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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News



Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
608.334.2174

Leonardo Silva
Architect / Full Service Design Firm
608.698.3522

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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

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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.

Several members of the board, as well as a West Salem trustee, voiced concerns that the village’s government and school district haven’t been sufficiently included in the project...


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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.

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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.

Madison faces a severe housing shortage, with 11,230 more households than available homes, according to the City of Madison Housing Snapshot 2025. Those with the lowest incomes have the fewest choices and often face severe housing cost burden, paying more than 50% of their income toward rent every month...


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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.

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New Peshtigo workforce housing project aims to grow the small town


PESHTIGO (NBC 26) — The City of Peshtigo is moving forward with a new workforce housing development project, meant to attract new workers to the area and help the small town grow.

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.

The issue, he says, is attracting workers to the area...

...The project has been in development for two years, but this week, the Peshtigo City Council approved two potential concepts. Whichever developer is chosen by the city will use the concepts as inspiration.

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...
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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.

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DCEDC looks for updated housing data in new study


Progress is being made, but Door County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michelle Lawrie wants residents to see more housing options in the future.

The DCEDC plans to conduct a second housing study in the coming months, seven years after completing its first in 2019.

The study will assess current housing inventory and development activity, examine factors influencing supply and demand — including employer needs, pricing levels and short-term rentals — and project demand for workforce, affordable, seasonal workforce, senior and market-rate housing in the coming years.

The 2019 study showed Door County was short hundreds of housing units, particularly those considered affordable or workforce housing...


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Leo`s notes: The fact that DCEDC is reopening this conversation seven years later shows that housing strategy must evolve alongside economic conditions.The county ought to use this study not just as a report but as a policy catalyst — zoning reform, land banking, public-private partnerships, and seasonal workforce housing models — in order to meaningfully reshape the region’s trajectory.

Ken Notes: Door County has both a housing and an employee problem, mix this with the NIMBY attitude of most regarding affordable (and don`t even mention subsidized) housing and you have the state`s housing crisis magnified tenfold. Not only do residents not want their baristas living among them they want their baristas flown in for the day and then exported home to Europe every night. Also note Door has a lot of baristas, service workers, retailers, and so many others that are necessary to staff the tourism destination the County is famous for

The county could be a model for workforce housing nationwide. Imagine housing villages that are modeled after European communities -- attractive, dense, with great amenities, affordable, and functional. These could be a part of the attraction not a part of the problem.

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‘The year of housing’: Milwaukee leaders celebrate more than 3,000 new homeowners


Residents and city leaders came together at the Community Development Alliance, 3800 W. Lisbon Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 18 to unveil a mural celebrating more than 3,000 new homeowners since 2023.

In 2021, the city of Milwaukee launched the Milwaukee’s Collective Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. The 10-year plan lays out a road map on advancing racial equity and ensuring a quality affordable home for every Milwaukeean.

The plan has four main focuses: strategies to increase Black and Latino homeownership; strategies to ensure that Black and Latino residents stay in their homes; systems to make housing more affordable for those earning between $7.25 to $15 per hour; and ensuring that existing affordable housing for residents earning $7.25 to $15 per hour is preserved...




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Leo`s notes: Milwaukee’s milestone of 3,000 new homeowners since 2023 highlights the impact of a coordinated, equity-focused housing strategy. By pairing targeted programs with community partnerships, the city is advancing Black and Latino homeownership while preserving affordability for working families. Sustaining 1,000 new homeowners annually signals housing as both wealth-building and workforce strategy—a model to watch.

Ken Notes: Thumbs up MKE. Wisconsin need 150,000 to 250,000 new housing units over the next decade. We must get creative and work together as a state to get this done. Leo and I would be happy to come and lead a discussion on creative solutions.

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Smaller Metros On The Rise: Why Corporate Real Estate Leaders Are Choosing Secondary Cities


For companies considering expansion or relocation, smaller metros — often called secondary cities — are increasingly landing on the shortlist.

Corporate real estate strategy has entered a new phase. Expansion decisions are no longer driven by brand prestige or default gateway markets. Today’s environment demands cost discipline, workforce stability, operational resilience, and long-term flexibility.

