Wayne County Reactivates Housing Commission After Three-Decade Hiatus

The commission’s mission includes setting strategic priorities, restoring community trust, and ensuring access to quality, affordable housing.

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	The lack of affordable housing—and the rise in homelessness it creates—isn’t just a crisis for Wayne County, but a nationwide emergency,” said Evans. “With rents surging and housing stock deteriorating, reactivating the Housing Commission is a necessary step toward equitable, inclusive, and responsive solutions before this crisis deepens.”
	Wayne County Reactivates Housing Commission After Three-Decade Hiatus HB Meeks - Editor-in-Chief Tell Us Detoit DETROIT, MI — Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans has officially revived the Wayne County Housing Commission, marking its first active session in 30 years. In a ceremony on Monday, May 12, held at the historic Guardian Building, five newly appointed commissioners took the oath of office, signaling a renewed commitment to tackling the region’s housing challenges. The commission’s members—Elizabeth Kmetz-Armitage, Jonathan C. Kinloch, Ian Conyers, Harolyn Nimmo, and Hassan Sheikh—were sworn in collectively by Executive Evans. A Bold Step Toward Housing Solutions “The lack of affordable housing—and the rise in homelessness it creates—isn’t just a crisis for Wayne County, but a nationwide emergency,” said Evans. “With rents surging and housing stock deteriorating, reactivating the Housing Commission is a necessary step toward equitable, inclusive, and responsive solutions before this crisis deepens.” The commission’s mission includes setting strategic priorities, restoring community trust, and ensuring access to quality, affordable housing. Initial efforts will focus on defining a vision, establishing key administrative steps, and fostering collaboration among commissioners and stakeholders. Commissioners Share Their Commitment “The Housing Commission’s revival allows us to strategically invest in our communities, support working families, and ensure that every resident has access to safe, stable housing,” said Hassan Sheikh, Wayne County’s Director of Economic Development and newly appointed commissioner. Commissioner Kinloch emphasized the impact of this move: “Bringing the Housing Commission back will help provide safer, more affordable homes, strengthening our county as a whole.” Other commissioners echoed the sentiment: “Stable and affordable housing is a cornerstone of health, safety, and economic well-being,” said Nimmo. “This commission plays a crucial role in ensuring access to secure housing for all residents.” “The timing couldn’t be better,” added Kmetz-Armitage. “Our work can directly support new housing developments and address funding gaps.” “As Wayne County’s population grows, maintaining this focus on housing is critical,” said Conyers. “This reactivation is a deliberate step forward for all 43 communities.” A Countywide Commitment to Housing This milestone aligns with Wayne County’s broader commitment to addressing housing challenges, promoting economic development, and improving residents’ quality of life. To date, the county has invested over $10 million in affordable housing projects, resulting in the creation of more than 650 new housing units. For more information on Wayne County programs and services, visit www.waynecounty.com.