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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News |
 Ken Harwood Advocating for Wisconsin HarwoodKen [at] gmail.com Cell 608.334.2174 Commentary Leonardo Silva Architect Leonardo Silva Architecture is a La Crosse based studio practice focused on timeless design solutions and sustainable practices; for homeowners, builders and contractors alike. This Weeks Articles for 11/17/2025 ...
Community Updates, News Stories, Best Practices, Resources, and other data supporting the development of affordable housing for the citizens of Wisconsin in every city and region in the State. Please consider partnering with us and sharing your story  |
Wisconsin faces a housing affordability crisis. Here’s how lawmakers and candidates for governor plan to address it. |
 Republicans want lower property taxes and less regulation. Democrats emphasize funding affordable housing development programs and renter rights. Both want to incentivize developers to build cheaper options.The median price of a home in Wisconsin rose nearly 120% over the past decade, from $155,000 to $337,000 according to data from the Wisconsin Realtors Association. But median Wisconsin incomes have increased only about 50% in that time period, illustrating just one of the reasons why voters and politicians are increasingly concerned about a housing affordability crisis. Past bipartisan efforts at the Capitol have worked to address these issues. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers dedicated more than $500 million in the biennial budget toward several loan programs at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority aimed at creating new affordable housing, rehabilitating homes and transitioning space in commercial buildings... ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: We need to allow communities design neighborhoods that support affordable workforce housing. Smaller lots, smaller homes, quality manufactured units, infrastructure assistance, help with interest rates, owner occupied, nice amenities, partner with developers and builders. Also remember each community is different, a solution for Milwaukee will and should look dramatically different that a solution for rural Wisconsin. The current "Affordable Housing Programs" are not addressing the need for affordable workforce housing. We need more quality homes for service, retail, and entry level employees that allow them to build equity through ownership. Keep the math simple if 50K is a fair living wage then $ 1,250 is a fair housing payment (30%). So assuming your entire $1,250 monthly payment is for the principal and interest @ %6.5, you can afford a home loan of approximately $200,000ish. |
Wisconsin`s Affordable Housing Programs: Introduction |
 The impetus for increased access to affordable housing is a red-hot economic issue. What does Wisconsin do to address this problem and what should they do instead?Recently, a number of bills were introduced in the legislature as part of a housing package aimed at addressing the issue of affordable housing, or the lack thereof. The state already takes steps to increase access to affordable housing with mixed results, and the prospects of the latest housing package are equally mixed. Part II will address these bills in detail. The impetus for housing reform–or increased access to affordable housing–is a red-hot economic issue. National and statewide housing expenses are much higher than the historical average, the median age of first-time homebuyers is nearly 40 years old, and the proportion of household income spent on housing is nearly 50%–much higher than the recommended 30% of years past... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s housing debate has once again turned to affordability — but the real question is whether the state is ready to move from passive management to proactive reform. As the MacIver Institute points out, Wisconsin’s role has largely been indirect: relying on WHEDA’s bond-backed programs and federal partnerships while investing little state funding of its own. Yet with housing costs now consuming nearly half of household income and first-time buyers approaching 40, the status quo is untenable. Real progress will require more than expanding subsidies — it will take tackling structural barriers like restrictive zoning, outdated codes, and fragmented local rules that keep supply tight and prices high. Wisconsin’s next housing package will show whether lawmakers are prepared to take on those harder, long-term fixes. Ken Notes: I get very nervous about using MacIver Institute as a source because they lean heavily to one side of the isle, but in this case the data, resources and links they include in the article are worth reviewing and saving. They also suggest a state led initiative which makes sense but I wold like to see a goals and intensives programs that gives local governments some flexibility. We need to identify programs that actually create lower cost homes by helping with zoning, building codes, and fixed costs like infrastructure and amenities (like parks or schools) rather than creating programs that will simply make developers more wealthy. |
