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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. xxx ...Full Story HereCommunity 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 ![]() |
Five bills to boost housing sail through Assembly committee, while others meet opposition |
![]() A dozen bills, some aimed at addressing the need for affordable workforce housing according to their Republican authors, passed the Assembly’s Housing and Real Estate Committee Thursday, with all but three gaining bipartisan support. Several of the measures have already been put on the tentative calendar for the Assembly floor session scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7. AB 182, would modify Wisconsin’s low-income housing tax credit and require the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to ensure that 35% of the tax credits it allocates are for projects in rural areas of Wisconsin. AB 449 would require local municipalities with zoning to permit accessory dwelling units on the property of existing single family homes. AB 451 would create residential tax incremental districts, to encourage residential developments with the resulting increases in property tax collection used to fund infrastructure investment. That measure passed the panel 12-2. AB 454 would establish a workforce home loan fund through WHEDA to provide gap financing for new construction or significant rehabilitation of a single family home for the borrower. AB 455 would establish a grant program at WHEDA for the owners of apartment buildings to offset converting their properties to condominiums. In an unanimous vote, the committee approved an amendment from state Rep. Lori Palmeri (D-Oshkosh) requiring grant recipients to give current occupants in a building being converted an opportunity to purchase their unit.... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: A dozen housing bills advanced this week, signaling rare bipartisan momentum on Wisconsin’s workforce housing crisis. Proposals range from expanding WHEDA tax credits in rural areas to authorizing ADUs and creating workforce home loan funds. Advocates note these measures show progress, but real impact will hinge on consistent implementation and local zoning alignment. For further explanation of each bill introduced, please click article link. Ken Notes: Save and share this article. Please note housing is one of the only issues in Wisconsin receiving bipartisan support on several fronts. Many of these issues Leo and I have been advocating for some time now... ![]() |
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. ![]() |
Brooks unveils new bills aiming to boost affordable housing in Wisconsin |
![]() Rep. Rob Brooks has announced a package of bills to build on last session’s bipartisan housing legislation and efforts to boost affordable housing in Wisconsin. Brooks, who chairs the Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee, led a series of housing bills Gov. Tony Evers signed into law in 2023. The package sought to address the state’s housing shortage, setting aside $525 million for affordable housing development loans. At a Capitol press conference yesterday, Brooks joined fellow Republicans and stakeholders in announcing the latest effort. Brooks said Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Rep. Rob Brooks’ newly announced housing package underscores a critical truth: Wisconsin cannot thrive without affordable places for workers and families to call home. The proposals—ranging from workforce housing TIF districts to first-time homebuyer loan programs—represent another step toward tackling a shortage that impacts every corner of the state. It’s encouraging to see lawmakers from both parties recognize housing as a statewide priority. Yet, while financing tools and zoning reforms are important, they must be paired with solutions that directly lower construction costs and speed up delivery of new units. Without addressing labor shortages, high material costs, and the barriers small developers face, many projects will still struggle to “pencil out.” Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. This package keeps the conversation moving, but policymakers must ensure that momentum translates into real doors opening for workers, seniors, and families who can’t afford to wait. ![]() |
Housing package would redirect millions from past workforce housing initiatives |
![]() A series of bills aimed at addressing what lawmakers called a “crisis” in the lack of workforce housing would redirect tens of millions of dollars from past workforce housing initiatives. Wisconsin in 2023 set aside $525 million for affordable housing development loans aimed at growing the state’s housing stock and getting new homebuyers into housing. But some of the programs included haven’t seen significant use two years down the road. The last state budget set aside $100 million for the main street housing rehabilitation revolving loan funding program. Rental property owners could get up to $20,000 per rental unit for upgrades on apartments above retail spaces. But Sen. Dan Feyen during an Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee public hearing yesterday said only $19 million of that has been doled out so far... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Wisconsin lawmakers are reworking unspent housing funds to spur ownership and expand options for working families. The proposed bills would redirect millions toward condo conversions, first-time homebuyer loans, and new workforce housing TIF districts—an encouraging sign of renewed focus. Still, it is worth noting that real progress will depend on aligning these incentives with local zoning reform and sustained funding. Ken Notes: I wish we could use these funds for just two thing. First allow communities to buy land and plan affordable neighborhoods with a mix of smaller affordable homes, schools, retail, and amenities. Second work with banks to create low interest for lower cost homes. Imagine a 3% rate on 150 to 200K homes for first time buyers or seniors downsizing. These two programs could be game changing in workforce housing. ![]() |
