The LIBRE Initiative, a non-partisan nonprofit advocating policy change at the national and local levels, hosted an affordable housing forum. Strategic Director for The LIBRE Initiative, Ricardo Alfaro, says the discussion should focus on solutions rather than consequences of ineffective policy.
“We need to focus on good policy; how that can change, not only the housing market, but all of the crises that we have in our communities.”
Former U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate, was a panelist. He suggested removing taxes for new developers.
“If a builder goes in and takes the risk to build in these neighborhoods, it’s 100% tax free. You don’t need to ask the government, you don’t need to go get a grant, you don’t need to do anything. Let these builders take risks where they sell homes.”
According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of a first-time homeowner is now 40 years old, a sharp rise from 33 years old in 2019.
Alfaro says forums like this get communities back to the basics of communicating with each other to find solutions.
“We know the concerns that matter the most to us, for our families, for our communities. So, having events like this opens the door for everyone, not only to express their opinion, but discuss those freedom-minded solutions.”
The forum was also hosted by Americans for Prosperity – Michigan.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
