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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News |
![]() Ken Harwood Advocating for Wisconsin HarwoodKen [at] gmail.com Cell 608.334.2174 Commentary Leonardo Silva Architect Leonardo Silva Architecture is a La Crosse based studio practice focused on timeless design solutions and sustainable practices; for homeowners, builders and contractors alike. This Weeks Articles for 8/19/2025 ...
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 ![]() |
100 East Proposal Triggers Questions on New TIF Guidelines |
![]() Council gets in the weeds on deal to redevelop state`s third tallest buildingThe subject at hand was a subsidy to facilitate the office-to-residential conversion of the downtown 100 East tower, but Monday’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting ended up going far beyond this. It turned into a session of council members questioning the city’s new tax incremental financing (TIF) guidelines. ...Full Story HereConversion of the mostly vacant 35-story tower into Wisconsin’s tallest residential building is slated to be the first project to go through the Department of City Development‘s new TIF guidelines that were introduced in April. The aging office building would be redeveloped into 373 apartments. In exchange for the city granting the $165 million development a $14.4 million subsidy, the development team would be required to set aside 75 units at rates targeted at 30% of a household’s income for households making no more than 100% of the Milwaukee County median income, approximately $77,000 for a single person. But committee members had plenty of questions about various facets of the arrangement and how it would impact future deals... Leo’s notes: The 100 East conversion could mark real progress toward growing Milwaukee’s housing supply—but only if affordability is meaningfully baked into the deal. Public subsidies must yield public benefit. Without stronger rent restrictions tied to city income levels, we risk repeating old patterns: high-cost units that working families can`t afford. This is a pivotal moment to ensure TIF guidelines do more than preserve tax base—they must prioritize inclusive, accessible housing outcomes... Ken Notes: Wisconsin needs to create a new "Workforce Housing" set of legislative actions that include zoning, financing, grants and loans, TIF, conservancies and parks, adaptive reuses, urban renewal, definitions of affordable and workforce housing, and other issues that will allow us to partner with developers, builders, and business to build truly meaningful workforce housing... ![]() |
Centergy study projects rising central WI housing demand |
![]() A five-county region in central Wisconsin will need more than 11,000 additional housing units by 2040 to meet projected demand, according to a study from economic development group Centergy. The organization, which focuses on Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage and Wood counties, yesterday released its Regional Housing Study. It highlights the “growing need for affordable, workforce-ready housing” across these counties even as changing economic trends have led to fewer residents than previously expected. The study references earlier figures from the state Department of Administration, which in 2013 projected the region would have 142,506 households by 2020. An updated estimate for 2023 puts that figure at 140,380, reflecting that the region didn’t grow as quickly as initially expected. But the region did see an “unexpected population bump” between 2020 and 2024, authors note... ...See the study....Full Story Here Leo’s notes: A new study from Centergy makes one thing clear: central Wisconsin’s housing shortage is not a future problem — it’s a now problem. With more than 11,000 units needed by 2040, Marathon County alone will account for over half the demand. Without action, rising competition for limited housing will continue to push prices out of reach for working families and seniors alike. The good news? Solutions exist — from zoning reforms to employer-backed housing — but they require urgency and political will. Every unit built helps keep our workforce local, our economy strong, and our communities livable. ![]() |
Baldwin hears from northern Wisconsin leaders on housing |
![]() Aug. 13—SUPERIOR — U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin learned from local experts on Wednesday, Aug. 13, about efforts to stem the housing crisis in Wisconsin. The roundtable discussion at the Entrepreneurial Center included city leaders, the Superior Housing Authority and CheqBUILT — a community land trust that serves residents in Ashland and Bayfield counties. Statewide, an estimated 200,000 additional units of housing will be needed by 2030. In Superior, more than 3,600 units will be needed by 2035, according to a 2023 housing study by Maxfield Research & Consulting... See Also:
...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s roundtable in Superior underscored a key truth: solving Wisconsin’s housing crisis requires layered, local solutions. From city-developer partnerships and “Vacant to Value” programs to land trusts like CheqBUILT, communities are testing creative strategies to preserve and expand affordability. These efforts show promise, but the scale of need—200,000 new units statewide by 2030—demands continued alignment between federal resources, local innovation, and nonprofit leadership if we are to keep housing within reach for working families. ![]() |
Rent Smart training helps tenants navigate Wisconsin’s housing crunch |
