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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News
This Weeks Articles for 4/1/2026 ...
- A federal housing bill could reshape who owns single-family homes. In Wausau, the stakes are personal....
- 553 affordable housing units set to open in Madison...
- The Amazingly High Cost of Housing...
- ‘Missing middle’: La Crosse at ‘kickoff’ of plan to incentivize new family homes...
- https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2026/03/31/johnson-state-of-the-city-...
- Opportunity Zone Program Presents Strategic Window for Multifamily and Affordable Housing Investment...
- 134 households ‘at risk of going homeless’ as northeast Wisconsin nonprofit abruptly closes...
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La Crosse County Farm development inches forward, despite pushback from West Salem
A study commissioned by La Crosse County found the County Farm property in West Salem could support 1,145 housing units.Consultants presented the study to the La Crosse County Board on Monday after presenting a similar, countywide housing assessment. They maintained that the 111-acre property near Lake Neshonoc would be attractive to both developers and renters.
They also cautioned that the project’s greatest risk was community resistance — a concern that seems well-founded.
Leo's notes: As an advocate for housing affordability and reform, this development underscores a familiar challenge across Wisconsin: large-scale sites capable of meaningfully addressing housing shortages often encounter local resistance before planning even begins. With La Crosse County projected to need roughly 4,900 new housing units over the next decade, projects like the County Farm property could play a critical role in regional supply — but only if local governments, school districts and residents are brought into the conversation early and collaboratively.
Construction underway on downtown Madison workforce housing development
MADISON, Wis. — Construction crews have broken ground on The Bankston Apartments on West Mifflin Street as demand grows for downtown housing that essential workers can afford.The 40-unit development represents a partnership between SSM Health and Madison Development Corporation to address the growing shortage of workforce housing in downtown Madison. The project targets middle-income workers who are increasingly priced out of the downtown housing market.
Leo's notes: Construction has begun on The Bankston Apartments in downtown Madison, a 40-unit workforce housing project developed through a partnership between SSM Health and Madison Development Corporation. Projects like this highlight an important shift: employers, nonprofits and community lenders stepping in where the market alone cannot meet workforce housing needs. If communities want to remain economically competitive and livable, expanding housing options for the workers who keep cities running must remain a central priority.
New Peshtigo workforce housing project aims to grow the small town
Joe Beranek owns Evergreen Tools in Peshtigo. They make metal pieces for manufacturing equipment and fire suspension.
After more than a decade of operating in the area, he’s looking to expand.
“Our business is growing and it’s growing to the point where we need to buy additional equipment and they’re very large, so we’re looking to add on about another 10,000 square feet later this year, and with that, we’d be adding some new employees,” Beranek says.
Berman says the project will likely cost about $6 million, but the city will apply for about $2 million through state grants.
The concepts approved by council include around 30 homes, built on city-owned land off of West Front Road. The homes would be smaller and less expensive, targeting working individuals and families...
Leo’s notes: Peshtigo’s proposed 30-home workforce housing development highlights a challenge shared by many rural manufacturers: jobs exist, but housing shortages limit workforce growth. By using city-owned land and pursuing state grants to lower development costs, local leaders are aligning housing supply with economic expansion. For small towns competing for talent, housing is economic development.
Ken Notes: So about 200K per unit. I would love to see a state funded program allowing communities to buy land and install infrastructure then "front" the lots and improvements to developers for homes sold to owner occupants for under 200K. I can not think of a more productive way to invest a 4 Billion dollar surplus. That could create almost 100,000 homes for our service and retail workers. Not to mention attracting new workers into our communities.
A federal housing bill could reshape who owns single-family homes. In Wausau, the stakes are personal.
A Senate-passed package takes aim at Wall Street landlords — but one provision is drawing scrutiny from builders who say central Wisconsin can’t afford to lose any housing investment.
A regional planning study projected demand for more than 2,000 housing units in the Wausau metropolitan area by 2025. A separate 2022 assessment identified a need for at least 586 additional affordable units in the city alone. A 56-unit affordable housing complex on Wausau’s west side — announced in 2021 — only recently neared completion, delayed for years by a financing gap.
