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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News
This Weeks Articles for 6/2/2025 ...
- Milwaukee wants more mid-tier housing. Here`s an approach from two other Midwestern cities...
- Three Milwaukee Affordable Housing Proposals Win State Funding...
- Developers get creative to solve Madison housing crisis...
- Construction Begins on Aurora Place, a 40-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Washburn, WI...
- Wisconsin municipalities hope online directory will help people find affordable housing...
- Lincoln Avenue Communities Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for Affordable Housing Complex in Lac Du Flambeau ...
- Seven projects in southeastern Wisconsin awarded affordable housing tax credits ...
- Madison hotel with chronic police calls reopens as a studio apartment building...
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
Milwaukee wants more mid-tier housing. Here`s an approach from two other Midwestern cities
Milwaukee’s approach includes financing help
The mayor’s Department of City Development on April 22 announced new guidelines on city help for workforce housing through tax incremental financing districts.
That policy centers on using property tax revenue generated by new apartment buildings to help finance those developments. The rents must be affordable to people earning up to 100% of the Milwaukee area median income — $77,500 for an individual, or $110,700 for a family of four.
The guidelines call for developers to make up front investments and then obtain city funds through annual property tax payments generated over several years by the new buildings.
Developers want the city to provide cash up front, with the firms paying that back through the annual payments. That’s a sticking point between the Johnson administration and developers and some Common Council members — who say the mayor’s approach provides little help...
Leo`s notes: Milwaukee has the right ideas, but Green Bay and Des Moines show that bold action—upfront funding, smart incentives, and risk-taking—makes the difference. If Milwaukee wants more homes for workers and families, it’s time to move faster and invest smarter. Let’s turn talk into homes.
Three Milwaukee Affordable Housing Proposals Win State Funding
The State of Wisconsin is giving the green light to three proposed affordable housing projects in Milwaukee.
The funding commitments are part of 27 awards being made across the state by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
Each of the projects is receiving an allocation of low-income housing tax credits, the most commonly used affordable housing tool in Wisconsin, through WHEDA’s annual competitive funding allocation.
“We were able to fund nearly all applications for tax credits this year, helping to build affordable housing for even more people in Wisconsin,” said WHEDA CEO and Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr. in a statement. “Housing tax credits are one of the most critical tools developers can use to build a strong inventory of safe, affordable housing for people to call home.”
The winning Milwaukee projects are a new building at Midtown Center, new senior apartments in Bay View and a redevelopment of the building used for the Milwaukee County City Campus offices (and formerly Doctor’s Hospital)...
...Full Story HereLeo`s notes: Milwaukee’s affordable housing wins are worth celebrating—three projects adding 324 new homes is no small feat. But these victories also spotlight a deeper challenge: speed. Too many projects stall or fade, weighed down by process and uncertainty. If we want to keep pace with Wisconsin’s growing housing needs, we must sharpen our tools, streamline approvals, and support developers who are ready to build. Let’s applaud this progress—while pushing for more.
DSPS Puts Focus on Affordable Housing
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is recognizing Affordable Housing Week (May 12-16) by travelling the state to host collaborative conversations on ways the department’s work regarding building codes could potentially lead to an increase in affordable housing development in Wisconsin.
DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth will visit multiple affordable housing facilities, engaging developers, architects, and other key stakeholders.
Leo`s notes: Refreshing to see DSPS take real action to modernize outdated building codes that have long inflated housing costs. By actively removing regulatory barriers and collaborating with key agencies, Wisconsin is finally aligning policy with the urgent need for more affordable homes...
Rethinking building codes: How Wisconsin could build more by regulating smarter
RACINE, WI — As Wisconsin confronts a shortfall of more than 227,000 housing units by 2030, state and local officials, developers, and housing advocates gathered at the new Arabella Apartments in Racine on Monday, May 12, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the state: how to build more affordable housing amid rising costs, outdated building regulations, and federal funding uncertainty.
The Arabella Apartments, part of the larger Belle City Square redevelopment of the former Horlick Malted Milk complex, features 60 rent-restricted units. The site served as a backdrop for a panel discussion on the intersection of policy, building codes, and affordability...
