Housing developers are getting a new tool to use to increase housing stock. 

The Housing Accelerator Program, announced by Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, will provide grants, with a maximum of $250,000 per project, to support public infrastructure projects in existing, unfinished, platted subdivisions. 

On Jan. 17, EDC staff announced that applications are now available, and they’re due March 17. 

Infrastructure includes buildout of public streets, roads, sidewalks and utilities within existing subdivisions. 

Applicants need to have five years or more experience in housing development. Eligible projects must be within communities participating in county-wide economic development through financial contributions to the Consolidated EDIT fund. 

Preference will be given to applicants who can build a minimum of 10 housing units. For-profit businesses, cooperatives, public entities and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. 

EDC President Valerie Shaffer said this program will help bring down the cost of public infrastructure projects, paving the way for new houses to be built in existing subdivisions. 

“We know Wayne County is experiencing a shortage in housing of all types,” Shaffer said in a news release. “When families can’t find adequate housing in Wayne County, they will move to areas outside our county. This is a talent retention and attraction issue for employers as well as a quality-of-life issue for residents. By increasing housing options, we hope to encourage more people to choose to live and work in Wayne County.”

Funding announcements are expected to be made beginning in April. For more information, visit whywaynecounty.com/living-in-wayne-county/housing/.

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A version of this article appeared in the January 29 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.