La Crosse nonprofit receives more than $750K in federal funding for homeless housing program |
 LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- A La Crosse nonprofit organization has secured more than $750,000 in federal funding to expand its efforts to house people experiencing homelessness in the community. Couleecap announced Tuesday it received $751,926 in Federal HUD funding for their Permanent Supportive Housing program, which takes a "Housing First" approach to addressing homelessness. The Housing First model prioritizes getting people experiencing homelessness into stable housing first, then provides individualized case management, mental health support, substance use recovery support, job training and other resources to help them maintain that housing... The Brief• Couleecap receives $751,926 in Federal HUD funding for their Permanent Supportive Housing program • The program uses a "Housing First" approach, providing stable housing before addressing other needs • In the past year, Couleecap helped 327 people experiencing homelessness, with 48 using the PSH program |
Green Bay considering $750k in ARPA money to help pay for JBS site`s urban barn |
 GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- An urban barn has long been part of plans for a new neighborhood that`s being built on Green Bay`s east side. The city is now considering paying for the barn with ARPA funds originally set aside to increase affordable housing options. Between Walmart and the Kroc Center, work continues on the 26 acres of land JBS donated during the COVID-19 pandemic that will include a variety of housing, a destination playground and the urban barn. “It’s really designed to be a real food transformation hub for our community, and really linking community health, economic development, workforce development and food all in a central location,” said Natalie Bomstad, executive director of Wello, a nonprofit focused on community health... Leo’s notes: Green Bay’s east side redevelopment shows how housing can anchor broader community well-being. As the city weighs ARPA funding for an “urban barn” within the new JBS Park neighborhood, the project illustrates that affordable housing doesn’t stand alone—it flourishes when paired with access to food, jobs, and shared community spaces. With 95 workforce apartments underway and more planned, Green Bay is redefining how local investments can connect housing, health, and opportunity in ways that strengthen both families and the local economy. Ken Notes: Like I said, amenities can bring much to a project. Apartments have been doing this for decades, it is time for neighborhoods to step up. I like the idea of mixing food, health, recreation and more into our communities... |
Can ‘cottage courts’ provide more affordable housing in Madison? |
 A new form of housing could be coming soon to Madison: the “cottage court.” Under a proposal to the City Council, Madison would allow clusters of up to eight small detached homes of up to 1,000 square feet — typically one to 1.5 stories in height oriented around a greenspace or courtyard — in all suburban residential and most traditional residential zones, excluding high-density urban residential areas. Madison is one of the latest cities across the country to consider permitting cottage courts as municipalities wrestle with housing availability and affordability. Housing experts see cottages as a piece of the so-called “missing middle” level of housing between single family homes on one end of the density spectrum and apartment complexes on the other... Leo’s notes: Madison’s move to legalize cottage courts is exactly the kind of gentle, incremental density cities need if they’re serious about affordability without sacrificing neighborhood character. Clusters of 6–8 small homes around shared green space can open up ownership to teachers, service workers, downsizing seniors, and multigenerational households — people who are currently priced out of single-family districts but don’t want (or need) a big apartment building. The challenge will be making the numbers pencil out on land and construction costs, but if Madison pairs this zoning change with land trusts, tax-increment tools, or nonprofit partners, cottage courts could become a real “missing middle” option instead of a curiosity. Ken Notes: We also need to consider design and amenities as we increase density. Like nicer apartments, smaller or manufactured homes can be very comfortable to live in. |
Diving in on the latest Wisconsin housing report: what does it mean here locally |
 WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) - The Wisconsin housing market is seeing rising prices and increased sales, but a low inventory is creating challenges for buyers.According to the September 2025 Housing Report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, the average home price statewide has increased by 8.7 percent, and home sales have risen by 6.9 percent. David Clark, an economics professor at Marquette University, said, "Well it`s still a sellers market is what it boils down to." Clark highlighted the limited supply as a key issue, stating there are only four months of inventory available. "But with that said, it`s well above those points within the last couple of years where it`s been in the 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1 months of supply range," Clark said... |
Wisconsin Is Building the 11th Most Multi-Family Homes in the Country |
 The U.S. housing market remains a critical economic issue, with housing affordability and supply at the forefront of bipartisan policy agendas. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are increasingly focused on expanding access to affordable housing and addressing the nationwide housing shortage. According to a recent Freddie Mac analysis, the U.S. faces a shortfall of 3.7 million housing units, a deficit that continues to drive high prices for both homeowners and renters.Expanding multi-family housing—such as townhomes, condos, and apartments—offers one of the most effective solutions for addressing this shortage and improving affordability. Multi-family developments allow for higher housing density in urban and suburban areas and are generally more cost-efficient to build than single-family homes, making them a faster and cheaper way to increase supply. However, restrictive zoning regulations in many areas have historically made it difficult or even impossible to construct multi-family housing. Recently, though, there has been growing political momentum to relax or eliminate these zoning restrictions, among other barriers to new home construction. And as such, more higher-density housing may be on the horizon... |
Impact Seven eyes 2027 start for Osceola workforce housing project |
 A Rice Lake–based nonprofit is eyeing a $20 million investment in Osceola to build 60 new affordable housing units designed for local workers, families and seniors. Since 1970, Impact Seven has developed over 1,600 affordable housing units throughout the state of Wisconsin, including the recently built Maple Wood Cottages in St. Croix Falls, a $14.4 million dollar project which reached full occupancy on day one after its completion. In the last five years, Impact Seven’s housing investments totaled more than $76.5 million and the proposed development in Osceola is expected to be a nearly $20 million dollar investment in the community. The proposed development is planned to be a 60-unit site located at the corner of Kimball Avenue and Simmon Drive consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The units will contain 16 one-story cottage style apartments, 22 ground level walk-up flats and 22 second story walk up flats with unit amenities including one- and two-bathroom options, patios, garages and in-unit laundry. Community amenities include a clubhouse, community room, fitness center, pet spa, dog park, site rental office and guest parking... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Osceola’s consideration of a $20 million, 60-unit affordable housing development by Impact Seven is another clear signal that local communities recognize the growing need for workforce-focused homes. With rents targeted to households earning 30–60% of area median income, this project would serve teachers, restaurant workers, seniors, and veterans who are increasingly priced out of the communities they support. Funded through existing affordable-housing TID dollars—at no new cost to taxpayers—the proposal represents a pragmatic, partnership-driven approach to addressing housing shortages. As demand for “worker-rate” housing intensifies statewide, Osceola’s model underscores how communities can leverage WHEDA tax credits and local tools to expand housing options and strengthen their labor force. |
Experts say paradigm shift necessary to solve housing problems |
 While many barriers to affordable housing exist, local experts are certain that a change in mindset is where solving the shortage begins. Every community has different issues that affect their particular iteration of the national housing crisis. In Door County, peninsular geography, limited infrastructure, a seasonal tourism economy, and market pressure from vacation homes and rentals are some of the forces affecting its lack of affordable housing. These factors are largely outside of any agency or individual’s control. Of the factors that can be manipulated, affordable housing development faces structural barriers—zoning codes, funding restrictions and state regulations. Getting around these specific roadblocks demands legislative changes, and there is some movement in Wisconsin to that end... ...Full Story Here |
