Pontiac Housing Commission

You know what they say, you’re never too young to learn about finances. In all seriousness, the dedication our classes of PHC clients have shown in our Homebuyer Workshops with PNC Bank has been tremendous. Whether it’s staying focused and engaged late into the evening after work, asking vulnerable questions, or the simple fact of stating “With or without childcare, I’ll still be there.” More than 20 PHC clients have started their homeownership journey this year and we’re just getting started.?

February was a powerful month for the EmpowerHER: Minority Women Emerging Developer cohort. ?? Our class tackled land use, zoning, real estate finance and executed case studies on underwriting, financing and capitalization rates. Preparing to change the landscape of real estate and development, these women are learning the ins and outs of how to make their visions a reality. Many of our participants dream of passing property down to future generations. Another envisions a new attainable multi-family development in Pontiac with wraparound services for her neighbors. Our youngest student, at just 18-years-of-age, is exploring how and where she can make her mark in the industry. Each has their own journey. Each shares the same determination. A special thank you to Liliana Gonzalez, Development Manager at Cinnaire Solutions, for sharing her career insights and inspiring our participants. The connections made here will last long after the class ends. We’re back at it tonight, ready to dive deeper and escalate our class’s expertise with Eric Tuomey of Wolf Development Advisors. ????

CUB was honored to host Ahmad Taylor and his talented team at the Pontiac Housing Commission. We support their critical mission and are excited to partner with them to expand housing opportunities in Pontiac, the heart of Oakland County.

Did you know the first federally funded housing project was designed by a Black man? Or, that the first bank chartered and run by a Black woman opened in 1903? This Black History Month, learn the names and faces of pioneers and lawmakers who shaped our nation’s housing. These individuals expanded homeownership opportunities for all, their life’s work having impacted generations of Americans. #BlackHistoryMonth #KnowYourHistory #HistoryFacts #FairHousingForAll

The future of what our communities look like is in our hands. While at times it may feel like neighborhood planning is a top-down system, the truth is, community voices make a huge difference in how cities, shopping districts and neighborhoods are formed and changed. Right now, the city of Pontiac is taking feedback on its brand-new master plan. This document will shape what’s within our borders for years to come. In this recent MetroMode article, our planner Vern Gustafsson encourages residents to “get involved in the nitty-gritty of housing policy for their communities. He says that could mean running for local planning commissions or zoning boards of appeals. It could also simply mean speaking up in public meetings as a concerned citizen.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gJMhDkm6

When women invest in real estate, they’re not just building portfolios. They are building futures, thriving communities that reflect our residents, and generational wealth. Our EmpowerHER: Minority Women Emerging Developer Series met on Monday, Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in the spirit of change and service. These committed participants spent the evening diving into the benefits of real estate investing, exploring case studies on fixing and flipping versus acquiring and holding ???Led by Eric Tuomey of Wolf Development Advisors. We’ll meet again on Monday, Feb. 3 to learn all about land use, zoning and real estate finance. #WomenInRealEstate #WomenInDevelopment #WomenInInvesting

The Pontiac Planning Commission has passed along the new Draft Master Plan to city council, who will soon open a public comment period for feedback. This is the public's opportunity to truly and physically SHAPE the look, feel, and essence of our city. ????? You can read the full 200+ page draft right now through the commission’s most recent agenda: tinyurl.com/draftplanpon

What can happen with a shared strategy for Pontiac? That’s what our executive director, Ahmad Taylor, is asking of 100 integral players on this city’s stage. The 100 Men in Pontiac group held its third meeting this month, unifying a growing coalition of business, government and community leaders.??January saw remarks from County Executive Dave Coulter and special guests State Rep. Brenda Carter, Mayor Tim Greimel, and Council President Mike McGuinness. Ask anyone working to move this city forward and we’ll all say the same: We accomplish more together than we ever could alone. 2025 is the year for breaking down silos and building up tangible collaboration. #PontiacStrong

One day, or, Day One? These tenacious women chose Day One as they began their journey into becoming real estate developers and investors at our first session of the EmpowerHER: Minority Women Emerging Developer Series. Spanning every generation from Gen Z to the Baby Boomers, each shared aspirations of building neighborhoods, community centers, orphanages, industrial spaces and businesses. They’ll return on the 20th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to take our second class on fixing and flipping or acquiring and holding property. This work matters. Right now, women make up only 3% of the commercial real estate and developer industry in our state (Michigan Workforce Report). Together, we’re going to change the face of real estate, one class at a time.

We're thrilled to be back at the Building Michigan Communities Conference for a second year in a row! Eager to share how the PHC and friends are leading the way in tackling our housing crisis — Michigan, take note! ????