Leo's notes: Despite federal momentum behind the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, local leaders in Wausau point to persistent shortages in entry-level homes, workforce rentals, and “missing middle” housing, all driven by rising construction costs, financing gaps, and regulatory delays. As I’ve mentioned before, it is supply—not speculation—that continues to constraint most of our Wisconsin communities (Midwest markets too!). While limiting institutional investors may resonate politically, communities like Wausau will see the greatest impact from policies that reduce barriers to building, unlock financing, and enable attainable housing at scale...
‘They are squeezing everybody in this park to death’: Owners of manufactured homes get little protection as private equity moves in
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.
Wisconsin law requires operators to keep parks “in a clean, safe, orderly and sanitary condition at all times.” The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is supposed to enforce that law and licensing standards. But it rarely inspects parks, allows many to go unlicensed and doesn’t even know which parks are operating... ...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: As private equity increasingly acquires parks, residents — who often cannot afford to relocate their homes — face growing instability with few clear avenues for recourse. This highlights a critical gap: preserving affordability without enforcing standards is not true housing stability. If manufactured housing is to remain a viable part of the affordability solution, Wisconsin must modernize oversight, strengthen tenant protections and treat this sector as essential infrastructure — not an afterthought.
Ken Notes: If the Wisconsin Legislature really wanted to make a difference in housing in Wisconsin they would draft regulations requiring investors to maintain clean safe home sites for their residents or lose the property. Also provide for a safe way to report abuse without fear of reprisal.
553 affordable housing units set to open in Madison
Madison is set for a major boost to its affordable housing supply on lands formerly belonging to Oscar Mayer.
The six-story Victoria at Huxley Yards — a 250-unit senior living complex with one- and two-bedroom apartments — is fully leased with most of its residents set to move in April 1. The View at Huxley Yards, a 303-apartment building with units ranging from one- through four-bedrooms, saw its first residents move in last week.
Both complexes are rent-restricted for residents making 50-70% of the area median income of roughly $90,000 for an individual or $130,000 for a family of four, according to Abby Thomas, regional manager at Seldin Co., the Omaha-based firm that manages both properties. Interest in both facilities has been high, with the company fielding around 150 inquiries a week from prospective residents, Thomas said...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: The Victoria (250 senior units) and The View (303 family-oriented units) are fully or rapidly leasing, serving households earning 50–70% of area median income, with additional deeply affordable units planned in a future phase. For communities facing persistent shortages, this model shows how underutilized sites can be repositioned into high-impact housing assets that serve seniors, families and the workforce alike.
Northmarq Arranges $23M Sale and $18.265M Acquisition Financing for Douglas Terrace Apartments in Wisconsin
Northmarq’s Chicago Investment Sales team led by Alex Malzone, Parker Stewart, Dominic Martinez and Jake Lamb, in collaboration with its Chicago Debt + Equity team led by Brett Hood and Kevin McCarthy, successfully arranged the sale and acquisition financing of Douglas Terrace Apartments, a 202-unit garden apartment community located at 3706 Douglas Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.Northmarq completed the $23 million sale representing the seller, MLG Capital LLC. The buyer was a private capital group from Illinois... ...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: transactions like this highlight a key dynamic: existing workforce housing is not only in short supply, but increasingly viewed as a stable, high-performing investment opportunity. While capital flowing into these assets reinforces their value, it also reinforces the urgency for communities to preserve and expand workforce housing inventory so affordability is not eroded as demand — and investor interest — continues to rise.
Governors Applaud Progress on Housing Affordability
Washington, DC – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, co-chairs of the National Governors Association (NGA) Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force, released the following statement on congressional consideration of the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”
“Governors have been on the frontlines of housing affordability and are pleased that Congress is now working to deliver the bold, supply-side leadership that states have pioneered,” commented Govs. Evers and Gordon. “Governors welcome alignment at the federal level with the approach they have long championed and stand ready to be partners in implementation. America cannot achieve economic competitiveness, workforce mobility or intergenerational opportunity without adequate, affordable housing. Governors have built the case, and we welcome Congress answering the call.”
This federal action directly reflects the bipartisan consensus Governors forged at NGA’s 2025 Winter Meeting, when they unanimously approved federal priorities including:
- Increasing housing supply by strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and giving states and territories the tools necessary to streamline zoning, permitting, and land use policies.
- Accelerating infrastructure project delivery and streamlining permitting to reduce the cost burden on developers and local governments while retaining critical review processes.
