...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

A dozen bills, some aimed at addressing the need for affordable workforce housing according to their Republican authors, passed the Assembly’s Housing and Real Estate Committee Thursday, with all but three gaining bipartisan support.

Several of the measures have already been put on the tentative calendar for the Assembly floor session scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7.

AB 182, would modify Wisconsin’s low-income housing tax credit and require the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to ensure that 35% of the tax credits it allocates are for projects in rural areas of Wisconsin.

AB 449 would require local municipalities with zoning to permit accessory dwelling units on the property of existing single family homes.

AB 451 would create residential tax incremental districts, to encourage residential developments with the resulting increases in property tax collection used to fund infrastructure investment. That measure passed the panel 12-2.

AB 454 would establish a workforce home loan fund through WHEDA to provide gap financing for new construction or significant rehabilitation of a single family home for the borrower.

AB 455 would establish a grant program at WHEDA for the owners of apartment buildings to offset converting their properties to condominiums. In an unanimous vote, the committee approved an amendment from state Rep. Lori Palmeri (D-Oshkosh) requiring grant recipients to give current occupants in a building being converted an opportunity to purchase their unit....

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: A dozen housing bills advanced this week, signaling rare bipartisan momentum on Wisconsin’s workforce housing crisis. Proposals range from expanding WHEDA tax credits in rural areas to authorizing ADUs and creating workforce home loan funds. Advocates note these measures show progress, but real impact will hinge on consistent implementation and local zoning alignment. For further explanation of each bill introduced, please click article link.

Ken Notes: Save and share this article. Please note housing is one of the only issues in Wisconsin receiving bipartisan support on several fronts. Many of these issues Leo and I have been advocating for some time now...

Republicans want lower property taxes and less regulation. Democrats emphasize funding affordable housing development programs and renter rights. Both want to incentivize developers to build cheaper options.

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: We need to allow communities design neighborhoods that support affordable workforce housing. Smaller lots, smaller homes, quality manufactured units, infrastructure assistance, help with interest rates, owner occupied, nice amenities, partner with developers and builders. Also remember each community is different, a solution for Milwaukee will and should look dramatically different that a solution for rural Wisconsin.

The current "Affordable Housing Programs" are not addressing the need for affordable workforce housing. We need more quality homes for service, retail, and entry level employees that allow them to build equity through ownership. Keep the math simple if 50K is a fair living wage then $ 1,250 is a fair housing payment (30%). So assuming your entire $1,250 monthly payment is for the principal and interest @ %6.5, you can afford a home loan of approximately $200,000ish.

Rep. Rob Brooks has announced a package of bills to build on last session’s bipartisan housing legislation and efforts to boost affordable housing in Wisconsin. 

Brooks, who chairs the Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee, led a series of housing bills Gov. Tony Evers signed into law in 2023. The package sought to address the state’s housing shortage, setting aside $525 million for affordable housing development loans. 

At a Capitol press conference yesterday, Brooks joined fellow Republicans and stakeholders in announcing the latest effort. 

Brooks said Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. 

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Rep. Rob Brooks’ newly announced housing package underscores a critical truth: Wisconsin cannot thrive without affordable places for workers and families to call home. The proposals—ranging from workforce housing TIF districts to first-time homebuyer loan programs—represent another step toward tackling a shortage that impacts every corner of the state.

It’s encouraging to see lawmakers from both parties recognize housing as a statewide priority. Yet, while financing tools and zoning reforms are important, they must be paired with solutions that directly lower construction costs and speed up delivery of new units. Without addressing labor shortages, high material costs, and the barriers small developers face, many projects will still struggle to “pencil out.”

Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. This package keeps the conversation moving, but policymakers must ensure that momentum translates into real doors opening for workers, seniors, and families who can’t afford to wait.

A series of bills aimed at addressing what lawmakers called a “crisis” in the lack of workforce housing would redirect tens of millions of dollars from past workforce housing initiatives.

Wisconsin in 2023 set aside $525 million for affordable housing development loans aimed at growing the state’s housing stock and getting new homebuyers into housing. But some of the programs included haven’t seen significant use two years down the road. 

The last state budget set aside $100 million for the main street housing rehabilitation revolving loan funding program. Rental property owners could get up to $20,000 per rental unit for upgrades on apartments above retail spaces. But Sen. Dan Feyen during an Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee public hearing yesterday said only $19 million of that has been doled out so far...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Wisconsin lawmakers are reworking unspent housing funds to spur ownership and expand options for working families. The proposed bills would redirect millions toward condo conversions, first-time homebuyer loans, and new workforce housing TIF districts—an encouraging sign of renewed focus. Still, it is worth noting that real progress will depend on aligning these incentives with local zoning reform and sustained funding.

