Van Adams has worked in the community and economic development field in various capacities.  For nearly 20 years he has worked with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.  He has held several positions with MSHDA such as Community Development Specialist, Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist, and Executive Assistant to the Director for Southeast Michigan Development Division.   He worked as a Project Development Specialist where he was responsible for identifying and assisting with the underwriting of development projects including multifamily direct lending, preservation, and community development projects.  Van Adams has also managed the Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant for the City of Detroit.

Van Adams has worked in the Housing Initiative Division.  His duties in this role will allow him to engage Mayors and City Managers in 15 counties on issues around housing and economic development.  

Currently Van Adams works in the Office of Housing Strategies as the Senior Community Development Specialist.  He is an integral part of the implementation of Michigan’s first Statewide Housing Plan.  He supports lead agencies with the development and implementation of regional action plans and tracks progress of Statewide Housing Plan.