- Ensuring federal action is state led and locally driven — avoiding one-size-fits-all mandates that undermine gubernatorial authority.
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon are urging stronger federal action on housing as Congress considers the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.” They also highlighted the importance of streamlining permitting and ensuring solutions remain state-led and locally driven. The message is clear: expanding housing supply is essential not only for affordability, but for workforce mobility, economic competitiveness and long-term community stability.
County announces $1 million in housing grants
Last week, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced $1 million in grant funds will be released to accelerate housing development and help address the county’s housing crisis. Interested municipalities can use the funds to update their zoning codes, permitting processes, and internal procedures.
“Regulatory barriers can drive up housing costs and restrict the supply of homes and the range of housing options available.” Agard said. “Through the CDBG PRO Housing grant program, our participating municipalities will have a chance to review their local zoning, permitting, and internal procedures—and make important reforms to remove barriers and support more housing.”...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Dane County’s $1 million PRO Housing grant program targets a key barrier to workforce housing: local regulations that slow or limit development. By helping municipalities modernize zoning and permitting systems, the initiative focuses on structural reforms that expand supply across the region. Streamlining local rules is emerging as one of the most effective housing tools
Housing shortage impacting northeast Wisconsin, industry leaders say
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Communities across Wisconsin, including northeast Wisconsin, are continuing to face a significant housing shortage, according to local industry leaders.
Local 5’s Stacy Engebretson spoke with representatives from the home building industry and the Realtors Association to examine the challenges driving the shortage and potential solutions.
...Full Story Here
New affordable housing in Duluth
Duluth’s inventory of affordable housing expanded on Friday with the grand opening of two new supportive housing developments: Wadena West and Welch Place Apartments.
Located next to each other on 52nd Avenue West, the new buildings offer a total of 90 units designated for single adults experiencing homelessness. As supportive housing, the apartments pair affordable rent with on?site services designed to help residents stabilize and rebuild their lives...
...The $31 million project was funded through a blend of local, state, and federal support. Major contributors included: Minnesota Housing, St. Louis County, City of Duluth, and Private investment partners...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: As communities look to reduce homelessness long-term, investments like this demonstrate how housing, health and social services must work together to create lasting outcomes. Affordable housing alone is not enough for the most vulnerable populations — supportive services must be integrated into the model.
Plans Approved for 39-Unit Affordable Housing Apartment
Sturgeon Bay’s Aesthetic Design and Site Plan Review Board approved plans on March 9 for Spoerl Commercial to build the first phase of an affordable housing project along North 14th Avenue. The initial phase calls for a three-story, 39-unit apartment building south of Georgia Street.
Developer Brian Spoerl has been awarded low-income housing tax credits through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to offer the units to households earning between 30-60% of Door County’s area median income.
Spoerl said his affordable housing project is “feasible and financeable,” with one-bedroom apartments for residents earning 30% of the county’s area medium income renting for $479 per month...
...Full Story Here
Leos’ notes: Sturgeon Bay is advancing an affordable housing development after site plan approval for the project’s first phase. Supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, the project illustrates the reality housing developers face today — careful design adjustments and cost controls are often required just to keep affordable housing financially feasible. For communities like Door County, where workforce housing shortages continue to grow, projects like this represent an essential step toward restoring balance in the local housing market.
The Amazingly High Cost of Housing
Why the American Dream is becoming impossible in Wisconsin
That might sound like a city issue, for those who are less well-to-do. In fact, the problem of “housing affordability” and “housing availability” noted by the mayor is one that has become a massive issue across America. The statistics on this are jaw dropping...
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson declares 2026 the 'year of housing' in his State of the City address
Ken Notes: We may have mentioned this -- in fact weekly for the last five years. We need to address this as a community by working together...
Report: Zoning approvals in area communities can add hundreds of days to development timelines
Leo’s notes: As shortages push prices higher, the pace of local approvals is emerging as a key factor in expanding workforce housing supply. Regulatory efficiency is becoming a central housing strategy. Zoning reform and approval process (and timelines) must continue to be evaluated for real change to occur.
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
‘Missing middle’: La Crosse at ‘kickoff’ of plan to incentivize new family homes
The city of La Crosse is beginning a new push to incentivize the construction of family homes.The city’s Economic & Community Development Commission unanimously passed a policy outline for the Housing Incentive Fund, which would dedicate millions to building housing geared toward families and homeowners.
