GMAR is pleased to announce Placemaking Grants totaling $25,500 awarded to six local community projects across Southeast Michigan. These grants will support efforts to revitalize public spaces, create community gathering areas, and enhance local environments for residents and visitors alike.
Alpha House (Ann Arbor, MI) has been selected by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) to receive a $2,000 charitable donation. This funding will support their ongoing initiatives, enabling the shelter to expand its impact within the community. Needs for funding to continue their mission to house families in their shelter, as well as assist recently housed families as they make their way to independence were the basis for the selection.
In a recent discussion with the GMAR Government Relations Committee, Mayor Lori Stone emphasized the pivotal role of housing in Warren and the complexities that come with it. She noted that there is a strong necessity to ask “why” when instituting policies to prevent overreach and ensure that decisions genuinely reflect the community needs of Warren.
Are you passionate about improving the places where you live, work, and play? The GMAR Placemaking Grant could be the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life.
What is Placemaking?
Placemaking is a dynamic approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. It capitalizes on a local community's assets, creativity, and potential, turning underutilized areas into vibrant spaces that promote health, happiness, and well-being.
The City of Ypsilanti is currently considering enacting an ordinance that would prohibit housing providers from conducting ANY type of criminal background checks as part of a tenant screening process, even for offenses such as arson or serious violent crimes. We had urged them to take a more nuanced approach to limit this ban a bit, but the City Council rejected this idea.
In a recent discussion with the GMAR Government Relations Committee, Mayor McLain addressed how central homes are to people’s lives and the controversies they often spark in Birmingham. She stressed the need for “respectful conversation around the table” to effectively address housing issues. The conversation touched on several pressing concerns, including health, safety, community aesthetics, and walkability.
GMAR is proud to endorse the following bipartisan slate of candidates this election season. They have been chosen for their dedication and alignment with our objectives, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to partnering with REALTORS® on the issues that matter most to your business: housing and property rights.
Please consider supporting these candidates in the General Election on November 5th.
GMAR has announced the awarding of $23,500 in local Placemaking Grants dispersed among six projects within different communities. These grants go directly to community organizations and local governments looking to revitalize and reimagine public spaces.
GMAR Grant Recipients
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is currently pushing the state legislature for a $50 million Real Estate Transfer Tax increase. This would impact ALL residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Today, the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) has announced its endorsement of Mai Xiong in Michigan’s 13th House District, and Andrea Rutkowski in Michigan’s 25th House District. GMAR supports public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests, and promote a vibrant business environment.