Ken Notes: I wish we could use these funds for just two thing. First allow communities to buy land and plan affordable neighborhoods with a mix of smaller affordable homes, schools, retail, and amenities. Second work with banks to create low interest for lower cost homes. Imagine a 3% rate on 150 to 200K homes for first time buyers or seniors downsizing. These two programs could be game changing in workforce housing.

Key Points

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Winnebago County’s housing market highlights the growing affordability crisis, with home values up 75% in five years and fewer than 40 listings under $200,000. Local zoning reforms and new developments show progress, but rising costs and labor shortages keep first-time buyers on the margins—a challenge and model to watch statewide...

VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) — City officials celebrated the opening of Main Street Apartments Friday, a 65-unit workforce housing development that combines affordable apartments with a childcare facility for working families in western Wisconsin.

The development features housing units, retail space and a 6,000-square-foot childcare facility called the Bumble and Bloom Early Learning Center. The center will serve approximately 65 children ranging from six weeks to six years old.

La Crosse-based VARC will operate the early learning center, which city leaders say addresses a critical need for working families in the area.

Governor Tony Evers attended Friday`s ribbon-cutting ceremony and praised the community-wide effort that made the development possible.

"There were so many players putting this together — the city, but you name it, anybody who is anybody in western Wisconsin had something to do with this," Evers said. "But at the end of the day it was a local project with local people."...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Viroqua’s new Main Street Apartments pairs 65 units of workforce housing with an on-site childcare center—meeting two of rural Wisconsin’s most pressing needs in one project. By combining affordability, family support, and local collaboration, it’s a model of holistic workforce investment—a model many of our communities ought to watch...

La Crosse, WI: October 14, 2025
free tickets here

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) — Homelessness remains a contentious issue in La Crosse, but a new documentary screening aims to unite people from various perspectives by showcasing what they say is a successful model.

The film Beyond the Bridge follows up on Under the Bridge, a documentary by A Bigger Vision Films about the criminalization of homelessness in Indiana. The new documentary seeks to answer the question, "What`s the solution?"

"We took that seriously and we started studying up and came across Housing First," said Don Sawyer, producer and director of Beyond the Bridge. "And so we met the guy who created Housing First as a solution to homelessness... And that`s where the story begins."

La Crosse native and Milwaukee County housing administrator James Mathy said Housing First is often criticized for its implementation in some areas. However, the film highlights Milwaukee`s model, which Mathy said boasts a 95 percent success rate in maintaining housing for individuals...

   ...Full Story Here

“Wisconsin has a severe housing problem,” Armstrong said. “The median home price has more than doubled in the last 10 years, and there aren’t enough affordable options for would-be first-time home owners. Besides being a problem for potential buyers, this is a problem for employers, as no one wants to work where they can’t afford to live...

“The housing package my colleagues and I passed today will help to improve this situation, and I am proud that four proposals I introduced were included.”The four Armstrong bills the Assembly approved are:

• Assembly Bill 194, which grants additional flexibilities to three housing programs the Legislature created in the 2023-2025 session, for which $475 million was allocated...

• Assembly Bill 280, which updates the Business Development Tax Credit program to allow more employers to claim the credit for investments they make in workforce housing and childcare...

• Assembly Bill 451, which allows municipalities to establish residential tax incremental districts. This will help developers defray the costs of infrastructure — streets, sidewalks, sewers, etc....

• Assembly Bill 375 — relating to the Historic Tax Credit — was originally on the Oct. 7 calendar but will be taken up at a later date....

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s Assembly advanced a major housing package aimed at easing costs and boosting supply through tax credits, TIF districts, and zoning alignment. By tying workforce housing directly to business development and infrastructure tools, the package signals a shift toward coordinated, economy-linked solutions. Eagerly following the advancement of these bills...

Partnering Together of Portage County`s mission is to ensure people experiencing housing issues have access to “coordinated, compassionate, and effective services.”

Key Points:

STEVENS POINT – A new coalition of community organizations, faith communities, and service providers have partnered to provide better support to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: It does take a team. Remember developers and builders, manufactured home, Planners, and finance institutions, and elected officials all need a seat at the table.

Increasing needs addressed at recent Community Development meeting

Whitewater’s Community Development Authority Board of Directors gathered Thursday, Sept. 19, to discuss ongoing future housing developments aimed at addressing Whitewater’s growing population. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and was held at the Whitewater Municipal Building and streamed virtually for community members.