Wisconsin Is Struggling in Affordability and Homebuilding: Can Gov. Evers Close the Gap? |
 Wiaconsin’s
housing market remains relatively affordable by national standards, but
a shortage of new construction is starting to strain that stability. The Realtor.com® State-by-State Housing Report Card gave the Badger State a C+, signaling moderate affordability but sluggish homebuilding activity. The report—part of the Let America Build campaign—grades each state on how well it balances housing costs and construction momentum. President Donald Trump recently put pressure on homebuilders to increase construction nationwide, given the issues with construction in the country. In a post on his Truth Social platform in early October, he accused major builders of hoarding lots to prop up prices—likening them to OPEC, which restricts oil output to maintain high prices... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Wisconsin earned a “C+” on Realtor.com’s new state housing report card—an average grade that reflects a troubling imbalance: homes remain relatively affordable compared to the coasts, but new construction continues to lag behind demand. With the state producing far fewer permits than its population share, and new homes priced nearly 40% above existing ones, Wisconsin risks slipping further behind as national shortages deepen. Governor Evers’ recent bipartisan housing reforms are a step toward closing a statewide deficit of 120,000 rental units, yet without meaningful zoning updates and faster permitting, affordability will continue to erode. The message is clear: Wisconsin must accelerate housing production now, or today’s “C+” will quickly become tomorrow’s “D.”... |
FHLBank Chicago Awards $52 Million in Affordable Housing Grants to Strengthen Communities throughout Illinois and Wisconsin |
 Program Provides Annual Grants to Subsidize the Acquisition, New Construction and/or Rehabilitation of Affordable Rental or Owner-Occupied Housing"Affordable housing remains a critical need throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, especially as residents face elevated interest rates, limited inventory, and increased construction costs,” said Michael Ericson, President and CEO, FHLBank Chicago. “Through our AHP General Fund, we’re proud to partner with our members and community organizations to increase supply of, and expand access to, quality housing." Since program inception in 1989 through year-end 2024, FHLBank Chicago has allocated more than $550 million in AHP General Fund grants, helping provide housing for over 83,000 households. The 2025 award recipients will support a range of communities—including rural, urban and tribal areas—and populations such as seniors, veterans, and working families... ...Full Story Here |
‘Finally ours’: Factory-built homes help families realize ownership dreams. But stigma and barriers persist. |
 A more efficient, affordable development model helps Habitat for Humanity build more homes during a housing crisis. But some Wisconsin municipalities exclude manufactured homes from neighborhoods.Kahya Fox knows a solution to Wisconsin’s housing crisis won’t fall from the sky. But she has seen a crane suspend one in the air. The Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region executive director watched this summer as semitrucks pulled into the Vernon County city of Hillsboro, population 1,400. Instead of bringing materials to build a traditional home, they each carried a preassembled half of a house. Workers removed the wheels that carried them down the interstate. Then, a crane hoisted them up and onto a concrete foundation.... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Habitat for Humanity’s embrace of factory-built housing in La Crosse and Hillsboro shows how innovation and compassion can meet the moment in Wisconsin’s housing crisis. By using high-quality manufactured homes, Habitat is cutting costs, building faster, and opening doors for families who might otherwise never afford a home — while proving these houses can be beautiful, durable, and community-strengthening. Yet, restrictive zoning in many municipalities still blocks such solutions, clinging to outdated stigmas about “trailers.” If Wisconsin is serious about affordability, accessibility, and equity, local governments must modernize their codes to welcome these efficient, dignified homes that give working families — like the Bessels — a true place to belong. |
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources |
 ...Full Story HereNate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com... |
Could County Create Affordable Housing Loan Fund? |
