Ann Arbor affordable housing millage has supported more than 500 new or developing apartments in first five years

Five years after implementation of the City of Ann Arbor’s Affordable Housing Millage began, 537 apartments have been added or are under construction, with more than 900 additional affordable homes advancing through financing, approval, design or feasibility work.

The results are detailed in the new Five-Year Affordable Housing Millage Report, which documents how millage funding has supported the development, acquisition and preservation of affordable housing, as well as services that help residents remain stably housed.

Ann Arbor voters approved the millage in November 2020 with 73% of the vote. The initiative established a goal of adding 1,500 affordable homes in the city over 20 years for households earning up to 60% of the area median income.

“With 15 years left on the millage, it’s more than likely that we will not just meet the goal of 1,500 units, but exceed it,” said Jennifer Hall, executive director of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, which administers the Affordable Housing Millage for the city.

The report highlights completed and developing communities that include Dunbar Tower, The Grove at Veridian, Hickory Way, Union @ A2 and 350 S. Fifth Ave. Projects underway or moving toward construction include Hickory Way III, The Blondeen at Arbor South and a development at 3695 State St.

In addition to the homes serving households at or below 60% of area median income, millage-supported projects have contributed another 305 income-restricted apartments for households earning between 60% and 80% of area median income.

Between 2021 and 2026, the millage provided $30.7 million for housing development, preservation, acquisition and resident support services. Those dollars have helped support projects with more than $526 million in total development and acquisition costs, meaning millage contributions represent approximately 15% of the overall investment.

Millage funds have also supported major renovations and improvements at existing Ann Arbor Housing Commission properties, including Miller Manor, Lurie Terrace, Baker Commons and Broadway Terrace. Work has included fire-suppression systems, accessibility improvements, roof and structural repairs, energy-efficiency upgrades, solar installations, heat pumps and elevator modernization.

Up to 20% of millage funding may be used for free and voluntary resident support services. Depending on residents’ needs, those services can include case management, mental-health care, eviction prevention, employment assistance, youth programs, medical services and community-building activities.

“We’ve strengthened partnerships with other developers and service providers to provide safe, quality affordable housing communities for Ann Arbor families,” Hall said. “We are grateful for all those who voted for the millage, partnered with us on development, helped support our families, and remain committed to our goals. You inspire us, and we’re committed to achieving this together.”

The complete Five-Year Affordable Housing Millage Report and additional information about affordable housing in Ann Arbor are available on the Ann Arbor Housing Commission website. 

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Media Contact: 

Jennifer Hall, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Housing Commission, jhall@a2gov.org