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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News
This Weeks Articles for 6/23/2025 ...
- Gov. Evers, WHEDA Announce $2.5 Million Affordable Housing Loan Program Awards...
- Gov. Evers Visits Hayward Site For Northwood Tech And IMPACT Seven’s Trailview Cottages Workforce Housing Project...
- FHLBank Chicago Releases 2024 Impact Report, Highlighting Growing Contributions to Housing and Community Development Across Illinois and Wisconsin...
- Wisconsin home prices up...
- Developer could buy, rehab Monroe Plaza senior affordable housing for up to $27.5 million...
- South Milwaukee apartment project to get $756K loan via state workforce housing program...
- Milwaukee sets new TIF rules for workforce housing......
...Full Story Here
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.
Gov. Evers, WHEDA Announce $2.5 Million Affordable Housing Loan Program Awards
Leo’s notes: Workforce housing remains one of the most pressing challenges for Wisconsin communities. The state’s latest $2.5 million investment is a strong step forward—helping create new housing opportunities that support workers, attract talent, and strengthen local economies. Continued momentum will be key to meeting demand statewide.
Common Council Note: Haven On Main approved | La Crosse
Cinnaire closes $340 million LIHTC fund, the largest in organization’s history
Designed to create housing that provides people a safe, stable place to call home, this fund will finance 33 developments across 11 states, providing 2,455 affordable housing units supporting more than 5,400 individuals and generating more than $844 million in local economic activity.
This milestone closing reaffirms the critical role the LIHTC program plays in addressing the nation’s housing crisis and highlights the commitment of both developer and investor partners to creating communities that serve families, seniors, and people with special needs. Fund 43 demonstrates Cinnaire’s strong regional partnerships and national impact. Notably, 90% of the investments are with repeat developer partners...
Haven on Main is a 70-unit mixed-income community including 59 affordable units and 11 market-rate units. Eighteen units are reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Half of the total units are designed to support independent living for adults on the autism spectrum, addressing the pressing housing need identified by Haven for Special People. The development will offer safety features, green space, therapy and fitness rooms, and job opportunities nearby. Full supportive services will be provided by CouleeCap, a trusted regional leader in housing and anti-poverty work, in partnership with Invista and Haven for Special People...
...Full Story Here
Gov. Evers Visits Hayward Site For Northwood Tech And IMPACT Seven’s Trailview Cottages Workforce Housing Project
RICE LAKE, WI — Governor Tony Evers and Elmer Moore Jr., chief executive officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), visited Hayward, Wisconsin, on June 16 to tour the future site of Trailview Cottages. The visit also included a roundtable discussion with local and regional leaders about the scope and potential impact of the development.
Trailview Cottages is a 40-unit multifamily workforce housing community being developed through a partnership between Northwood Technical College and IMPACT Seven. Supported by the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) Workforce Innovation Grant, the project is located on a 15-acre parcel at the corner of Highway 77 and Hospital Road. It is one of three housing and workforce initiatives in the Northwood Tech District aimed at addressing critical housing shortages while offering on-site job training for area residents...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Trailview Cottages is a model for how rural communities can tackle workforce challenges—by pairing affordable housing with on-site job training. Innovative partnerships like this one are key to helping families thrive, supporting local employers, and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority: Kicks off 40th anniversary with 2025 housing grant cycle
MADISON, Wis. — Organizations throughout Wisconsin that provide emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing are encouraged to apply for grants from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Foundation.The WHEDA Foundation, Inc., celebrating its 40th anniversary, will award $2 million for the 2025 cycle, to be announced later this year. The grants are for physical improvements such as rehabilitation, accessibility features, and new construction. There is no minimum grant size, but the maximum grant amount is $50,000.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations or cooperatives organized under Chapters 181, 185, or 187 of the Wisconsin Statutes; community development, redevelopment, and housing authorities; and local government, including Native American Tribal authorities. Interested organizations can find the application the WHEDA website and apply by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Leo`s notes: In a time of rising housing insecurity, WHEDA’s commitment to accessibility upgrades, critical repairs, and new construction is not just an investment in buildings—it’s an investment in dignity. These grants quietly make a lasting difference in communities statewide, supporting nonprofits, local governments, and Tribal authorities working on the front lines of housing justice.
