Mike Rogers Joined LIBRE & AFP-Michigan to Highlight Solutions to Lower Costs and Expand Opportunity

Grand Rapids (2/26/26) – On Tuesday, February 24, The LIBRE Initiative and Americans for Prosperity–Michigan brought together community leaders, advocates, and policy experts in Byron Center to confront Michigan’s growing housing affordability and cost-of-living challenges.

The panel featured former U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, alongside industry leaders, for a solutions-focused discussion on expanding housing supply, reforming burdensome regulations, and lowering costs for working families. As rising rent, home prices, and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets especially within the Hispanic community panelists emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms that remove barriers to economic mobility.

“Michigan Hispanic families are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs, and too many are being priced out of opportunity. If we want to make the American Dream achievable again, we must cut red tape, expand housing supply, and empower local builders to meet the needs of our communities and give our first-generation Hispanic families the opportunity to achieve this before the age of 40.” – Ricardo Castro, LIBRE Michigan, Strategic Director.

Read the full NPR article here.

The discussion highlighted how outdated zoning laws, excessive permitting requirements, and regulatory hurdles drive up construction costs and limit available housing. Panelists underscored that meaningful reform at the state and local levels can unlock growth, increase affordability, and strengthen Michigan’s economy.

LIBRE and AFP-Michigan remain committed to advancing policies that lower costs, expand opportunity, and ensure that every hardworking family has a fair shot at achieving the American Dream.

ABOUT LIBRE

The LIBRE Initiative is a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the U.S. Hispanic community. We focus on promoting economic freedom, educational opportunities, and a path to prosperity for all. By advocating for policy changes at both the local and national levels, we aim to ensure that the American Dream remains attainable for everyone.