 Milwaukee County may explore creating a revolving loan fund for affordable housing developments. A revolving loan fund is a pool of capital, typically managed by a governmental entity or a non-profit, providing short-term loans to projects and then using the interest on repayments to fund more loans. They can provide gap financing for projects that are difficult to finance through private lenders, like affordable housing. State and local governments around the country have started using revolving loan funds to finance affordable housing projects, to speed up development and eliminate the uncertainty of the federal funding process. The funds have proven a new way for the governments to develop public housing... ...Full Story Here Leo’a notes: Milwaukee County’s exploration of a revolving loan fund marks a promising shift toward long-term, self-sustaining housing finance. Unlike one-time grants, these funds recycle repayments into new projects—helping local governments close financing gaps and move faster than federal programs allow. With models like Montgomery County, Maryland’s $100 million fund already proving that public capital can build mixed-income housing and retain local control, Milwaukee’s interest signals an important evolution in how the region could approach affordability, equity, and ownership. The challenge now is identifying seed funding—but the payoff could be a durable tool that multiplies public investment for decades to come. |
Southern Housing Region public hearing notice |
The Southern Housing Region, which includes Kenosha and nine other Wisconsin counties, will host a public hearing at 11 a.m. Nov. 5, 2025, at 112 E. Edgewater St. in Portage. This hearing will regard:
For more details, see the Public Hearing Notice. ...Full Story Here |
Small Wisconsin communities look to boost housing options as populations grow |
 BRILLION, Wis. — Two months ago, work started on a new 42-unit apartment and community development in Brillion. Aaron Abler with the Ariens Company said the project is part of a wider transformation by Brillion Works LLC of 144 acres of the former Brillion Iron Works site. “Brillion has a housing shortage. By adding these 42 units, we’re bringing more people to Brillion,” he said. “We want Brillion to be a place where people can work, live, play and stay for a while.” Long-term, the Brillion Works project is expected to add two more apartments, a walking path, other businesses and the restoration of a creek that runs through the area... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Brillion’s redevelopment of the former Brillion Iron Works site is a clear example of how communities can turn underused industrial land into urgently needed workforce housing. The first 42 units of a planned multi-phase project are underway, part of a broader vision that includes additional apartments, commercial space, walking paths, and restored natural features. In fast-growing Calumet County—now matching Dane County’s pace—employers are feeling the pressure of limited local housing, with businesses noting that workers who can live nearby stay longer and strengthen the local economy. Brillion’s approach shows how strategic redevelopment can address housing shortages across all types—single-family, multifamily, and missing-middle—while supporting employer retention and creating more vibrant, livable communities. |
UW Extension hosts housing summit in Lac Du Flambeau to address local housing shortage |
 LAC DU FLAMBEAU (WJFW) -- On Tuesday at Lake of the Torches convention center, community leaders and partners met today for a series of presentations regarding the current housing crisis in the northwoods, as well as discussing possible solutions. Residents were also allowed to attend the regional housing summit, as it touched on issues that directly affect them and their businesses. Over the last 20 years, Wisconsin`s northwoods have had a challenge in keeping enough housing available to the ever growing population, and with real estate prices on the rise every year, it`s becoming more and more of a challenge for families to move to the area... ...Full Story Here |
Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Wisconsin |
 The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties.The typical home value in the United States was $364,891 in September, 0.0% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But some areas are still seeing price jumps compared to the year before. ...Full Story Here |
Panelized wall construction pitched as affordable housing solution |
 WASHINGTON — As the national conversation around affordable housing grows, more firms are scrambling to get in the door for support from the federal government. A construction association in September exhibited a quicker way to build homes while presenting at the 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase in Washington. One expert with Wisconsin ties said he’s driving for public-private partnership to support a tested home construction method. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development hosted its annual homebuilding showcase Sept. 6 to 10 at the National Mall, which saw more than 5,000 visitors, including top White House officials and industry leaders. The event coincided with the country’s 250th birthday.