For companies considering expansion or relocation, smaller metros — often called secondary cities — are increasingly landing on the shortlist. Not as compromises. As competitive, strategic options.

Why The Shift Is Happening

Over the last several years, three forces have converged:

  •     Sustained cost pressure
  •     Evolving workforce expectations
  •     Increased operational risk awareness
Secondary cities often offer:
  •     Lower Class A office and industrial lease rates
  •     Competitive wage structures with slower escalation
  •     More affordable employee housing
  •     Lower congestion-related productivity loss

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Leo`s notes: READ THIS! As corporate expansion shifts toward secondary metros like Madison, Boise, and Greenville, housing affordability is emerging as a decisive competitive factor. Even within our state, smaller Wisconsin communities will attack companies not just just based on tax climate and infrastructure, but whether employees can afford to live near work...

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Amid new affordable housing proposal near old Northridge mall site, area homeowner say the area is `saturated` with rentals


Indiana-based Annex Group outlined early plans for 236 rental units at 9251 N. 70th St.


There`s a new affordable housing proposal near the old Northridge Mall site, and some homeowners living nearby are trying to put a stop to it.

Milwaukee city officials have long said they`re working to revitalize the area, and tackle the city`s housing shortage.

"The city as a whole is really looking for something that`s really going to bring that area alive," said Alderwoman Larresa Taylor. She added, "I know that we have a housing shortage right here in Milwaukee. So district nine does not mind being a key player."

The latest proposal, about 236 government-subsidized units slated for seven acres at 9251 N. 70th St., drew pushback from about two-dozen area homeowners at an information session Friday night...



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Leo`s notes: A proposed 236-unit affordable development near the former Northridge Mall highlights Milwaukee’s ongoing tension between housing supply needs and neighborhood concerns. As the city confronts a documented housing shortage, debates over rental saturation versus homeownership underscore the complexity of workforce housing expansion. Aligning community trust with production goals remains critical and this proposal is one of many examples of development misalignment throughout our state.

Ken Notes: We continue policy that favors development of rental property. For example in Milwaukee it is easy for an "investor" to purchase blighted properties make minimal investments and then rent the properties with immediate cash flow and a positive ROI -- with tax credits thrown in for good measure. We have a problem because WE created one. Credits and incentives for owner occupancy seems to make more sense than what we are doing now.

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$500,000 Grant Will Train Affordable Housing Developers


AK Development and Milwaukee Development Corporation will provide training.

Two Milwaukee developers have received a combined $500,000 to support affordable housing work in the city. Unlike most housing grants, the funding will be used to train those who are developing the housing instead of funding housing construction.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, in partnership with Spring Bank, awarded $250,000 grants to AK Development and Milwaukee Development Corporation through its Community First Developer Program.

The funding, according to a press release, will support paid internships and fellowships that provide hands-on experience in affordable housing development, with participants embedded in active projects across Milwaukee...



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Leo’s notes: As projects grow more complex and financing more layered, investing in developer capacity is emerging as a critical strategy to sustain workforce housing production. Building talent behind the pipeline is building supply — a model to watch.

Ken Notes: I wish we would evaluate these grant funded programs against measurable deliverables. We need a set goal with actual numbers assigned to communities or regions for affordable homes - (with a clear definition like a sub $200,000 sale price). We need quality affordable homes for our service and retail workers making $15 to $25 per hour.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.”...


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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

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Wild Rivers Habitat For Humanity Receives $500,000 In Federal Community Project Funding


Funding Secured by Sen. Tammy Baldwin to Support Affordable Housing Efforts Across Northwest Wisconsin.

SPOONER, WIWild Rivers Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that the organization has been included in a federal Community Project Funding award secured through the leadership of Senator Tammy Baldwin as part of the recently passed government funding bill. 

The funding is part of a broader package supporting priority community projects across Northern Wisconsin and reflects a significant federal investment in addressing housing affordability, workforce stability, and community resilience in rural areas.

“This is an incredibly meaningful moment for our organization and the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity. “I’m deeply grateful to see this come to fruition. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stay committed to the mission and work together to strengthen housing stability and opportunity across our region.”

