Affordable Housing in Ann Arbor: What’s Being Done & What’s Available

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is experiencing a significant transformation in its approach to affordable housing. With escalating housing costs and a growing population, the city is implementing innovative strategies to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable living options.

Current Affordable Housing Landscape

As of 2025, Ann Arbor offers a variety of affordable housing opportunities:

• Section 8 Housing: There are 29 Section 8 housing units in Ann Arbor, providing rental assistance to low-income families.

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: 21 properties in Ann Arbor benefit from the LIHTC program, offering affordable rental rates to qualifying tenants. 

• Public Housing: The city has 1 public housing unit available, managed by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission.

• Income-Based Apartments: Approximately 1,136 income-based apartments are available, where tenants typically pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent.

• Project-Based Vouchers: The Ann Arbor Housing Commission has converted all its affordable housing properties to project-based vouchers under the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. a2gov.org

Recent Developments in Affordable Housing

The city has been proactive in expanding its affordable housing stock through various initiatives:

• Union at A2: A groundbreaking project by The Annex Group, Union at A2 will offer 250 units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, available to households earning at or below 70% of the area median income. The development is expected to open in fall 2026. theannexgrp.comtheannexgrp.com+2avalonhousing.org+2clickondetroit.com+2

• The Grove at Veridian: Avalon Housing's development on Platt Road includes 50 units, with 30 designated for households prioritized through Washtenaw County’s Community Housing Prioritization system and 20 units for those earning below 60% of the area median income. avalonhousing.org

• Arbor South Project: A proposed five-phase development on State Street aims to add over 1,000 housing units, including approximately 200 affordable units, addressing the city's housing shortage. michigandaily.com

Policy and Legal Protections

Recent legislative actions have strengthened protections for renters:michigansthumb.com

• Income-Based Tenant Discrimination Ban: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bills 205, 206, and 207 into law, prohibiting landlords from denying housing based on a tenant's source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. michigansthumb.com+1a2gov.org+1

• Ann Arbor Non-Discrimination Ordinance: The city enforces a non-discrimination ordinance that includes protections for Section 8 voucher holders, ensuring they are not discriminated against during the rental process. a2gov.org

How to Access Affordable Housing

Residents seeking affordable housing in Ann Arbor can utilize the following resources:

• Ann Arbor Affordable Housing Waitlist: Managed by the City of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, this waitlist allows individuals to apply for below-market affordable units created through city ordinances. annarborwaitlist.com+2content.civicplus.com+2annarborwaitlist.com+2

• Avalon Housing Applications: For specific developments like The Grove at Veridian, Avalon Housing provides application portals for prospective tenants. avalonhousing.org+1clickondetroit.com+1

• Affordable Housing Online: This platform lists over 33 affordable housing opportunities in Ann Arbor, including income-based apartments and accessible units for seniors or individuals with disabilities. affordablehousingonline.com

Conclusion

Ann Arbor is making significant strides in addressing its affordable housing challenges through strategic developments, policy reforms, and legal protections. While the demand for affordable housing remains high, these initiatives represent a concerted effort to ensure that all residents have access to quality, affordable living options.