City officials outlined several housing projects in progress. Harbor Homes reported that 17 of 19 permits were pulled, and three homes are currently listed for sale. These are single-family owner-occupied homes, which help address the city’s need for a wider housing variety. The rest of the homes have been sold or are under contract. Meadowview has three properties available, while Waters Edge South recently issued permits for eight new duplex units, which will provide 16 units total. The largest upcoming project is Hartland Shores, a multi-family development on the city’s southeast side that broke ground earlier this year. This development will provide 32 new units of housing...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Whitewater is adding single-family, duplex, and multifamily projects to meet rising demand fueled in part by record university enrollment. With home prices up 40% since 2021, the city is pairing new development with TIF and down payment assistance to preserve affordability—a model to watch statewide.

Churches in Wisconsin are now eligible for property redevelopment grants from a program organizers hope will spread to other states.

The Good Next Step Grant Program provides congregations with awards of up to $40,000 to create affordable housing or a mix of housing and community gathering spaces on existing parcels. Participants also receive expert support with architectural design, site development, zoning reviews and financial analysis.

“This program allows churches to buy those services to keep control of their land and use that land as they feel called to use it,” said Mark Elsdon, co-founder of RootedGood, a nonprofit group that provides training and productivity resources for faith-based groups, and organizer of the grant program launched in August...   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: A new grant program is helping Wisconsin churches turn underused land into affordable and workforce housing. By funding pre-development planning and pairing congregations with design and finance experts, the initiative empowers faith communities to shape local housing solutions. This is a reminder that housing progress often starts with trusted community anchors.

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
Wisconsin Housing Alliance	Office of Rural Prosperity Wisconsin Economic Development

   ...Full Story Here

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

CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) - Members from a statewide agency visited Chippewa Falls this morning to learn about a successful alternative housing solution.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, known as DSPS, toured Hope Village. The event is part of their work to explore trends, innovations, and needs in homebuilding. Hope Village provides transitional and affordable workforce housing to low-income people and families in the Chippewa Valley area.

DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth said this project is a great example of finding solutions on a local level that could be implemented statewide...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Hope Village in Chippewa Falls shows how community-led models can fill critical workforce housing gaps through collaboration and creativity. As state officials study updates to the Uniform Dwelling Code, projects like this highlight how flexible standards can help replicate small-scale, affordable solutions statewide—a model to watch.

Ken notes: We can do so much better architecturally and plat wise. Open space, bike / Ped access -- not trailer parks but rather small home neighborhoods. Check this out...

Wisconsin residents feel stuck as private equity buys up manufactured housing parks

Priced out of traditional homes during an affordability crisis, many in Wisconsin have found another way to pursue an ownership dream.

Experts estimate that more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents live in manufactured homes, the more accurate name for what many call mobile homes or trailers — structures that make up the country’s largest portion of unsubsidized low-income housing. Many live in parks where they own their homes but rent the land beneath them. 

But Wisconsin’s government is failing to enforce basic protections for residents at a time when private equity firms are buying up parks to maximize profits, a Wisconsin Watch/WPR investigation found...

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: This is so true and happening across the state. These private equity firms are buying these parks as cash producing assets with no real skin in the game or feet on the ground. If current tenants fail, the firms can put in a nicer park model and make even more money by renting that as well as the lot. We need communities and housing advocates to buy these parks and turn these places into something special. There are great examples of well developed and run parks across the US.

The proposals still need to pass the state Senate, which hasn`t convened in months

   ...Full Story Here

MILWAUKEE — The Annex Group has broken ground on Union at Rose Park, a $25.8 million affordable housing community in Milwaukee. The property will offer 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for households earning a range of income levels starting at 30 percent of the area median income to market rate. Nine units will be targeted to veterans. Amenities will include a community room, fitness center and business center. The development will include rooftop solar panels and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Community Standards.

Project partners include Ware Malcomb, raSmith, Integrity Structural Corp., Latimer Sommers & Associates, Terracon, Heartland Energy Consultants, Baker Tilly, ACC Management Group and Impact Housing Indiana, an organization dedicated to supporting residents of affordable housing communities within Annex’s portfolio. Impact Housing Indiana will have a dedicated onsite space within Union at Rose Park.

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s Union at Rose Park brings 75 new affordable and mixed-income units to the city, with dedicated veteran housing and green design standards. Backed by WHEDA financing tools and broad private investment, the $25.8 million project reflects the partnerships needed to expand affordable housing supply.

MADISON, Wis. — The City of Madison is receiving $1.3 million in funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help clean up contaminated soil at affordable housing development project sites...

