The City of Grayling seeks to provide more affordable, accessible, attainable and reliable housing solutions for its community. Further, the City’s Master Plan expires in 2025. Therefore, the City is partnering with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and McKenna to update the Master Plan. The project is funded by a $45,000 MSHDA Housing Readiness Incentive grant.

The 2050 Master Plan will provide a comprehensive framework that guides the community’s sustainable development, infrastructure and land use goals, with a strategic focus on addressing housing challenges.

The city seeks to hear from you! Use this website to participate in the online survey, interactive map, and the interactive 2050 Vision Board. Please attend the August 21st in-person community open house! The results of the civic and community engagement will fuel the goals and policy suggestions provided in the Master Plan update. Master Plan categories include:

• Housing & Neighborhoods
• Transportation & Mobility
• Parks, Natural Systems, & Resiliency
• Economic Development & Business Support

A Master Plan serves as a roadmap for guiding the future growth, development, and sustainability of a community by establishing clear goals, strategies, and policies. Particularly in naturally beautiful communities experiencing development pressure, a Master Plan is essential as it provides a framework for growth, preservation, and enhancement. By outlining strategies for maintaining high quality of life, the Master Plan ensures that the community continues to thrive and evolve sustainably over time.

Focuses for this Master Planning Process include:

1. Housing & Neighborhoods: Identifying opportunities to preserve and improve the existing housing stock, increase the number of housing units, and support the housing needs of all residents, from young families looking for their first home, to seniors looking to age in place.
2. Transportation & Mobility: Expanding non-motorized transportation access to connect neighborhoods with parks and commercial areas and improve safety for all travelers in Grayling.
3. Parks, Natural Systems, & Resiliency: Improving parks and recreation opportunities and protecting natural assets.
4. Economic Development & Business Support: Plan to improve employment opportunities, support local businesses, and attract visitors to Grayling.

What is the Statewide Housing Plan and why is it important?

In 2022, the State of Michigan released its first Statewide Housing Plan to support a goal of constructing or rehabilitating 75,000 housing units throughout the State by 2027. To support these efforts, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority offered the Housing Readiness Grant, which cities, villages, and townships can use to update their Master Plans and Zoning Ordinances to support attainable housing in their community. As a recipient of this grant, Grayling aims to implement relevant priorities, goals, and strategies from the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan into its 2050 Master Plan to do its part in improving housing affordability and attainability in the community and in Michigan.