strickland, Executive Director
lstrickland@abundanthousingmi.org
(248) 500-2250
MICHIGAN – Over 80% of Michigan voters agree that the state legislature should take action to address the costs and availability of homes, according to a new statewide poll. The survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Abundant Housing Michigan assessed residents’ priorities, their views toward the current state of the housing market, and their support for new policies that would expand housing availability and affordability in the state.
“Michigan is facing a critical shortage of attainable housing options, and it’s hurting the families, entrepreneurs, and workers who are eager to call Michigan home,” said Lauren Strickland, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Michigan. “Voters overwhelmingly agree that the state must take bold action to restore affordability, unlock housing choice, and promote more vibrant local economies. There’s a clear path forward this legislative session through practical and proven zoning reforms.”
Key findings from the statewide poll include:
Housing is a pressing concern for voters across party affiliation and income level.
74% of Michigan voters say there are not enough homes that average people can afford to rent or buy.
Voters think the state should take action to address housing concerns, and prioritize building more homes and bringing down costs over blanket protections of local control.
82% of Michigan voters agree that the state should take action to address the cost and availability of homes.
Only 15% of respondents think their city or town is doing enough to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis.
When presented with a choice between building more attainable housing and preserving the existing character of local neighborhoods, 64% of voters say it is more important to build more homes.
Voters support specific policy solutions. When voters were asked about a suite of policies considered by the state legislature this year, many received two-thirds majority support, and all received at least 50% support:
84% of Michigan voters support a state legislative proposal to allow homebuilders to create starter homes that are the size of a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment.
69% of Michigan voters support a state legislative proposal to allow homes to be built on slightly smaller lots (5,000 sq ft).
67% of Michigan voters support a state legislative proposal to make it easier to build small homes, sometimes called “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs), “backyard cottages,” or “granny flats” on existing residential properties.
67% of Michigan voters support a state legislative proposal to make it easier to build modest home types like duplexes.
67% of Michigan voters support a state legislative proposal to create flexibility for property owners to determine how much parking they need to build for their specific property.
50% of Michigan voters support creating a new statewide standard for how far homes must be from the street, to reduce the amount of land needed to build a home.
Detailed polling results can be viewed in the attached PDF.
Abundant Housing Michigan is a statewide grassroots organization that advocates for laws and regulations that make it easier to build homes across the state. We work with allies and partners to ensure Michigan’s future is one of abundant housing, robust communities, and sustainable growth for every person who wants to belong here.
