Whitmer's Latest Handout Millions in State Funds for 61 Detroit Apartments While the Rest of Michigan Pays the Bill

LANSING, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $17.5 million in state-backed support for two Detroit redevelopment projects creating 61 apartments, including grants, tax breaks, discounted land, and low-interest loans, raising questions about why similar financial support is not reaching homeowners and small businesses in cities like Flint and across the rest of Michigan.

The projects are located in Detroit’s Brush Park and Mexicantown neighborhoods and include residential units along with ground-floor commercial space.

Brush Park Project Details
57 apartments planned
$3.5 million RAP grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
$2,647,409 Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement
$2,938,810 Housing Tax Incremental Financing support
City-owned land sold at a 50% discount
$1,000,000 Brownfield Revolving Loan at 1% interest

Only 20% of the units are required to meet affordability standards.

Mexicantown Project Details
4 apartments and a restaurant
$385,000 Build MI Community grant
$1,000,000 Strategic Neighborhood Fund grant through Invest Detroit

Combined, the two projects total 61 residential units supported by a mix of direct funding and reduced tax revenue mechanisms.

The funding structure includes state grants, local tax abatements, and below-market financing, all contributing to the total development package.

At the same time, residents in other parts of Michigan, including Flint and Saginaw, continue to face rising property taxes, higher energy costs, and limited access to similar large-scale financial assistance programs for housing or small business support.

The contrast between targeted urban redevelopment funding and broader statewide economic pressures is drawing attention to how public funds are allocated and who benefits from those investments.

Are you tired of your tax dollars funding private apartment buildings in Detroit What do you think