According to Senator Baldwin’s office, the government funding bill directs resources to locally driven initiatives that address pressing community needs, including affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development. For Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, the $500,000 investment will help support a comprehensive, region-wide approach to increasing access to safe, affordable housing through new construction, preservation of existing homes, homelessness prevention efforts, and community-based skills and workforce programming...


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Leo`s notes: A $500,000 federal Community Project Funding award will bolster Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to expand and preserve affordable housing across Northwest Wisconsin. In rural regions facing aging housing stock and workforce shortages, targeted federal investment reinforces that housing stability is foundational to economic resilience.

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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...


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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.

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Dane Co. allocating $1 million to accelerate housing development


MADISON, Wis. — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced on Tuesday that $1 million in grant funds are set to be released to accelerate housing development and help address the county`s housing crisis.

Officials say interested municipalities can use the funds to update their zoning codes, internal procedures, and permitting processes.

The Dane County Department of Human Services` Housing Access and Affordability will administer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Grant funds, or CDBG PRO Housing for short. These funds are intended to be informed by the Best Practices Model Zoning Code Guide, which the Dane County Planning and Development Department releases.

“Regulatory barriers can drive up housing costs and restrict the supply of homes and the range of housing options available.” County Executive Agard went on to say, “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.”...


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Leo`s notes: Dane County’s release of $1 million in CDBG PRO Housing funds targets one of the most persistent barriers to workforce housing: local regulation. By helping municipalities modernize zoning and permitting processes, the county is focusing on structural reforms that unlock long-term supply. Removing barriers is as critical as financing construction—a model worth piloting throughout our state.

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Report: Zoning approvals in area communities can add hundreds of days to development timelines


As housing shortages push prices higher across the metro Milwaukee area, a new study concludes that local zoning and permitting processes are significantly influencing how quickly new developments get built. The study, released by the Wisconsin Policy Forum Thursday, analyzed zoning and permitting timelines in six cities: Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, West Allis, Oak Creek, and...   ...Full Story Here

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.

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Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources


ENABLING BETTER PLACES: A USER’S GUIDE TO WISCONSIN NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABILITY

Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

WISCAP Affordable Housing Network

Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources


Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp

WEDA Legislative Tracker


NRA Housing Needs By State / Wisconsin



Wisconsin Housing Alliance

Office of Rural Prosperity
Wisconsin Economic Development 

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Nate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com...

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RFP 285-031 for the University of Wisconsin-Madison


PROPOSALS DUE: All Proposals must be received at DOA no later than 2:00 pm, CT on Friday, April 17, 2026

The State of Wisconsin, on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), is seeking proposals to design and construct student housing within the UW-Madison campus boundary. Two potential state-owned sites are to be explored to maximize student housing and achieve a goal of 1,500-2,000 beds. An acceptable alternative approach would be to propose privately-owned sites within the campus boundary to meet the student housing goals state previously. Proposers should offer terms to lease as well as an option to purchase the facility(ies). To submit a Proposal, please follow the instructions provided in the link below.

View RFP


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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.

Members of the Economic Development Division met with city staff to discuss their use of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) to increase housing support in a Housing Policy Committee meeting on Feb. 26.

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...



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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.

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$65K in affordable housing grants awarded in Jefferson Co.


JEFFERSON, Wis. — Leaders in Jefferson County are celebrating what they call a major investment in affordable housing after Wisconsin`s Housing and Economic Development Authority awarded $65,000 in foundation grants to Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin.

The two grants will fund critical safety and accessibility improvements to existing affordable housing units, including paying for a new sprinkler system at the Orchard Hollow Apartments in Jefferson and support the rebuilding of a flood-damaged unit in Dane County that serves people with disabilities.

Brad Paul, director of mission at Goodwill South Central Wisconsin, emphasized the broader impact of the funding beyond the physical improvements...


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Leo`s notes: While the funding won’t add new units, it preserves critical affordable housing and protects vulnerable residents. The investment underscores that maintaining safe, dignified homes is as essential as building new ones.

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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...

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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.