...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: The Racine panel made it clear: we can’t build our way out of a 227,000-unit shortfall with outdated regulations, rising costs, and fractured funding streams. Innovations like mass timber and performance-based codes are promising, but only if local and state systems evolve to support them. This moment calls for more than discussion—it calls for coordinated, bold action that balances affordability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Wisconsin officials, architect and developer discuss how to slim affordable housing construction costs
- Wisconsin needs 227,000 new housing units by 2030 to meet demand, according to Forward Analytics
- Construction costs rose 43% from January 2020 to April 2022, BLS reported
- Panelists called for building code reform to lower development costs
A panel with different building industry officials on Monday met in Racine to discuss how to produce more affordable housing. With the nation facing a housing deficit for both affordable and market rate projects, the group discussed how to work together and lower the cost of construction and planning.
Monday’s panel included Dan Hereth, secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Elmer Moore, Jr., CEO of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Jason Korb, principal of Korb Architecture and Josh Jeffers, owner and founder of J. Jeffers & Co.
Panelists spoke at the Arabella Apartments Atrium at Belle City Square, a Jeffers adaptive reuse project at 2100 Northwestern Ave. The event was part of DSPS’ Affordable Housing Week Tour, which included stops in Milwaukee, Madison and La Crosse.
Wisconsin needed 227,000 housing units by 2030 to keep up with demand, a study by Forward Analytics showed. The state had only 33 affordable properties for every 100 people, a study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition showed.
WI leaders discuss ways to combat affordable housing crisis (no paywall)
Ken Notes: So glad to see this conversation. It will take public private partnerships, deferred development / Infrastructure costs, modular construction, adaptive reuse, zoning changes, infill, planed neighborhoods, and more. But starting the conversation is a great start!
Developers get creative to solve Madison housing crisis
MADISON, Wis. — Madison has an urgent need for affordable housing. The city has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the U.S., according to a 2024 report on housing supply and affordability.
What You Need To Know
- Developers and real estate investors, such as Cody Wiseman of
Wiseman Capital, are getting creative to come up with housing solutions
- Wiseman’s latest project converted a Super 8 motel on Madison’s east
side into 129 units of affordable housing called Sandburg Studios
- The motel rooms were transformed into studio apartments
- The city is working towards a goal of creating 15,000 new homes by
2030. At least 25% of those homes will be designated as affordable
housing, below market rates, for lower income residents
Developers and real estate investors, such as Cody Wiseman of Wiseman Capital, are getting creative to come up with solutions.
Wiseman’s latest project converted a Super 8 motel on Madison’s east side into 129 units of affordable housing called Sandburg Studios. The motel rooms were transformed into studio apartments. The property also offers a pool, fitness center, laundry, dog park and co-working lounge. Monthly rent starts at $1,075...
Leo`s notes: Sandburg Studios in Madison is a bold example of how creative, private solutions can fill critical housing gaps—without waiting for public funding. Repurposing commercial spaces like motels won’t solve the crisis alone, but it’s the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we need to match our growing housing demand. The lesson is clear: flexibility, speed, and an openness to adaptive reuse can unlock housing opportunities in every community...
Hillpointe Launches Nonprofit to Tackle Attainable Workforce Housing Challenges
In response to the extreme shortage of attainable housing for essential workers, HAWCS will advocate for policies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions.
...Full Story Here
Leo`s notes: HAWCS is stepping in where policy has lagged—putting essential workers at the center of the housing conversation. By blending advocacy, education, and partnerships, this nonprofit challenges the broken systems that have priced out teachers, nurses, and first responders from the communities they serve. It’s a timely, community-rooted effort we need more of nationwide.
Green Bay committee gets first look at combined fire station, apartment plans
Green Bay`s Redevelopment Authority on May 13 approved Milwaukee-based General Capital Group`s offer to purchase the former Badger Sheet Metal factory site in the 400 block of South Broadway for $1. The board also agreed to issue funding commitment letters to provide $8.6 million toward the redevelopment project....
Green Bay took the first step in an effort to redevelop a former industrial site into affordable housing, Green Bay Metro Fire Department offices, and a new fire station. The project in the 400 block of South Broadway would include 93 workforce housing units available to income-qualified renters. The new Metro Fire station house would replace two, very old, outdated station houses in the central city. Construction tentatively could begin by the end of 2025 pending final agreements between the city and developers.
