Market One Director Zack Morris is urging Michigan lawmakers not to forget rural areas as they renew the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund to attract more development in the state.
Morris, who testified before the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee this month as lawmakers consider redirecting some of the fund’s money to making Michigan communities more livable, said a major obstacle to development in Southwest Michigan is a lack of affordable housing.
““We need to make sure we’re investing in housing and giving them the wherewithal to invest in land acquisition and infrastructure development so we can attract developers to Southwest Michigan and build the workforce housing that our presidents talk so much about to me right now,” Morris said. “When are we going to get developers? When are we going to start building more housing in Southwest Michigan?”
Morris said that under the bill currently under consideration, SOAR Fund money would be distributed to make areas more attractive to businesses.
“This fund was established to support programs and attract businesses to the area, but we recognize that affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and mobility programs also need to be in place.”
Morris’ testimony included Market One’s economic development goals and highlighted the need for funding to address challenges plaguing small cities, towns and villages in Cass and Van Buren counties. Outside of housing, the most pressing issues are downtown revitalization, industrial site preparation and population decline, Morris said.
Morris said his message resonated with Michigan lawmakers because many of them come from small towns.