Leo's notes: La Crosse is taking a notable step to rebalance its housing strategy, advancing a new Housing Incentive Fund aimed at supporting single-family and “missing middle” development. Backed by roughly $1.5–$2 million, the program signals a shift from a rental-heavy pipeline toward homeownership opportunities — particularly for families. If structured well, targeted incentives like this can help close the feasibility gap for builders and reintroduce the kinds of housing — duplexes, triplexes, starter homes — that are essential for long-term community stability and generational wealth.
Madison officials float more financing tools to expand affordable housing supply
The City of Madison Economic Development Division discussed using tax incremental financing to support affordable housing development during a Housing Policy Committee meeting last week.
Madison officials are turning to new housing policies and financing tools as the city works to keep pace with rapid growth and one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country.
Launched in 2021, the city’s Housing Forward initiative aims to help create 15,000 new homes by 2030 through expanding housing choice. Some of the completed milestones include renovating rental homes and public housing units, constructing additional affordable housing and creating a transit district that prioritizes walking and biking access to bus lines.
To continue creating affordable housing throughout Madison, the city’s Economic Development Division said their staff has three main focuses: “[Monitor changes in TIF policies, strategically purchase land and provide accessible public transportation].”
At the committee meeting, Madison’s Economic Development Division Director Matt Mikolajewski said lawmakers at the Capitol have been revising state housing laws in recent weeks...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Madison officials are expanding their use of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) as part of the city’s Housing Forward initiative, which aims to create 15,000 new homes by 2030. City leaders say tools like strategic land acquisition, transit-oriented development and flexible TIF policy will be essential to closing the housing gap. Proposed state changes allowing longer TIF use for affordable housing and stacking multiple financing programs could significantly increase development feasibility. The pattern remains clear- solving the housing shortage will require creative use of public financing tools alongside private investment.
Central Wisconsin housing summit aims to spark solutions April 15
Central Wisconsin leaders gather April 15 for a hands-on housing summit focused on supply, affordability, needs, and small?scale development.
STEVENS POINT ? The Central Wisconsin Housing Summit is set for April 15 at the Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It aims to bring together regional leaders, housing professionals, employers, developers, lenders, educators and community members to address housing challenges in the area, according to a community announcement.
The summit will focus on practical solutions for housing supply, affordability, workforce development and neighborhood reinvestment. It will include an overview of regional housing efforts, featuring new findings from the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Study......Full Story Here
Leos’ notes: A great initiative that will bring together community leaders, developers and lenders to focus on practical solutions to housing supply, affordability and workforce development. The event will feature new insights from the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Study and a keynote from UW–Madison urban planning professor Kurt Paulsen. A great opportunity to move beyond discussion and build coordinated regional action to increase housing development and reinvestment.
Cohousing Promises Lower Costs. Why Hasn’t It Worked in the US?
From shared meals to shared tools, cohousing offers a vision of lower-cost, community-centered living. While that vision is taking hold in the UK, communities in the US face barriers that drive up costs and limit who can participate.
Cohousing residential communities are designed to foster neighborliness, encouraging practices like borrowing ingredients from neighbors, sharing occasional meals, and watching one another’s children. Cohousing is a “community intentionally designed with ample common spaces surrounded by private homes,” according to the Cohousing Association of the United States (CohoUS), a national nonprofit that promotes these types of neighborhoods.
As CohoUS Board President Laurie Frank explains, “You bring in architects who know how to build for people who connect. … You’re always crossing paths. An example is that parking is on the outskirts of the building, not right outside your door.”
Nationally, there are about 160 cohousing communities across the U.S., says Trish Becker-Hafnor, CohoUS’s executive director. Industry numbers are imprecise, but a cohousing community in Santa Cruz, California, estimates that around 13,000 people nationally and over 60,000 worldwide live in cohousing communities. These communities are typically structured legally as condominiums, though other structures such as cooperatives can be used...
Notes: Leo's notes: While traditionally costly in the U.S., emerging models that pair cohousing with tools like community land trusts or retrofit existing neighborhoods are beginning to lower barriers and expand access. Simply put, affordability is not just about unit cost, but about shared resources, reduced space needs, and social infrastructure. If integrated with proven affordability tools, cohousing could become a meaningful part of the “missing middle” solution — blending housing supply with stronger, more resilient communities...
https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2026/03/31/johnson-state-of-the-city-
LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Housing affordability in Wisconsin could be improving despite continued price increases and low inventory, according to a new real estate report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association.