What can first-time homebuyers in Winnebago County do amid median single-family home price of $282K? |
![]() WINNEBAGO COUNTY – Property values are only going up from here. Of course, Oshkosh homeowners know this all too well, with last year`s revaluation calamity raising the city`s combined assessed value of residential properties by a whopping 53%. Adding that to ever-soaring interest rates, low housing inventory and high demand for homes has created an almost impossible market for first-time homebuyers to enter. Key Points
Leo’s notes: Winnebago County’s housing market highlights the growing affordability crisis, with home values up 75% in five years and fewer than 40 listings under $200,000. Local zoning reforms and new developments show progress, but rising costs and labor shortages keep first-time buyers on the margins—a challenge and model to watch statewide... ![]() |
Viroqua opens new workforce housing with childcare center |
![]() VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) — City officials celebrated the opening of Main Street Apartments Friday, a 65-unit workforce housing development that combines affordable apartments with a childcare facility for working families in western Wisconsin. The development features housing units, retail space and a 6,000-square-foot childcare facility called the Bumble and Bloom Early Learning Center. The center will serve approximately 65 children ranging from six weeks to six years old. La Crosse-based VARC will operate the early learning center, which city leaders say addresses a critical need for working families in the area. Governor Tony Evers attended Friday`s ribbon-cutting ceremony and praised the community-wide effort that made the development possible. "There were so many players putting this together — the city, but you name it, anybody who is anybody in western Wisconsin had something to do with this," Evers said. "But at the end of the day it was a local project with local people."... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Viroqua’s new Main Street Apartments pairs 65 units of workforce housing with an on-site childcare center—meeting two of rural Wisconsin’s most pressing needs in one project. By combining affordability, family support, and local collaboration, it’s a model of holistic workforce investment—a model many of our communities ought to watch... ![]() |
"Beyond the Bridge" ahead of Tuesday`s premiere |
![]() La Crosse, WI: October 14, 2025 |
Armstrong: Assembly passes housing package, including four Armstrong bills |
![]() “Wisconsin has a severe housing problem,” Armstrong said. “The median home price has more than doubled in the last 10 years, and there aren’t enough affordable options for would-be first-time home owners. Besides being a problem for potential buyers, this is a problem for employers, as no one wants to work where they can’t afford to live... “The housing package my colleagues and I passed today will help to improve this situation, and I am proud that four proposals I introduced were included.”The four Armstrong bills the Assembly approved are: ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s Assembly advanced a major housing package aimed at easing costs and boosting supply through tax credits, TIF districts, and zoning alignment. By tying workforce housing directly to business development and infrastructure tools, the package signals a shift toward coordinated, economy-linked solutions. Eagerly following the advancement of these bills... ![]() |
New coalition aims to improve support for those facing homelessness in Portage County |
![]() Partnering Together of Portage County`s mission is to ensure people experiencing housing issues have access to “coordinated, compassionate, and effective services.”Key Points:
The coalition, called Partnering Together of Portage County, announced its formation in a Sept. 25 news release stating its mission to ensure people experiencing housing issues have access to “coordinated, compassionate, and effective services,” according to the release... Ken Notes: It does take a team. Remember developers and builders, manufactured home, Planners, and finance institutions, and elected officials all need a seat at the table. ![]() |
High university enrollment leads to city housing discussion |
![]() Increasing needs addressed at recent Community Development meetingWhitewater’s Community Development Authority Board of Directors gathered Thursday, Sept. 19, to discuss ongoing future housing developments aimed at addressing Whitewater’s growing population. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and was held at the Whitewater Municipal Building and streamed virtually for community members. City officials outlined several housing projects in progress. Harbor Homes reported that 17 of 19 permits were pulled, and three homes are currently listed for sale. These are single-family owner-occupied homes, which help address the city’s need for a wider housing variety. The rest of the homes have been sold or are under contract. Meadowview has three properties available, while Waters Edge South recently issued permits for eight new duplex units, which will provide 16 units total. The largest upcoming project is Hartland Shores, a multi-family development on the city’s southeast side that broke ground earlier this year. This development will provide 32 new units of housing... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Whitewater is adding single-family, duplex, and multifamily projects to meet rising demand fueled in part by record university enrollment. With home prices up 40% since 2021, the city is pairing new development with TIF and down payment assistance to preserve affordability—a model to watch statewide. ![]() |
Wisconsin pioneers program for church property redevelopment grants |
