The City of Sterling Heights has been selected as one of only 16 communities nationwide to participate in the Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge, a first-of-its-kind national initiative launched by the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Planning Association (APA).
The Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge is an 18-month program designed to help cities implement innovative, proven housing strategies that expand supply, improve affordability and strengthen communities. Through this program, Sterling Heights will receive tailored technical assistance, participate in peer-learning opportunities with other forward-thinking municipalities, and gain access to national experts, best practices, and tools to address local housing needs. Sterling Heights’ involvement in the challenge will support meeting measurable objectives tied to first and foremost preserving its single-family housing stock while also creating new housing stock as laid out in the city’s master plan.
“This recognition places Sterling Heights on the national stage as a leader in addressing housing challenges,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “Our city is committed to creating housing solutions that ensure Sterling Heights remains a welcoming, vibrant, and accessible community for people at every stage of life. Participation in the Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge will allow us to learn from national partners while also sharing our local vision for housing innovation required for a more prosperous future.”
City Planner Dr. Jake Parcell agrees. “Sterling Heights has long prioritized thoughtful planning and sustainable growth,” Parcell said. “By taking part in this challenge, we’ll be able to build on our momentum, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate solutions that increase housing opportunities for current and future residents.”
Participation in the program is rooted in action and results. Sterling Heights will use the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook: Solutions, Systems, Partnerships to strengthen local housing strategies and partnerships, ensuring long-term progress in expanding and diversifying the city’s housing options.
Sterling Heights joins 15 other municipalities across the country in the Challenge: Alachua County, FL; Champaign, IL; Clifton Forge, VA; Cottonwood, AZ; Cranston, RI; Dover, NH; Evanston, IL; Greensboro, NC; Lebanon, NH; Greater Lowell, MA Region (Northern Middlesex Council of Governments); Marquette County, MI; Plattsburgh, NY; Romulus, MI; Santa Fe, NM; and Sun Prairie, WI.