Grand Rapids continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Homes or apartments are particularly hard to find for low to moderate income residents. 

This week the Grand Rapids City Commission took steps to improve affordable housing when it unanimously approved four policy recommendations from the Housing Advisory Committee. It's one step in a longer process to help alleviate the problem.

Interim City Manager Eric DeLong says the policies were developed to benefit both private and public interests.

“Through these policies, the city and its many community partners will have a much greater impact than any entity acting alone,” DeLong said.

Kara Wood is with the city's Housing Advisory Committee. She says the cost to build affordable housing is a challenge.

“The hope is that these policies will place a higher priority on affordable housing and encourage the development of more affordable housing,” Wood said.

Pushed Out: A documentary on housing in Grand Rapids

City commission is expected to consider another 10 policy recommendations throughout 2018. For a full list of the policy recommendations you can visit the Housing Now! website.