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...
City Subsidy Would Boost Conversion of Former MPS School To Apartments
Developers hope to create 48 units of housing on three-acre property.
Two city-controlled public financing sources would be used to advance the redevelopment of a long-closed Milwaukee Public Schools building into affordable housing.
First publicly revealed in 2019, the former Carleton Elementary School, 4116 W. Silver Spring Dr., would be redeveloped into 48 units of affordable housing as part of a $21.2 million project.
n Thursday, the board of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) endorsed a tax incremental financing (TIF) subsidy and a loan to close a financing gap in the project’s financing stack.
The TIF subsidy would take the form of a developer-financed district, effectively a property tax rebate. Over a period of no more than 25 years, the city would provide up to $970,000 plus 6.55% interest. The development team would be receive the subsidy on an annual basis based on the amount of incremental property tax revenue generated by the development. The newly-created TIF district, the city’s 125th, would only include the 3.6-acre school property...
Leo`s notes: Milwaukee’s Carleton School redevelopment shows what workforce equity can look like in action: affordable housing, local hiring, and small business inclusion. More projects should follow this lead.
Ken Notes: This "Pay as You Go" approach is a great way to fund a project withiut asuming a great deal of risk.
FHLBank Chicago Releases 2024 Impact Report, Highlighting Growing Contributions to Housing and Community Development Across Illinois and Wisconsin
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of continued strength and service to member financial institutions and communities across Illinois and Wisconsin. As interest rates remained elevated and economic uncertainty persisted, FHLBank Chicago remained focused on delivering the funding and programs their members needed to navigate uncertainty and drive local impact. Through human interest stories, the report illustrates how FHLBank Chicago is Investing in Opportunities - providing liquidity and reliable funding, supporting housing and community development, and cultivating a high-performing and engaged workforce.In 2024, FHLBank Chicago provided $107 million in housing and economic development grants and delivered $1.9 billion in discounted Community Advances—supporting the creation or preservation of more than 7,300 housing units and 7,800 jobs. FHLBank Chicago welcomed eight new member institutions to its cooperative, continuing to expand its reach and impact across the district.
FHLBank Chicago Releases 2024 Impact Report
Leo’s notes: At a time when many communities face housing shortages and economic uncertainty, FHLBank Chicago’s investments are delivering real impact—helping create thousands of homes, supporting local jobs, and strengthening community development across Wisconsin and Illinois. Continued leadership like this is essential to building resilient, thriving communities.
City of Beloit helps development for hundreds of homes, using $1 million incentive for affordable housing
Beloit, Wis. (WMTV) - One hundred and thirty-eight new homes are coming to Beloit after the Beloit City Council approved a $1 million market-rate housing incentive to a developer.
The project, a new subdivision at Murphy Woods and Creek roads, will be developed by Next Generation.
This is not the first time the City of Beloit has pushed for higher quantities of affordable housing.
Economic developers for the city said they are trying to expand available housing and affordability to keep up with the rising demand of people moving to Beloit...
...Full Story Here
Leo`s notes: Beloit is setting a strong example for how cities can meet growing housing demand through smart investment and strategic partnerships. By leveraging TIF funds, offering infrastructure support, and incentivizing both affordable and market-rate development, the city is rapidly expanding its housing stock while keeping costs accessible. This proactive approach is already yielding results—and serves as a model for communities across Wisconsin.
Lincoln Avenue Communities Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for Forest Edge Affordable Housing Community in Lac Du Flambeau
LAC DU FLAMBEAU, WI - Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, hosted a grand opening ceremony 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."
Leo’s notes: Homes That Power the Workforce! Forest Edge Apartments in Lac du Flambeau shows what modern affordable housing should be: energy-efficient, community-oriented, and workforce-ready. With deep affordability, solar integration, and supportive partnerships, it’s a win for both families and the Northwoods economy.
Wisconsin home prices up
(The Center Square) — Wisconsin’s real estate agents say there are too few homes for sale, and those that are available are once again getting more expensive.