The Blueprint
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One of two big affordable housing projects slated for Beloit won`t happen |
 BELOIT — The City of Beloit all of a sudden has another $3 million to give away. In 2024, the Beloit City Council awarded $3 million each to two developers to build affordable housing complexes in the city. The money came from expiring tax increment financing districts and were a one-time incentive meant to boost home and apartment building in the city. One of those two projects officially is not going to go forward. “Staff is working on some options for the funds previously awarded to (the Alexander Co.) and will be presenting some options in the near future,” Drew Pennington, Beloit economic development director Drew Pennington said in an email... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Beloit’s stalled housing deal underscores how fragile the pipeline for affordable and workforce housing remains — even when local governments are ready to invest. With $3 million back on the table after a major project fell through, the city has a renewed opportunity to steer those dollars toward developments that truly move the needle for middle-income families. Rising rents and sluggish new construction are squeezing Beloit’s working households, while neighboring towns see record growth. Redirecting these funds quickly and strategically could help rebalance that trend — keeping Beloit competitive, livable, and within reach for the people who sustain its economy. |
Habitat for Humanity project to add much-needed workforce housing in Watertown |
 WATERTOWN — When area dignitaries convened on West Main Street Monday morning, the event may have felt small in scale. However, what a groundbreaking represented on that site across Votech Drive from the Madison College campus is much more. Habitat for Humanity will build six duplexes, adding 12 homes to Watertown, with an estimated completion in early summer 2026. That’s enough for only 12 news families. But there’s much more to celebrate with the continuation of a growing trend to bring new housing in the City and surrounding areas... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Watertown’s new Habitat for Humanity project may add just 12 homes, but its significance reaches far beyond the building site. By pairing surplus land from Madison College with Habitat’s sweat-equity model, the city is demonstrating exactly how community partners can work together to expand desperately needed workforce housing. In a region squeezed by too few options and rising costs, these duplexes offer more than affordable mortgages—they offer stability, dignity, and a foothold in the community for working families. Each small project like this is another reminder: solving Wisconsin’s housing shortage won’t happen overnight, but every unit built moves us closer to the future our communities deserve |
City of Wausau greenlights affordable housing, outdoor recreation projects |
 WAUSAU, Wis. — Wausau was recently ranked one of the top hidden gem housing markets in the Midwest by GOBankingRates. Wausau Mayor Doug Diny said local leaders want to make Wausau an “attractive place to live, raise a family, start and grow a business.” Diny noted more trails are getting finished each year along the river and near industrial parks, too. Wausau also offers skiing and hiking; Diny said the city has expanded its bike trails, too. “We’re trying to make it a livable, walkable, affordable place,” Diny said. “Affordability really comes down to supply and demand … We’ve added roughly 500 units in the last five years, so we’re moving in the right direction to meeting that demand.”.. ...Full Story Here |
Towns along `MadWaukee` corridor seeing more growth |
 MADISON, Wis. — Many communities along I-94 between Madison and Milwaukee are seeing a lot of growth. Economic leaders have started referring to it as “The MadWaukee Corridor.” The Kinateders decided to buy a home in Johnson Creek because of its central location, better affordability and small-town feel. “[It’s] halfway in between Madison and Milwaukee,” said Lindsay Kinateder, who works in Madison. “So that’s perfect, because we can still have the best of those worlds, right?” They are not alone. There are several new housing developments in the works to meet a growing demand, including The Ponds in Johnson Creek... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: The rapid rise of the “MadWaukee Corridor” is a clear reminder that housing supply must keep pace with economic growth. With Jefferson County seeing a 119% surge in single-family permits and more than $1 billion in manufacturing investment on the horizon, communities like Johnson Creek are becoming magnets for workers seeking affordability and access to both Madison and Milwaukee. Local leaders recognize that new jobs require new homes, and the momentum along I-94 shows what’s possible when communities proactively plan for growth. As more families move in and major employers plant roots, the corridor’s success underscores a simple truth: workforce housing isn’t just a social priority—it`s economic infrastructure. |
About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com) |
| Across Wisconsin many employees can simply not afford to live where they work. This is true in big cities and small rural communities. Both the availability and price of housing is not in line with the needs of those working in jobs that are vital to the success of our communities. Imagine a firefighter, teacher, city employee, service, or retail worker not able to afford a home in the community they serve. We aggregate news and highlight programs that are working to provide affordable workforce housing in Wisconsin. We advocate for state and local policies that improve the more affordable housing markets. We encourage developers to build new homes that are affordable for those working for Wisconsin while still making a fair profit on the work they do. We encourage communities and neighborhoods to become partners in meeting these needs. We highlight what others have done as a form of "Best Practices" in the State and Country. Finally, we provide direct links to resources and programs in the State. Safe, affordable housing makes a difference in the lives of children and families impacting both education and health. We are supporting affordable housing because it is good for business, good for families, good for communities, and good for Wisconsin. Ken Harwood Editor / Publisher Advocating for Wisconsin 608.334.2174 harwoodken[at]gmail.com |
List of Housing Resources |
WWHNEWS Notes: To add a resource or correct above send data and link to wwhnews.com[at]gmail.com... |
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
