LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A group representing local governments across Michigan is calling on state lawmakers to set aside $800 million over the next five years to help spur affordable housing projects, predicting the cash infusion could result in 10,000 new or rehabilitated homes.

The proposal from the Michigan Municipal League would provide funding to developers for projects in communities that relax certain zoning regulations — such as allowing duplexes in residential areas — an effort to ward off any potential mandates from the state.

The goal is to encourage more affordable housing options “through partnerships and not preemption,” said Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie, who serves as president of the Municipal League.

But it remains to be seen whether Michigan lawmakers will adopt the proposal — or approve an initial wave of funding for the next fiscal year — during what has already been a tumultuous budget cycle.

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers is backing the proposal, including Democratic Rep. Amos O’Neil of Saginaw and Republican Rep. Mark Tisdel of Rochester Hills. But none could say Tuesday whether they’ll be able to get funding into the next state budget.

“I’m not sure of any guarantees in this town … but if this is a priority for the state, we need to act like that,” Municipal League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin said in a news conference at Lansing’s City Hall.

Rosie Jones, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, told Bridge in a statement that Democrats are “committed to increasing accessible, affordable housing,” and that Brinks personally “looks forward to learning more about this proposal.”