"Existing home sales fell for a third straight month," the May 2025 Realtors report released Thursday says. "Specifically, closed sales fell just 2.1% over the past 12 months. Relative to May 2024, the median price rose 4.3% to $330,000."
The report said May’s 2.1% drop in sales is much smaller than the 8.6% drop in sales in March, and 9% year-over-year drop in sales in April.
"As we move into the peak period for sales, it’s good to see a solid improvement in inventory levels over the last 12 months," Realtors Chairman Chris DeVincentis said in a statement. "More housing inventory will help moderate price appreciation and will lead to more buying opportunities."...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s housing market continues to reflect a core challenge: too few homes for sale, driving prices higher and limiting options for buyers. While rising incomes and improving inventory offer some hope, sustained efforts to expand housing supply remain essential to improving affordability and access across the state.
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
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...
Milwaukee`s Metcalfe neighborhood to gain new affordable homes
A project there will transform vacant lots into affordable single-family homes, with construction expected to begin in July.
A new project in Milwaukee`s Metcalfe neighborhood aims to transform vacant lots into affordable single-family homes.
"There`s an announcement for four new single-family homes to be built at this location with Keith Turner and his organization, leading the way there," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.
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Keith Turner, the property developer leading the project, is currently in the process of obtaining a permit to start construction. The hope is to start building in July.
"I`m just happy to put something fresh here. Sort of like you said, Mayor Johnson, not everything just happens downtown," Turner said.
The initiative is a long-awaited push for change in the Metcalfe neighborhood, focusing on providing affordable housing options for the community.
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s $1 lot initiative is more than symbolic—it’s a practical, community-centered strategy to turn long-neglected spaces into pathways for homeownership. By supporting local developers like Keith Turner and focusing on neighborhoods beyond downtown, the city is demonstrating that affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization go hand in hand. Efforts like this bring lasting value when paired with deep community roots and public commitment.
Rising housing costs are forcing some Wisconsinites to delay medical care, new report says
UW report examines how some Wisconsinites prioritize paying housing expenses over health care
Rising housing costs have been forcing some Wisconsinites to delay medical care, which can lead to negative health outcomes for residents and communities.
That’s according to a new report from the University of Wisconsin-Extension as part of a project examining livability in rural communities led by Tessa Conroy, associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at UW-Madison...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: This can not be good...
Residences open at ThriveOn King development in Bronzeville
Celebration of community and collaboration took center stage Thursday in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district to mark the opening of 90 housing units as part of the multi-phase ThriveOn King development.
Milwaukee-based Royal Capital Group has been leading an effort for the better part of seven years to redevelop the former Gimbels and Schuster’s department store building at Garfield Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive into a community hub.
Construction work wrapped up last year on the project’s 470,000 square feet of commercial space for organizations that include the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), among many others, which will serve as support services for the affordable housing units...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: ThriveOn King - another blueprint for community-centered investment. With affordable units, senior and student housing, and built-in support services, this redevelopment reclaims historic space to meet today’s needs. It’s what happens when vision, equity, and collaboration align...
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.
Developer could buy, rehab Monroe Plaza senior affordable housing for up to $27.5 million
GREEN BAY - A developer interested in buying and rehabbing Monroe Plaza Apartments, the 1970s-era affordable housing complex for seniors at 400 N. Monroe Ave., is looking to the Green Bay Housing Authority for the funds to pursue its project.
The housing authority on June 19 will consider a request by Monroe Plaza Housing I LLC, whose principal office is based in Manhattan Beach, California, to access up to $27.5 million in revenue bonds to cover the cost of acquiring and rehabilitating the 197-unit apartment complex.
Here`s what to know.
What is the developer requesting from the Green Bay Housing Authority?
The official request is for the housing authority to give the developer up to $27.5 million in "tax-exempt conduit revenue bonds."...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Preserving and modernizing affordable senior housing like Monroe Plaza is vital to keeping communities inclusive and livable for all ages. Public-private partnerships and creative financing tools, such as conduit revenue bonds, offer an important path to ensuring these critical homes remain safe, updated, and accessible for years to come.