Leo`s notes: Green Bay is showing what bold, multi-use public investment can look like. The South Broadway redevelopment is a smart model—combining urgently needed workforce housing with essential civic infrastructure on a long-underutilized site. Leveraging layered funding sources, including ERA and ARPA dollars, this project not only creates 93 rent-restricted units but also replaces outdated public safety facilities. It’s exactly the kind of coordinated, future-focused investment we need more of across Wisconsin.
9 Most Affordable Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2025
With the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the charming towns in Door County, and vibrant cities like Milwaukee, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Wisconsin. If you’ve been considering moving to Wisconsin or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. As of April, the median home sale price in Wisconsin is $310,800.
Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of 9 of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list...
...Full Story Here#1: Racine...
#2: Oshkosh...
#3: Milwaukee...
#4: La Crosse...
#5: Kenosha...
#6: West Allis...
#7: Green Bay...
#8: Janesville...
#9: Appleton...
Rethinking building codes: How Wisconsin could build more by regulating smarter
RACINE, WI — As Wisconsin confronts a shortfall of more than 227,000 housing units by 2030, state and local officials, developers, and housing advocates gathered at the new Arabella Apartments in Racine on Monday, May 12, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the state: how to build more affordable housing amid rising costs, outdated building regulations, and federal funding uncertainty.Herb Kohl Philanthropies donates $1 million to CDA affordable housing efforts
Herb Kohl Philanthropies is giving $1 million to help build affordable homes in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood, the foundation announced at a Wednesday press conference.The donation will support the Community Development Alliance, which plans to propose a tax incremental district to build 60 affordable homes on vacant, city-owned lots in Harambee. The CDA plans to build 15 houses each year for four years.
Leo’s notes: Building affordable homes in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood is more than a housing initiative—it’s a powerful workforce support strategy for early childhood educators. By creating pathways to home ownership for professionals who are too often underpaid and overlooked, this project addresses both economic stability and educational quality. Efforts like this show how aligning housing, philanthropy, and workforce development can create lasting impact in communities that need it most...
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
GOP bill would support investments in child care, workforce housing
A new GOP bill increasing the flexibility of some state tax credit programs would bolster investments in workforce housing and child care, WisBusiness reports. The new legislation follows a bill signed into law in 2024 that made changes to Wisconsin’s Business Development Tax Credit and Enterprise Zone Tax Credit programs. Current law allows qualifying recipients to claim tax benefits up to 15% of their investment in workforce housing for employees and up to 15% of their investment in creating a child care program for employees. It defines qualifying investments as “capital expenditures made by the person.”
The Bill is Here.
Leo’s notes: Expanding tax credit eligibility beyond direct capital investments and employee-only programs finally recognizes the role businesses can play in broader community solutions. Removing red tape to support child care and workforce housing is exactly the kind of flexibility we need to strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce and local economies.
What you need to know about efforts to create affordable housing for early childhood educators
If you’re an early childhood educator, you might be eligible to purchase an affordable home.
Since October, local groups like the Community Development Alliance, Acts Housing and Habitat for Humanity have partnered to create homes for early childhood educators. Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced a $1 million gift to help fund the development of more.
“One of our mantras every day is ‘we love teachers,’ ” said JoAnne Anton, the foundation’s president, at an April 30 event at Malaika Early Learning Center in the Harambee neighborhood. “That includes early childhood educators. Unfortunately, the early childhood education sector is struggling.”
How it works
The three-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot homes are part of a 42-home development being built around five early childhood education centers.
The homes are exclusively for early childhood educators and will be sold for approximately $100,000 each...
...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Solving multiple issues at once! By linking homeownership to early childhood educators, this partnership not only addresses our housing crisis but affirms the essential value of the people who help shape our youngest learners. Affordable homes for educators mean stronger families, better outcomes for children, and more stable communities.
Plymouth Plaza site eyed for retail, workforce housing
The Plymouth City Council reviewed a “sketch plan” for the project Tuesday night. Though the council didn’t take formal action, council members generally liked the idea of bringing more workforce homes to an existing underused site...