![]() Churches in Wisconsin are now eligible for property redevelopment grants from a program organizers hope will spread to other states. The Good Next Step Grant Program provides congregations with awards of up to $40,000 to create affordable housing or a mix of housing and community gathering spaces on existing parcels. Participants also receive expert support with architectural design, site development, zoning reviews and financial analysis. “This program allows churches to buy those services to keep control of their land and use that land as they feel called to use it,” said Mark Elsdon, co-founder of RootedGood, a nonprofit group that provides training and productivity resources for faith-based groups, and organizer of the grant program launched in August... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: A new grant program is helping Wisconsin churches turn underused land into affordable and workforce housing. By funding pre-development planning and pairing congregations with design and finance experts, the initiative empowers faith communities to shape local housing solutions. This is a reminder that housing progress often starts with trusted community anchors. ![]() |
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources |
![]() Nate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com... ![]() |
State agency learns about success of alternative housing project at Hope Village in Chippewa Falls |
![]() CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) - Members from a statewide agency visited Chippewa Falls this morning to learn about a successful alternative housing solution. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, known as DSPS, toured Hope Village. The event is part of their work to explore trends, innovations, and needs in homebuilding. Hope Village provides transitional and affordable workforce housing to low-income people and families in the Chippewa Valley area. DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth said this project is a great example of finding solutions on a local level that could be implemented statewide... Leo’s notes: Hope Village in Chippewa Falls shows how community-led models can fill critical workforce housing gaps through collaboration and creativity. As state officials study updates to the Uniform Dwelling Code, projects like this highlight how flexible standards can help replicate small-scale, affordable solutions statewide—a model to watch. Ken notes: We can do so much better architecturally and plat wise. Open space, bike / Ped access -- not trailer parks but rather small home neighborhoods. Check this out... ![]() |
‘They are squeezing everybody in this park to death’: Owners of manufactured homes get little protection as private equity moves in |
![]() Wisconsin residents feel stuck as private equity buys up manufactured housing parksPriced out of traditional homes during an affordability crisis, many in Wisconsin have found another way to pursue an ownership dream. Experts estimate that more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents live in manufactured homes, the more accurate name for what many call mobile homes or trailers — structures that make up the country’s largest portion of unsubsidized low-income housing. Many live in parks where they own their homes but rent the land beneath them. But Wisconsin’s government is failing to enforce basic protections for residents at a time when private equity firms are buying up parks to maximize profits, a Wisconsin Watch/WPR investigation found... ...Full Story HereKen Notes: This is so true and happening across the state. These private equity firms are buying these parks as cash producing assets with no real skin in the game or feet on the ground. If current tenants fail, the firms can put in a nicer park model and make even more money by renting that as well as the lot. We need communities and housing advocates to buy these parks and turn these places into something special. There are great examples of well developed and run parks across the US. ![]() |
Assembly approves GOP housing package, including building code bill |
![]() The proposals still need to pass the state Senate, which hasn`t convened in monthsThe state Assembly approved a rash of bills on Tuesday aimed at expanding affordable housing in Wisconsin. Backers of the GOP-authored initiatives said they’re looking to expand on bipartisan housing legislation passed in 2023 and signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, although the legislation passed Tuesday would still need to clear the state Senate. Democrats criticized the package, claiming that Republicans had walked away from bipartisan negotiation to promote their policy preferences... ...Full Story Here ![]() |
Annex Group Breaks Ground on $25.8M Affordable Housing Community in Milwaukee |
![]() MILWAUKEE — The Annex Group has broken ground on Union at Rose Park, a $25.8 million affordable housing community in Milwaukee. The property will offer 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for households earning a range of income levels starting at 30 percent of the area median income to market rate. Nine units will be targeted to veterans. Amenities will include a community room, fitness center and business center. The development will include rooftop solar panels and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Community Standards. Project partners include Ware Malcomb, raSmith, Integrity Structural Corp., Latimer Sommers & Associates, Terracon, Heartland Energy Consultants, Baker Tilly, ACC Management Group and Impact Housing Indiana, an organization dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within Annex’s portfolio. Impact Housing Indiana will have a dedicated onsite space within Union at Rose Park. Advantage Capital provided more than $9
million in federal equity and just under $3 million in state credit
equity for the project.... Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s Union at Rose Park brings 75 new affordable and mixed-income units to the city, with dedicated veteran housing and green design standards. Backed by WHEDA financing tools and broad private investment, the $25.8 million project reflects the partnerships needed to expand affordable housing supply. ![]() |
DNR awards $1.3 million for soil cleanup of affordable housing site in Madison |
MADISON, Wis. — The City of Madison is receiving $1.3 million in funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help clean up contaminated soil at affordable housing development project sites... What You Need To Know