Proposal to allow `backyard lots` in Madison for additional homes to be built
MADISON, Wis. — Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway introduced three new proposals Wednesday to address the city’s affordable housing shortage.What You Need To Know
- Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway introduced three new proposals Wednesday to address the city’s affordable housing shortage
- One of those proposals would let homeowners with deep residential lots split them and create new “backyard lots,” where an additional home could be built
- Sabrina Hilton built a permitted accessory dwelling unit in her backyard that can be used as a rental party or as a home for her aging parents down the line. She started her own business to help others do the same
- AARP Wisconsin supports the changes, citing benefits for homeowners earning income and creating homes for others
One of those proposals focused on simplifying the permit process for small- and medium-sized developments in downtown Madison.
Another would allow duplexes or twin homes in all areas where single-family homes are allowed. Current zoning limits ban duplexes in many neighborhoods.
Madison mayor unveils another round of zoning changes designed to increase the city’s housing supply
Leo’s notes: Madison’s new proposals mark a critical shift toward housing flexibility. Legalizing backyard lots and expanding duplex zoning empowers homeowners, creates income opportunities, and supports multigenerational living — all while adding supply where it’s needed most. This is smart, scalable policy that centers people, not just property lines. Backyard homes is another forward thinking solution!
Board Will Vote on McGovern Park Senior Center With Housing
County officials say affordable housing plan only way to save senior center.
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will review an unprecedented county project in the coming weeks: a senior center with affordable housing units developed in a county park.
The county is working with Jewish Family Services (JFS), a non-profit social service agency, to build a new McGovern Park Senior Center. The plan calls for a mixed-use building with a senior center on the first floor and 30 to 55 units of affordable senior housing on the floors above. JFS was selected by the county for its experience developing and operating supportive and senior housing...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Milwaukee County’s proposal to co-locate a modern senior center with affordable housing in McGovern Park is a bold, necessary response to fiscal reality and growing community needs. While concerns about parkland use deserve consideration, the project preserves public access and revitalizes a vital space for seniors, many of whom face housing insecurity. Rejecting this opportunity risks losing the senior center altogether. This isn’t about development encroaching on parks—it’s about sustaining community assets through smart, values-driven design.
South Milwaukee apartment project to get $756K loan via state workforce housing program
A South Milwaukee apartment project will receive a $756,752 loan to build 20 units in a former clinic building.
Gov. Tony Evers along with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced the loan in a June 19 news release as part of $2.5 million in funds supporting three new housing developments across Wisconsin.
Key Points...
- A
former clinic in South Milwaukee will be converted into a 20-unit
apartment complex called South Shore Landing with help from a state
loan.
- The $3.2 million project will create 16 two-bedroom and four studio units.
- Construction is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Transforming vacant properties into quality workforce housing is a smart way to strengthen communities and meet local housing needs. Projects like South Shore Landing—made possible through strong state and local partnerships—show how creative redevelopment can bring new life to neighborhoods while supporting Wisconsin’s workforce.
Affordable housing project with 400 units planned in Kenosha County
Seeing an “insurgence” of commercial investment in Kenosha County with
little new affordable housing units to support it, a Minnesota
development firm is planning a housing development in Somers with more
than 400 affordable apartment units. Roer Cos. is eyeing a 121-acre
property at the northwest corner of 12th Street and a Union Pacific
Railroad line at the eastern end of Somers` village limits, according to plans submitted to the Village of Somers.
The company is planning to use a 32-acre portion on the eastern section of the undeveloped property for 408 below market-rate apartment units. The units will be split between several two-story and three-story buildings.
The development will include a leasing office, clubhouse, coworking space and a fitness center, plus outdoor amenities like a playground and pickleball and basketball courts.
Using federal and state affordable housing tax credits, Roer plans to subsidize the apartments for families earning less than 60% of the area median income.
The company cited investments by major companies like Uline, Eli Lilly, Microsoft and Amazon, among others.
"By way of this, Kenosha County has established itself as an employment hub for the growing middle-class workforce in the area," Roer said in a project summary. "As investment by firms increases and employment opportunities follow, affordable housing options are going to be in high demand. With ample Market Rate housing already, Kenosha County needs federally subsidized housing to address this mounting issue."..
