Invest Where Growth Is Loud: Erika Farley on Grand Rapids’ Next Big Real Estate Moment
Mar 24, 2026
RPOA’s Executive Director shares why West Michigan is booming—and what to expect at the 2026 Midwest Real Estate Investors Conference
West Michigan isn’t quietly growing—it’s leveling up. And if you want a front-row seat to what’s happening in housing, development, and real estate investing, this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux is your playbook.
We sat down with Erika Farley, Executive Director of the Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA), to talk about the momentum building in downtown Grand Rapids—new restaurants, major projects like an amphitheater and soccer stadium, and a population trend that’s turning heads. Erika’s message is clear: Grand Rapids is an ideal market for investors right now, and the need for housing is a major part of the story.
Here’s the headline: Michigan is facing a housing deficit of roughly 119,000 units statewide, with nearly 35,000 needed in the Grand Rapids area. That gap is fueling opportunity—and increasing the urgency for smart, responsible investment. Through education, networking, and advocacy, the RPOA is working to make it easier for investors and developers to bring more housing online.
Erika also shared details about the 2026 Midwest Real Estate Investors Conference in Grand Rapids:
📅 April 27–28, 2026 (with a welcome event on April 26)
🎤 Keynote: Steve Brown, former Google executive, speaking on AI and the future of real estate
🤝 Breakouts, networking, a vendor hall with ~60 vendors, and a limited VIP luncheon with Mr. Brown.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, this conference—and this conversation—highlights why the people building housing solutions and investing with intention are part of what makes West Michigan so cool.
🎥 Watch the full episode, then explore the conference details at RPOAonline.org.
Keywords:
Erika Farley RPOA, Rental Property Owners Association Michigan, Midwest Real Estate Investors Conference 2026, Grand Rapids real estate investing, Michigan housing deficit, investing in Grand Rapids, AI in real estate keynote, Steve Brown Google real estate, RPOAonline.org, West Michigan investor conference