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Essential household costs are driving Wisconsin’s affordability challenge, report says


`Essential costs are increasing way faster than median household income and way faster than inflation overall,` says researcher

While median wages in Wisconsin have kept pace with inflation over the last 25 years, many essential household costs have risen much faster than wages and overall inflation.

That’s according to a new report from Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association. It highlights the rising costs for essential expenses like housing and healthcare as the primary constraint on household budgets across the state.

Preliminary estimates show that median household incomes in Wisconsin rose by 90 percent from 2000 to 2025, while overall costs of goods and services measured by the Consumer Price Index have increased by 87 percent during the same period, the report states...


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Leo`s notes: A new Forward Analytics report confirms what many households already feel: while wages have kept pace with inflation, essential costs—especially housing—have far outstripped income growth. With rents up 136% and homeownership costs up 115% since 2000, housing remains a primary pressure point in family budgets. Addressing workforce housing supply is central to restoring real affordability.

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Dells Mayor Highlights Growth


Tourism-driven growth is accelerating development in Wisconsin Dells, with a luxury resort, expanded public works facilities and new housing projects reshaping the city’s footprint.

Mayor Ed Wojnicz recently outlined several major initiatives aimed at accommodating both visitors and a growing number of permanent residents.

$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...


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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

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CPP Announces Acquisition and Rehabilitation of Highland Park Apartments in Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Preservation effort extends long term affordability and delivers critical upgrades for residents

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPP?(Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned rehabilitation of Highland Park Apartments in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Located at 1600 W. Highland Avenue, west of downtown Milwaukee, Highland Park Apartments is an established affordable housing community with a long record of stable occupancy. Built in 1973 and renovated in 2009, the property includes 150 apartment homes across three three-story brick buildings. The unit mix consists of 100 one-bedroom units and 50 two-bedroom units, serving Milwaukee residents with access to quality, well maintained housing. The total development cost is approximately $38M, which includes the purchase price of $14M and estimated renovation costs of approximately $68,982 per unit...




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Leo`s notes: CPP’s $38 million acquisition and rehabilitation of Highland Park Apartments underscores the importance of preserving existing affordable housing. With occupancy above 98% and deep Section 8 affordability, the project protects 150 workforce homes while upgrading long-term quality and efficiency. In today’s market, preservation IS production...

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Downtown Manitowoc set for new apartments at former Mirro site


MANITOWOC – The city’s downtown likely will have a new look soon, as work on a 59-unit apartment complex on the former Mirro site is expected to begin in mid-summer.

The city’s Community Development Authority recently approved a site plan for Maritime Lofts, which will consist of 21 one-bedroom apartments, 20 two-bed apartments and 18 three-bedroom apartments at the form Mirro site on Washington Street...


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Leo`s notes: The development reflects a layered financing approach, combining tax credits, public partnership and environmental remediation. This project exemplifies how underutilized industrial land can be repositioned to support downtown revitalization and long-term housing supply.

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High housing costs, shortages propel movement on reform in Congress


WASHINGTON — Republicans, Democrats and the White House are methodically, calmly inching toward a common goal: agreeing on a thick package of laws that would do something quickly about slowing housing costs and boosting supply.

There’s no talk of gridlock here. No partisan sniping. Just an under the radar effort to show constituents in an election year that their lawmakers realize there’s a big problem when it comes to buying homes.

That’s why the House earlier this month passed its version of housing reform with only nine dissenting votes. The Senate committee writing similar legislation approved it unanimously last year.

While there are still some obstacles ahead before anything reaches President Donald Trump’s desk, what’s happening is almost a throwback to the days when getting 80% of one’s plan was a big victory, a policy prize to tout back home as midterm elections near...


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Leo`s notes: Rare bipartisan alignment in Washington is advancing a sweeping housing package aimed at boosting supply and easing regulatory barriers. With provisions supporting manufactured housing, local production incentives, and streamlined financing, the effort signals broad recognition that housing affordability is an economic imperative. Federal action on supply-side reform is gaining traction—we’lll continue to monitor its progress closely...