...Full Story HereStudy: Green Bay ranked 18th-best housing market for first-time buyers in 2025
Green Bay has the 18th-best housing market for first time buyers in 2025, according to a new study by SmartAsset.com
The study ranked 180 of the largest U.S. metro areas, using multiple factors that can influence the decisions made by first time homebuyers.
Here`s some of the data behind Green Bay`s ranking:...
18. Green Bay, WI
- Median sale price: $325,239
- Median household income: $80,421
- Income to sale-price ratio: 24.73%
- Days to pending: 40
- Inventory: 791
- Inventory per capita: 0.002383377
- One-year price change forecast: 120.0%
- Percent aged 25 to 39: 18.79%
...Full Story Here
Milwaukee sets new TIF rules for workforce housing...
The city of Milwaukee has newly written guidelines for developers looking to work with the city and secure tax increment financing when working on affordable housing projects, with workforce housing as a new facet for public funding following developer demand.Construction and borrowing costs are higher, driving developers to seek partnerships with the city for project financing. In some cases, developers have said that without public financing their projects would not get off the ground. Meanwhile, the city and developers are driving for more housing supply as rents have risen.
The six-page document from the city of Milwaukee Department of City Development outlined the city’s housing priorities and shared directions to follow to achieve tax increment financing. The documents arrived after discourse between the city and developers looking to expand workforce housing, and more than a year after the city’s downtown area plan was released.
“We’re excited to share publicly what we’ve been talking about with industry groups and specific developers over the last several months,” said Lafayette Crump, the commissioner of city development. “They have provided input into our policy, and we believe we’ve crafted a policy that is going to be impactful and move forward the kinds of projects we want to support, and we believe the city needs,” he added.....
...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...
Pro: Building a Senior Center on County Park Land
Reimagining McGovern Park Senior Center a Necessity for Older Adults in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee County, we affirm the dignity and value of older adults in our community. We know the population of older adults within Milwaukee County is growing, and soon enough, we will be home to the most diverse group of aging residents that our region has ever seen.
That’s why access to programs, services, and social activities for
seniors is critical in the years ahead. Milwaukee County’s senior
centers provide this connection, community, engagement, and resources to
our older adults. It’s why AARP named Milwaukee County an “Age-Friendly
Community” and it’s why we continue to walk the walk.
Milwaukee County is very fortunate to have been offered a unique, once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity to rebuild one of these critical hubs: McGovern Park Senior Center. This effort is part of the “Reimaging Senior Centers” project to address long-standing community needs, including the fiscal unsustainability of maintaining aging county-owned facilities, the desire for a purpose-built community center in the northwest side of the county, and the need to address the shortage of safe, accessible, and affordable housing for older adults....
See Also:
Con: Building a Senior Center on County Park Land
...Full Story Here
Leo`s notes: Milwaukee County’s proposal at McGovern Park isn’t about selling off green space — it’s about confronting real challenges in how we serve an aging population. With underused land, strained budgets, and federal funding on the line, a long-term lease for a senior center and affordable housing on a small portion of the parkland reflects pragmatic stewardship. Public land can — and should — serve public need. Let’s lead with facts, not fear.
Ken Notes: Imagine creating even more public parks and facilities funded by allowing development to occur on a small portion of the land. We could add to our public space while housing those workers and seniors looking for options...
Construction begins on 40-unit affordable housing development in Washburn
ommunity leaders, partners, and residents gathered this week at 318 N Superior Avenue to celebrate the groundbreaking of Aurora Place, a transformative affordable housing development that will bring 40 newly constructed, energy-efficient cottage-style homes to Washburn, Wisconsin.
This visionary project is a partnership between Cinnaire Solutions, the City of Washburn, and Bayfield County, and aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing for the region’s workforce and seniors.
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.
See Also:
$6M project would add affordable housing in Shorewood
A village-owned parking lot that Shorewood has been seeking to turn into affordable housing could soon be redeveloped.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We would love to share more, alas paywall blocks us and you from details...
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