Innovative Workforce Housing Assistance Program

The Traverse Area Association of REALTORS (TAAR) and the Michigan Association of REALTORS® (MAR) are pleased to announce the approval of an innovative Workforce Housing Assistance Program. Funded by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant initiative, the intent of this pilot program is to provide micro-grants to public safety workers to offset the cost of housing choices that are within the limits of their respective towns or villages, including down payment assistance, closing costs, and other real estate transaction costs. Additionally TAAR, because of their commitment to green, will add eco-friendly incentives to the program in the form of funds to help offset the costs of energy audits, green audits, and implementation of green technologies.

TAAR has collaborated with the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area (HBAGTA) and the Michigan Green Consortium called Green Solutions 4™ or GS4™ to create this new program.  The micro-grants will be for the public safety workers in the five-county service area. In addition, the program would also entertain applications for review from service men and women who serve on the Traverse City Coast Guard airbase who are attempting to find suitable housing close to their base of operation.

“This grant, totaling $26,000 provides welcome assistance to the individuals who provide vital public safety services in their respective communities and addresses the ongoing concern that workforce housing in Traverse City and the surrounding towns and villages may again go beyond their reach,” comments TAAR 2010 President Matt Dakoske, of ReMAX Bayshore Properties.  “Through the support of MAR and NAR, this grant will allow Realtors to address affordability problems in our own communities.”
Applications for the GS4™ Workforce Housing Program will be reviewed by a committee of the TAAR in cooperation with periodic review of the program by the Housing Task Force and the Grand Vision Housing Task Force to ensure that the program remains consistent with the goals of the Grand Vision and Grand Vision Housing Task Force and other criteria.
Workforce housing refers to safe, decent housing for working low- and moderate-income people who often cannot afford to live in the communities in which they work.

Founded in 1935, TAAR currently serves over 600 members. The association and its members are committed to serving the public by advancing the professional interests, education and ethical standards of the real estate community while protecting private property rights and the natural resources that abound Northern Michigan.
For more information, contact TAAR at 231-947-2050 or email kim@taar.com