The report shows home sales decreased 1.2% in February while prices continued to climb. According to the WRA, the median home price in western Wisconsin was $317,000.
In February, mortgage rates were lower and the number of listings increased, suggesting conditions may be shifting in favor of buyers.
"With the inventory low, you typically see competing offers and the competing offers tend to push prices higher. Whereas if we have more houses and less competition for those houses, obviously the prices will stabilize," said Mike Pietrek, former president of the La Crosse Area Realtors Association...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Even with a shift toward more listings and potential reduction in bidding pressure and slow price escalation, this "market relief” still isn’t helping with the needed structural change. Improved inventory may help buyers at the margins, but affordability will remain constrained until supply meaningfully expands — particularly in entry-level and workforce price ranges where demand continues to far outpace available homes...
Dells Mayor Highlights Growth
$250M Dellshire Resort Set to Open
Headlining the city’s development wave is the Dellshire, a $250 million resort slated to open this spring. Designed as a 16th-century manor-style retreat, the property will feature stone masonry, turrets and medieval-themed rooms intended to deliver an immersive guest experience.
Local officials anticipate the Dellshire will generate new hospitality jobs and expand the city’s appeal to higher-end travelers seeking a more boutique experience...Leo’s notes: As hospitality jobs expand and more workers choose to live year-round in the region, local leaders are recognizing that workforce housing is essential to sustaining the visitor economy. In tourism markets, housing supply increasingly determines economic capacity
New DeForest affordable housing program utilizes multi-pronged approach
The Village of DeForest has officially launched its new affordable housing program, HomeReach DeForest, after the village board unanimously approved it on Tuesday, March 17.
The program is split into two parts: the Affordable Housing Development Fund and the Home Improvement and Downpayment Assistance Fund.
“HomeReach DeForest is about making sure our community remains accessible and livable for a wide range of residents,” DeForest Community Development Director Alex Allon said. “This program allows us to support both new housing development and the people who already call DeForest home.”...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: this is a strong example of using TIF not just for projects, but as a sustained housing ecosystem tool — supporting both supply and stability. For growing communities like DeForest, balancing new development with resident retention will be critical to maintaining long-term affordability and community continuity.
Milwaukee area embraces backyard homes, but not without debate
The couple now plans to spend a six-figure amount, helped with city cash, to make the building livable for a family member or other person.
The Hansons are taking advantage of the growing trend among Milwaukee-area communities to boost development of such backyard second homes. They`re known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs... ...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Incremental housing solutions are becoming increasingly important in the workforce housing puzzle, particularly in well-established neighborhoods like Wauwatosa in Milwaukee. No amount of NIMBYism should outweigh the upside of these solutions.
USDA funds home repairs investments in 11 Wisconsin counties
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WKOW) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced new funding for home repairs in 11 Wisconsin counties. The initiative is meant to assist low to very low-income homeowners with essential health and safety updates.
"Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to ensuring safe, affordable housing for rural Wisconsinites," said Andrew C. Iverson, Wisconsin state director. "Every Wisconsinite deserves a safe place to call home. This investment makes it more affordable for families, seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes with the accessibility and security that is needed so they can live independently."..
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Local partners, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, will use the funding to improve safety, energy efficiency and accessibility for dozens of households. This program is a reminder that preservation is one of the most cost-effective housing strategies available— especially in rural markets where new construction is limited. Helping residents stay safely in their homes not only stabilizes communities, but also protects existing affordable housing stock that would be far more expensive to replace...
Opportunity Zone Program Presents Strategic Window for Multifamily and Affordable Housing Investment
Real estate developers, investors, and community leaders have a unique opportunity in the coming months to ensure that state officials appropriately designate low-income census tracts that will most benefit from investment dollars related to the federal Opportunity Zone program.Since the enactment of the program in 2017, Qualified Opportunity Zones across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have attracted significant private investment, fueling housing development, job creation and economic revitalization in underserved communities.
