What Federal Government Shutdown Means for Real Estate; Short-Term Rental Policy Updates; Increasing Housing Options Discussions Across Northwest Michigan
It’s been a little while since the last GAD Top 3, but real estate policy never takes a break! This week’s update covers what a federal government shutdown could mean for real estate, short-term rental policy considerations from across Northwest Michigan, and policy considerations aimed at increasing local housing options. Check out the links in each section to explore more.
1. What the Federal Government Shutdown Means for Real Estate
With the Federal government shutdown taking effect this past Wednesday, October 1st, this means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. The National Association of REALTORS has put together a summary of how key agencies and programs (including the EPA, HUD Programs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, IRS, National Flood Insurance Program, Rural Housing Programs, VA, Small Business Administration, Via Programs - EB-5 and H-2B) are expected to operate during a shutdown. Check it out here. A one-pager on the effects of the Federal government shutdown can also be found here.
2. Short-Term Rental Policy Updates from Across Northwest Michigan
Whitewater Township
Whitewater Township has continued their consideration of a short-term rental ordinance since April of this year (last update in the July 21st, 2025 GAD Top 3). After deliberation at the Sept. 17th Whitewater Township Planning Commission Meeting (page 6), formal written recommendations on two short-term rental amendments (Zoning Amendment 2025-03 and Zoning Amendment 2025-04) are being prepared to be submitted for inclusion in the 10/9 Township Board Meeting Agenda. The meeting will be held in the Township Hall, 5777 Vinton Road, Williamsburg, at 6:30PM if you would like to attend.
City of Cadillac
The City of Cadillac Council, at a Special Meeting on Sept. 26th, following a public hearing, unanimously approved an amendment to Section 46-427 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Cadillac, Michigan (page 3 of the meeting minutes). This amendment adds as a principal use “permitted subject to special conditions…Short-term rentals, subject to the requirements of Article VI - Special Land Uses” (pages 15 to 21).
3. Increasing Housing Options Discussions Across Northwest Michigan
City of Traverse City
The City of Traverse City recently held a joint study session of the City of Traverse City Commission and the Planning Commission of the City of Traverse City for discussions regarding fair housing training and housing programs. Presentations at this joint session were made by Liz Keegan with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, Tony Lentych with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Sarah Lucas with the Office of Rural Prosperity, Susan Leithauser-Yee with Housing North, and Lauren Trible-Laucht, the City of Traverse City Attorney, discussing the Attainable Housing Facilities Act (Public Act 236 of 2022). You can watch the full joint meeting here.
Charter Township of Garfield
The Charter Township of Garfield Board approved Resolution 2025-28-T for a Housing Tax Increment Financing (HTIF) policy. This HTIF policy, passed by the Charter Township of Garfield Board, established guidelines for Brownfield projects involving HTIF to support housing development projects that serve workforce households earning 120% or less of Area Median Income. You can view the full Charter Township of Garfield HTIF guidelines here (on pages 34 to 37).
Charter Township of Long Lake
The Charter Township of Long Lake Planning Commission, which voted down an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Ordinance at their June 24th Planning Commission Meeting (info in the July 14th, 2025 GAD Top 3), have renewed considerations of an ADU Zoning Ordinance. At the Sept. 23rd Charter Township of Long Lake Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss a new proposal to amend zoning ordinance #109 to regulate ADUs. A draft of the proposal to amend zoning ordinance #109 can be viewed here (pages 6 to 29).