What You Need To Know

• The City of Madison is receiving $1.3 million in funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to help clean up contaminated soil at affordable housing development project sites


• There are three properties being used in the Huxley Yards redevelopment project on the city’s north side: 1846 Commercial Avenue and 905 and 1003 Huxley Street


• The site had previously been leased by the neighboring Oscar Mayer facility, where it stored fuel oil and used it as a coal yard.


• After an environmental assessment of the properties, officials found contamination...

   ...Full Story Here

THE BLUEPRINT:

• McShane Construction to build 50-unit affordable housing in Madison.
  
  
• The Conway at Huxley Yards is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.
  
  
• Project includes fitness room, community room and 63 parking spaces.
  
  
• Designed for Green Built Homes Gold and Energy Star certification.

An affordable apartment community with 50 units is coming to Madison.

Rosemont, Ill.-based McShane Construction Co. on Wednesday announced that its Wisconsin office will build The Conway at Huxley Yards for developer Lincoln Avenue Communities, an affiliate of Lincoln Avenue Capital. This will be McShane’s fourth project with the developer, said Alison Gorham, vice president and director of Wisconsin operations at McShane.

“We’re excited to watch this development come to life and provide much-needed affordable housing in Madison,” she added.

The project is located on a 1.7-acre site at 1846 Commercial Avenue. It will feature 50 units, 63 parking spaces, and the complex will be 72,446 square feet, the contractor said. The Conway is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026. The project cost and rents weren’t shared.

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Madison’s upcoming Conway at Huxley Yards adds 50 affordable units on a compact urban site, continuing momentum from developers expanding workforce housing across Wisconsin. With green certifications and efficient design, the project shows how sustainable infill can meet both affordability and environmental goals.

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Brookfield’s first fully affordable development, The Flats at Bishop’s Woods, delivers 203 units aimed at workforce households earning 50–70% of area median income. Despite political pushback, the strong demand and mix of live-work, veteran, and accessible units underscore the urgent need for attainable housing

MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — New workforce housing is coming to a vacant five-acre plot in Marquette Township following the approval of a Brownfield Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The Marquette County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the plan, which will bring 48 new cottages, duplexes, and townhomes to Marquette Township. Marquette County Treasurer Jackie Solomon said the development would be at 170 County Road 492, right across from Lost Creek.

Of the total units, 17 must be sold to individuals at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI), which is $50,034, according to recent U.S. Census data...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Marquette Township’s approval of a Brownfield Plan for 48 new workforce homes shows how underused land can be leveraged to meet urgent housing needs. By combining mixed-income ownership opportunities with smart tax capture, local leaders are aligning redevelopment with affordability goals—a model to watch.

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — For the first time in its history, the City of Brookfield now has an affordable housing apartment complex, addressing a critical need for workforce housing in Waukesha County.

"Employees in this area have too few places to live," said Mike Mooney, a Brookfield business owner who has operated in the area for nearly four decades.

The new development, called "The Flats at Bishop`s Woods," is located near Elm Grove Road and Bluemound Road. It represents a significant shift in housing options for workers in a community where the average home costs $460,000...

   ...Full Story Here

Leo’s notes: Brookfield’s first affordable apartment complex marks a turning point in Waukesha County, where jobs long outnumber homes. Redeveloping vacant office space into 200 workforce units shows how communities can adapt land use to close the housing gap—a model to watch across Wisconsin.

Groundbreaking for the Veterans Community Project was held Monday

Construction is set to begin soon for a project in Milwaukee aimed at getting homeless veterans off the street and into housing. 

The development, spearheaded by Veterans Community Project, will bring 40 tiny homes to a 7-acre site on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Each tiny home will be anywhere from 240 to 320 square feet and will come fully furnished. 

Bryan Meyer, Veterans Community Project cofounder and CEO, said people in the program will be able to live there for free with access to case managers to help get them into permanent housing...

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: I like these projects, but 300 sq. ft. is, well tiny. and while this is a part of the solution we need more 1,200 sq. ft. homes for those working and looking to enter the housing market rather than renting an apartment.

Best known as the heart of the domestic cheese industry and the home of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin is now drawing attention for having some of the nation`s hottest housing markets.

For the fifth consecutive month, Springfield, MA, took the crown as the nation`s most in-demand city, according to the Realtor.com® September 2025 Hottest Housing Markets. 

But overall, Wisconsin dominates in the latest ranking, with seven of the 20 hottest markets located in the Badger State. ...

   ...Full Story Here

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 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.


   ...Full Story Here

   ...Full Story Here

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