MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich–The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) invites members of the media to connect during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference. MSHDA CEO and Executive Director Amy Hovey will participate in key conversations exploring the state’s most pressing housing challenges and opportunities. From housing affordability to the intersection of health and housing, MSHDA will be front and center in shaping the dialogue on how Michigan can build, preserve, and stabilize housing across communities.
Media are encouraged to attend the following events to hear from state and national leaders and engage directly with MSHDA’s leadership:
Tuesday, May 27
Panel: The State of Housing | 4-5 p.m. | Grand Hotel’s Brighton Pavilion
Kick off the conference with an engaging panel discussion. The shifting political environment presents challenges to addressing the housing crisis in Michigan. Join moderator, MSHDA CEO and Executive Director Amy Hovey, as she asks state and national leaders, Arthur Jemison, Executive Director, Detroit Housing Commission, and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Josh Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber questions about how we can and are working collaboratively to build more single-family and multifamily homes and stabilize monthly costs for Michigan residents.
Wednesday, May 28
Press Conference: Michigan Homebuilder, State Leaders Announce Major New Commitment to Building Homes in Michigan | 9 a.m. | Grand Hotel Porch
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II will be joined by MSHDA CEO and Executive Director Amy Hovey and Brian Farkas, Director of Workforce Housing with Allen Edwin Homes, for an announcement of a significant public and private investment to build thousands of new homes for Michiganders.
Thursday, May 29
Panel: Housing as a Social Determinant of Health | 8:45–9:45 a.m. | Grand Pavilion
MSHDA CEO and Executive Director Amy Hovey will moderate a panel discussion on how housing conditions and stability directly influence health outcomes and overall well-being. This session will lay out the challenges and opportunities in addressing housing as a key factor in public health and explore how innovation and collaborative strategies can improve the situation in Michigan.
Carmen Argersinger, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, will offer remarks. Panelists include Kelli Dobner, Chief Growth Officer, Samaritas, and Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation.
Livestreams for all events will be available on the Mackinac Policy Conference page on the Detroit Chamber’s website: Mackinac Policy Conference – Detroit Regional Chamber