...Full Story Here ![]() |
Affordable apartments planned at Huxley Yards in Madison |
![]() THE BLUEPRINT:
An affordable apartment community with 50 units is coming to Madison. Rosemont, Ill.-based McShane Construction Co. on Wednesday announced that its Wisconsin office will build The Conway at Huxley Yards for developer Lincoln Avenue Communities, an affiliate of Lincoln Avenue Capital. This will be McShane’s fourth project with the developer, said Alison Gorham, vice president and director of Wisconsin operations at McShane. “We’re excited to watch this development come to life and provide much-needed affordable housing in Madison,” she added. The project is located on a 1.7-acre site at 1846 Commercial Avenue. It will feature 50 units, 63 parking spaces, and the complex will be 72,446 square feet, the contractor said. The Conway is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026. The project cost and rents weren’t shared. ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Madison’s upcoming Conway at Huxley Yards adds 50 affordable units on a compact urban site, continuing momentum from developers expanding workforce housing across Wisconsin. With green certifications and efficient design, the project shows how sustainable infill can meet both affordability and environmental goals. ![]() |
Once-disputed Brookfield affordable housing complex is now inundated with tenant interest |
![]() Elizabeth Sili of Wisconsin Management Company has been inundated with applications from people interested in moving into the new four-story, 203-unit apartment building she manages in a Brookfield office park. And she knows why. "It`s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get into beautiful, affordable housing in the city of Brookfield," Sili, the property manager at The Flats at Bishop`s Woods, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel during a walk-through for media and local officials at the apartment on Sept. 24. Key Points:
Leo’s notes: Brookfield’s first fully affordable development, The Flats at Bishop’s Woods, delivers 203 units aimed at workforce households earning 50–70% of area median income. Despite political pushback, the strong demand and mix of live-work, veteran, and accessible units underscore the urgent need for attainable housing ![]() |
Marquette County approval of $13.9M Brownfield Plan to boost housing options |
![]() MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — New workforce housing is coming to a vacant five-acre plot in Marquette Township following the approval of a Brownfield Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The Marquette County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the plan, which will bring 48 new cottages, duplexes, and townhomes to Marquette Township. Marquette County Treasurer Jackie Solomon said the development would be at 170 County Road 492, right across from Lost Creek. Of the total units, 17 must be sold to individuals at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI), which is $50,034, according to recent U.S. Census data... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Marquette Township’s approval of a Brownfield Plan for 48 new workforce homes shows how underused land can be leveraged to meet urgent housing needs. By combining mixed-income ownership opportunities with smart tax capture, local leaders are aligning redevelopment with affordability goals—a model to watch. ![]() |
Brookfield business owner advocates for city`s first affordable housing complex to address critical shortage |
![]() BROOKFIELD, Wis. — For the first time in its history, the City of Brookfield now has an affordable housing apartment complex, addressing a critical need for workforce housing in Waukesha County. "Employees in this area have too few places to live," said Mike Mooney, a Brookfield business owner who has operated in the area for nearly four decades. The new development, called "The Flats at Bishop`s Woods," is located near Elm Grove Road and Bluemound Road. It represents a significant shift in housing options for workers in a community where the average home costs $460,000... Leo’s notes: Brookfield’s first affordable apartment complex marks a turning point in Waukesha County, where jobs long outnumber homes. Redeveloping vacant office space into 200 workforce units shows how communities can adapt land use to close the housing gap—a model to watch across Wisconsin. ![]() |
Tiny home project in Milwaukee will provide temporary housing for homeless veterans |
![]() Groundbreaking for the Veterans Community Project was held Monday Construction is set to begin soon for a project in Milwaukee aimed at getting homeless veterans off the street and into housing. The development, spearheaded by Veterans Community Project, will bring 40 tiny homes to a 7-acre site on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Each tiny home will be anywhere from 240 to 320 square feet and will come fully furnished. Bryan Meyer, Veterans Community Project cofounder and CEO, said people in the program will be able to live there for free with access to case managers to help get them into permanent housing... ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: I like these projects, but 300 sq. ft. is, well tiny. and while this is a part of the solution we need more 1,200 sq. ft. homes for those working and looking to enter the housing market rather than renting an apartment. ![]() |
This Affordable Heartland State Has the Most In-Demand Housing Markets in the Country |
![]() For the fifth consecutive month, Springfield, MA, took the crown as the nation`s most in-demand city, according to the Realtor.com® September 2025 Hottest Housing Markets. But overall, Wisconsin dominates in the latest ranking, with seven of the 20 hottest markets located in the Badger State. ... ...Full Story Here![]() |
About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com) |
![]() 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 |
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WWHNEWS Notes: To add a resource or correct above send data and link to wwhnews.com[at]gmail.com... ![]() |