The Blueprint
- Plymouth Plaza could be redeveloped into retail and 200 apartments
- Project aims to expand “missing middle” housing for local workforce
- Existing tenants like Dollar Tree and Pancake House to remain
Leo’s notes: The Plymouth Plaza redevelopment adds 200 units of workforce-oriented housing—including three-bedroom options for families—on an underutilized commercial site, while preserving retail and walkability. This is a textbook example of how to deliver “missing middle” housing in a way that supports community stability and economic diversity. As long as community feedback on height and traffic is meaningfully addressed, this project is a win for housing choice, equity, and smart growth.
Construction Begins on Aurora Place, a 40-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Washburn, WI
Upon completion, Aurora Place will include a community-building and high-quality, cottage-style homes thoughtfully designed to support community connection, sustainability, and long-term affordability. Leasing is expected to begin in late 2025, with Impact Management Group providing property management services.... ...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: The groundbreaking of Aurora Place marks a milestone for affordable housing in Washburn. With 40 new homes for workforce families and seniors, this project shows how strong partnerships and community vision can create lasting impact. Aurora Place is more than homes—it’s a promise of stability, opportunity, and a thriving local future...
Wisconsin municipalities hope online directory will help people find affordable housing
Some municipalities in Wisconsin are partnering with a company that creates an online directory to help connect people to affordable housing.
The city of Kenosha was the first municipality to work with CityWise — a Milwaukee-based startup company. The company created a subdomain on the official city website in October that allows renters to search for affordable and subsidized housing in the city for free.
Users can access a tool on the directory to find what subsidies they may be eligible for and they can search for properties that accept Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Section 8 vouchers. The listings also include any municipal code violations for the properties...
Kenosha System
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Another listing service but with the affordable housing twist. It will require adoption by communities but the Kenosha system seem robust...
Lincoln Avenue Communities Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for Affordable Housing Complex in Lac Du Flambeau
LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wis., May 27, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven
acquirer and developer of affordable housing, hosted a grand opening
ceremony this week for Forest Edge Apartments, a 40-unit,
townhouse-style affordable housing development in Lac du Flambeau."We are proud to partner with Cinnaire Solutions and Wisconsin Management Company to bring high-quality, affordable housing to the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods," said Kevin McDonell, LAC Vice President and Regional Project Partner. "Forest Edge Apartments will support the local economy by giving workers and families a place to call home."
Forest Edge Apartments features a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes with energy-efficient appliances, large closets, and complimentary internet packages for residents. The majority of units will be leased to those earning between 30 and 60% of the area median income (AMI), with 8 units reserved for residents with disabilities via Section 811 Housing Vouchers. Communal amenities include a fitness center, community room, business and meeting center, and a parcel room for package delivery. A significant portion of the property`s energy consumption will be offset by solar panels installed on each building...
...Full Story HereLeo`s Notes: Another Cinnaire lending project in the news! Forest Edge Apartments is a 40-unit development in Lac du Flambeau that provides energy-efficient townhomes, accessible amenities, and community connection—helping families and workers stay rooted in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Projects like these showcase design solutions specific to the community and the importance of partnerships between seasoned developers, experienced lending institutions, and local stakeholders.
St. Croix EDC to share results of new county-wide housing study
HUDSON - St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has announced plans to hold a series of events to share results and discuss a new study of housing issues across the county. The first ever St. Croix County comprehensive survey is nearing completion and was designed to review the current housing supply, analyze the county’s future housing demand, define potential gaps between the supply and demand, and highlight key hurdles and challenges that may need to be resolved to help ?ll these gaps. The study will also have a series of specific ?ndings and some recommended actions.
“How we deal with the challenges and opportunities related to housing is an important conversation for the entire county,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of St. Croix EDC. “We conducted the study to make sure this conversation is as informed as possible. The data is comprehensive to help us better understand what’s happening today, what data suggests will happen in the future, and to look at ideas and recommendations to help everyone make better decisions. We are excited to be ready to share the information and are looking forward to the conversations with all our stakeholders.”
SCEDC hired the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, a multi-county planning agency, to conduct the survey. The commission works on planning for physical, social and economic development in Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix counties.
The study was designed to create a housing needs assessment, an affordable housing solutions toolbox, a county-wide housing snapshot, and housing snapshots for speci?c municipalities. It will document all the study ?ndings and recommended actions. The snapshots will summarize demographic and housing data within the community, along with the county’s housing needs and goals, as documented in the county-wide housing study.
