Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are known for their beauty and charm, but rising housing costs and the high cost of living are becoming major burdens for many families. The reality is that too many people in this district are struggling to make ends meet, and too many hard-working families can’t afford decent housing. In Michigan’s 1st District, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is climbing well above what many families can afford, and the lack of affordable housing options is driving people out of the communities they love.

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It’s not just about rising rent—it’s about the increasing cost of living in an area that is already rural and underserved. Wages in our district often don’t match the skyrocketing prices of everyday essentials. Too many families are being forced to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. The housing affordability crisis in Michigan’s 1st District is pushing people further into financial hardship, and the status quo isn’t cutting it anymore.

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As someone who’s seen firsthand what it’s like to struggle with making ends meet, I’m committed to making housing more affordable for families in Northern Michigan. My plan to tackle the housing crisis includes:

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• Increasing affordable housing options: I will push for incentives for developers to build more affordable housing in our rural communities, ensuring that working families have access to homes that they can afford without sacrificing basic needs.

• Rent control and tenant protections: With skyrocketing rents making it impossible for many to stay in their homes, I will fight for tenant protections, including the ability to regulate rent hikes and ensure landlords can’t exploit tenants, especially in rural areas where housing options are already limited.

• Support for first-time homebuyers: For many in our district, buying a home is a dream that seems out of reach. I will work to expand down payment assistance programs and ensure that mortgage rates remain affordable for working families, helping people achieve the dream of homeownership.

• Investing in rural infrastructure: Affordable housing is only part of the solution. We must also invest in our rural infrastructure, improving roads, broadband access, and utilities to make our communities more livable and more attractive for new residents.

• Addressing the wage gap: It’s not just about housing—it’s about raising wages so that families can actually afford to live in the communities they love. I’ll fight for fair wages and support policies that allow our local economies to thrive while ensuring people don’t have to work multiple jobs just to get by.

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I believe that in Michigan’s 1st District, everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. That means making sure we build and protect affordable housing, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to the basic necessity of shelter, and addressing the high cost of living that’s making it harder for families to get ahead.