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Milwaukee area embraces backyard homes, but not without debate


When Therese and Dan Hanson bought their Wauwatosa home in 2017, the selling points included a run-down second house in the backyard – being used for storage.

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.

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Wisconsin’s forgotten homes: Takeaways from investigating manufactured housing


Last winter, I got an intriguing story tip: Many Wisconsin manufactured home communities were operating with expired licenses. 

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.

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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...


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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.

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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.

Late on Wednesday, senators voted overwhelmingly to advance the bill toward passage. It was a moment of rare bipartisanship in a chamber that spent most of the day in bitter disagreements over immigration policy and the war President Donald Trump is waging on Iran without approval by Congress...


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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.

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‘Dementia Village’ in Wisconsin Will House Patients in ‘Main Street USA’ Setting


For millions of people living with dementia, quality of life often takes a drastic turn downward. But it doesn`t have to be that way.

Agrace Hospice is planning a new village to be built in Madison, WI, that will house dementia patients in a "Main Street USA" setting.

"We`ll restore a sense of autonomy and spontaneity, and a return to the normal daily rhythms someone has before their dementia diagnosis," says Lynne Sexten, CEO of Agrace Hospice...   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: I love this project but my guess is that the down-stroke will price many of us out of the market. I hope we can use this model to bring affordable neighborhoods to many Wisconsin communities.

Leo`s notes: With integrated workforce housing for health care trainees, this innovative model connects long-term care, staffing pipelines, and residential design. As demographics shift, housing innovation must extend across the full continuum of need—a model to watch.

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Sturgeon Bay Permit Approved for West-side Affordable Housing Project


Sturgeon Bay’s Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP) request Feb. 18 for a proposed 60-unit affordable housing apartment on the city’s west side, though commissioners expressed concerns about how best to have motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic maneuver through that area. 

The Columbia Corners apartment project by Gorman and Company would be built on vacant property located at South Columbia Avenue and Green Bay Road (state Highway 42/57), which is zoned General Commercial (C-1) and requires a CUP for multi-family housing. 

The Common Council, which supports locating the three-story apartment at that location, previously committed $250,000 from the city’s affordable housing reserve funds to the project on Dec. 2, contingent on it securing Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) low-income housing tax credits...


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Leo`s notes: Sturgeon Bay’s approval of a 60-unit mixed-income development reflects continued momentum for workforce housing in smaller markets. As commissioners weigh traffic access and pedestrian safety alongside tax credit financing, the discussion underscores how infrastructure alignment is critical to successful infill projects. Coordinating site design with public investment remains essential to turning approvals into production.

Ken Notes: Two quick observations -- One, Gorman does great projects, Two, I still believe Door County could be the perfect place for a model workforce housing village for service and retail workers needed to staff the tourism engine that drives the Door County economy. In fact done well I believe this "village" could become a tourist attraction itself.

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About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com)


Across Wisconsin many employees can simply not afford to live where they work.

This is true in big cities and small rural communities. Both the availability and price of housing is not in line with the needs of those working in jobs that are vital to the success of our communities. Imagine a firefighter, teacher, city employee, service, or retail worker not able to afford a home in the community they serve.

We aggregate news and highlight programs that are working to provide affordable workforce housing in Wisconsin. We advocate for state and local policies that improve the more affordable housing markets. We encourage developers to build new homes that are affordable for those working for Wisconsin while still making a fair profit on the work they do. We encourage communities and neighborhoods to become partners in meeting these needs. We highlight what others have done as a form of "Best Practices" in the State and Country. Finally, we provide direct links to resources and programs in the State.

We believe Wisconsin employers will support these efforts so they can successfully recruit workers to fill the thousands of job openings now hampered by a shortage of affordable housing.

Safe, affordable housing makes a difference in the lives of children and families impacting both education and health. We are supporting affordable housing because it is good for business, good for families, good for communities, and good for Wisconsin.

Ken Harwood
Editor / Publisher
Advocating for Wisconsin
608.334.2174
harwoodken[at]gmail.com



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List of Housing Resources



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WWHNEWS Notes: To add a resource or correct above send data and link to wwhnews.com[at]gmail.com...

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