The State of Wisconsin has projected St. Croix County’s population will increase by approximately 10% from 2020 to 2050, yet household sizes are expected to decrease. This will likely lead to an increased number of households and a greater need for additional housing units.
“With so much change happening here, from population changes and an evolving regional economy, we think having updated baseline facts about housing is incredibly important,” Meschke said. “We also realized that a comprehensive, county-wide housing study has never been conducted until now.”...
... ...Full Story HereLeo`s notes: St. Croix County’s proactive approach to understanding its housing needs is a model for regional planning. With population growth and shrinking household sizes ahead, this data-driven study is a crucial step toward smart, inclusive housing solutions. Transparent conversations like these help ensure every community—urban or rural—can plan for a future where people can afford to live where they work.
A look inside the new $16M affordable apartment building on Jackson Street
n the club room at Jackson Street’s new apartment block, the dozens of collaborators packed shoulder to shoulder signified just how many people it required to get new affordable housing online in La Crosse.Developers with Cinnaire set aside 13 units for people currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For the rest of the units, 25 will serve residents at 31% to 50% of the county median income, 14 will be reserved for people at 51% to 60% of the county median income, and the final 10 will remain at market rate....
Leo’s notes: News from my own backyard! With 62 new units—most income-restricted and 13 reserved for those experiencing homelessness—The newly opened Collective on Fourth is showing how targeted investment and collaboration can deliver both dignity and stability. This project goes beyond shelter; it creates space for community-building, education, and opportunity...
WHEDA Foundation awards local housing advocates
ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) -The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority presented checks to multiple organizations to improve housing options in the Chippewa Valley on Wednesday.
Grace Lutheran Communities, Hope Village, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, and Stepping Stones of Dunn County received checks from WHEDA totaling $133,700 to improve accessibility and resources at shelters and transitional residences.
WHEDA is a public agency with a mission to expand access to affordable housing across the Badger State.
Corrisa Villeneuve, the Executive Director of Stepping Stones of Dunn County, said the grant money is helping them make their shelters ADA accessible at a time when the need for housing is high....
...Full Story Here
Seven projects in southeastern Wisconsin awarded affordable housing tax credits
Seven apartment projects in southeast Wisconsin totaling 657 affordable
apartment units have been awarded low-income housing tax credits by the
State of Wisconsin. The projects are among 27 statewide that received
tax credits, according to a Friday announcement from the Wisconsin
Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Two different grant programs exist. One provides a 9% federal tax credit and the other provides a 4% federal and 4% state income tax credit. WHEDA administers both programs... ...Full Story HereArticle behind paywall, sorry!
Madison hotel with chronic police calls reopens as a studio apartment building
“The studs stayed,” said Cody Wiseman, the company’s founder and CEO. “The bones are good.”
Ken Notes: (Paywall, Sorry. Try the link in the article) Still pricey for small units but if the tenants keep it nice it could be something special. Marketing is nice check out the link...
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.
List of Housing Resources
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) Program
ENABLING BETTER PLACES: A USER’S GUIDE TO WISCONSIN NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABILITY
WHEDA’s Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
WISCAP Affordable Housing Network
Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
Housing Authority City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp
WEDA Legislative Tracker
NRA Housing Needs By State / Wisconsin
DANE WORKFORCE HOUSING FUND
Dane County Regional Housing Strategy (RHS)
A Housing Hurdle: Demographics Drive Need for More Homes
Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance
WRA’s “Falling Behind” report
Social Development Commission - Pathway to success
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
Middleton Workforce Housing Committe
Milwaukee’s Collective Affordable Housing Strategic Plan
Workforce Housing Initiative For Wisconsin
2020 Symposia Series on Workforce Housing
Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance.org/resources/
City of Milwaukee Affordability Report
WHEDA Qualified Allocation Plan
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
City of Milwaukee Consolidated Plan
Wisconsin Consolidated Plan
SEWRPC Regional Housing Plan
Wisconsin Policy Forum Reports
Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights
White House Fact Sheet on Rental Affordability
Community Economic Development / Division of Extension
Oshkosh Kids Foundation Tiny House Village