With the current Opportunity Zone program set to sunset as of Dec. 31, 2026, recently enacted legislation expands and makes permanent Opportunity Zone tax benefits for investments made on or after Jan. 1, 2027, into newly designated Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Leo's notes: Recent updates to the Opportunity Zone Program — including rolling tax deferrals and enhanced incentives for rural areas — could make it an even more powerful tool for financing affordable and workforce housing after 2026. Another critical moment to act upon is here, as Opportunity Zones mapping will directly shape where capital flows for the next decade. If aligned intentionally, the program can help unlock housing in communities that are both underserved and development-ready — but without that alignment, it risks missing the areas that need it most.
Wisconsin’s forgotten homes: Takeaways from investigating manufactured housing
I didn’t initially know much about these communities, often called mobile home parks, where residents own their homes but rent the land they sit on. I quickly learned they provide a critical source of affordable housing in Wisconsin and beyond — the country’s largest portion of unsubsidized low-income housing.
Housing experts and advocates told me private equity’s growing interest in the model threatens to change that. My reporting found that Wisconsin’s government is failing to enforce basic protections for owners. Still, some residents and groups see pathways for safe, affordable manufactured home ownership as a solution during an affordability crisis. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We should recreate the statutes that govern both the old mobile home parks and newer options for denser lots allowing for manufactured homes. Also the practice of buying parks and then ignoring the tenants and using the income as a cash cow is the newest form of slumlords and we allow it to happen.
Milwaukee`s downtown development boom stalls: What`s holding up major projects?
It was big news when construction stopped abruptly on downtown`s Edison apartment high-rise – but that`s not the only Milwaukee project in limbo.
Milwaukee hosts several major developments that received city approvals years ago but have either not yet broken ground, or have ground to a halt after construction started.
This includes major projects, such as apartment towers and high-end hotels...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: When financing gaps, market shifts, or construction costs delay projects, planned housing supply never materializes. For cities facing shortages, keeping approved developments moving from paper to production is becoming a critical priority.
Affordable housing bill headed to US Senate
WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Thursday was poised to pass legislation aimed at boosting affordable housing construction nationwide, giving lawmakers the ability to campaign for re-election this year by highlighting efforts to ease the burden of high living costs.The legislation, spearheaded by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina, a conservative Republican, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, the progressive senior Democrat on that panel, would have to be reviewed and voted on by the House of Representatives if it passes the Senate, as is expected.
Leo's notes: The U.S. Senate is advancing bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting affordable housing construction and addressing the nation’s estimated 4 million home shortage. In summary, the proposal includes incentives to increase housing supply, streamline permitting, expand financing through federal block grants, and raise loan limits for multifamily housing. The bill also proposes limits on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, reflecting growing concern about investor competition in the housing market. This effort signals rare bipartisan recognition that increasing housing supply must be central to addressing affordability and easing pressure on first-time buyers.
134 households ‘at risk of going homeless’ as northeast Wisconsin nonprofit abruptly closes
Closure came amid more than $2M deficit, calls from lawmakers for investigation into taxpayer funds
Newcap, which served low-income residents in 10 counties for more than 50 years, announced the closure on Tuesday. The nonprofit, funded primarily through state and federal grants, previously said it planned to close “sometime this year” but didn’t specify when....
Ken Notes: One more reason we need a new model to allow for actually affordable homes not subsidized homes. There are a number of nonprofits operating from grant to grant...
Work could start by summer on apartments near former Milwaukee Walmart
Construction could start by late summer on an affordable apartment community near a long-closed Walmart store in Milwaukee‘s central city.The 100-unit first phase of Midtown Commons is planned for a parking lot east of North 60th Street and north of West Hope Avenue.
That’s just north of the Walmart, 5825 W. Hope Ave., which closed in 2016, and south of a former Lowe’s store converted in 2018 into a distribution center for Sellars Absorbent Materials, 5800 W. Hope Ave.
Ken Notes: We should require that development sites have an exit strategy so that the locations do not remain vacant for years. This could be a key in providing more workforce housing in a region. And for our community development leaders this can be built into you development agreements. We almost always fail to think about what happens when, especially when a shiny new project is promising great retail, office or other use and the new tax revenue that comes with it.
Did you know that Walmart typically plans for an initial occupancy period of 15 to 20 years when developing new projects. While their buildings are often designed with a specific structural lifespan of roughly 15 to 30 years...
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
WRA Wisconsin Housing Statistics (Thanks Jon!)
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