![]() A University of Wisconsin-Madison program educates renters about how to find affordable housing, what to ask landlords and more. It also trains people to teach others in their community.In an increasingly tough housing market, a University of Wisconsin program seeks to give renters a leg up in their search for safe, affordable housing by educating them about the process and improving their standing with landlords. Rent Smart, a free, six-module course developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, covers the essentials of renting — everything from what’s affordable, what to look for during an apartment inspection and what to ask a landlord while applying. “How do we create a really good business relationship between tenants and landlords? I think Rent Smart can help with that,” said Todd Wenzel, a UW-Madison Extension human development and relationships educator in Winnebago County and one of two state co-chairs of the program... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Rent Smart is a model of what tenant empowerment can look like in action. As rents rise and housing options shrink, this free statewide program gives renters the tools—and the confidence—they need to find and keep safe, stable housing. It’s not just education; it’s a form of prevention, reducing future evictions, bridging gaps with landlords, and helping more families succeed. Every community in Wisconsin should be investing in solutions like this. ![]() |
Green Bay advances cash infusion headed toward affordable housing |
![]() The City of Green Bay could direct millions of additional dollars toward the development of more housing working families can afford. The City`s Joint Review Board and Redevelopment Authority both on Aug. 12 approved an affordable housing extension resolutions to keep the I-43 Business Park tax incremental financing district open for an additional year. The action requires City Council approval before it can go into effect. The TIF district was created in 2005 to pay to install infrastructure and utilities in what started as an industrial park and became a more general business park with a variety of uses. The infrastructure installed in the area east of Interstate 43 helped draw a variety of development that includes Aurora BayCare Medical Center, a Procter & Gamble distribution center and Marcus Green Bay East Cinema... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Green Bay is showing how smart local policy can turn economic growth into real housing solutions. By extending the I-43 Business Park TIF for one more year, the city stands to direct $3.4 million into its Affordable Housing Fund — more than double what the fund has collected in its first four years. That money could seed hundreds of new units at prices working families can actually afford. This decision is a reminder that cities can use the tools they already have to make housing more attainable. The key now will be ensuring those funds are deployed quickly, strategically, and in ways that create lasting affordability for Green Bay residents. ![]() |
How a Madison doctor is trying to help others find affordable housing |
![]() The logistics were challenging. Without a car and clear support to find short-term housing, Henderson ended up in a Craigslist rental as her last resort. Then one night, Henderson said, she awoke to a cockroach crawling across her stomach. “I was kind of trapped there for the month,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK, well, I have nowhere to go because I have no housing.’” Henderson brushed off the experience, hoping it was a fluke. But after matching into residency at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, she overheard a medical student lamenting about their housing struggles and something clicked. “The lightbulb went off in my head,” Henderson said. “I realized I think this is a nationwide issue and then really started to look into it from there.” The moment inspired Reliable Residence, a startup aimed at supporting short-term and traveling health care professionals and students in Madison with fully furnished housing. Henderson and Tyler Henry, her co-founder and chief financial officer, launched the business as an LLC this year.... Leo’s notes: Reliable Residence is meeting a critical need at the intersection of health care and housing. As Madison’s tight rental market strains access to short-term housing, this homegrown effort provides a lifeline for medical professionals who keep our hospitals running. Supporting workforce housing solutions like this isn`t just good policy—it’s essential infrastructure for a healthy, functioning community. ![]() |
County Exec, Governor Celebrate New Affordable Housing Development |
![]() MILWAUKEE - Dignitaries from across Milwaukee County, and the state, descended on
Brown Deer Thursday to cut the ribbon on a new affordable, supportive
housing building. The 56-unit Woodale Crossing building will provide affordable housing,
counseling and supportive services for residents. The project will
provide housing to individuals with disabilities or and or mental
illness, and 25%, or 14 units, will be set aside for seniors with
disabilities that are experiencing homelessness. The new housing, 4110 W. Woodale Ave., was developed by Jewish Family
Services (JFS), a nonprofit social services agency that has extensive
experience developing and managing supportive housing. The project was
developed, in part, with funding from Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin.... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Woodale Crossing is a shining example of what’s possible when public, private, and nonprofit partners come together with purpose. This supportive, affordable housing not only meets critical needs for seniors and individuals with disabilities—it also sets a high standard for dignity, inclusion, and long-term community impact. As housing challenges persist, we need more projects like this across Milwaukee County. ![]() |
Affordable housing and what it takes: a developer’s perspective |
![]() Building material costs have risen sharply since 2020 and there is a shortage of labor in the construction industry. This is true everywhere, but Door County, especially its communities at the northern end of the peninsula, has the added layer of geographical isolation. Building materials have to be shipped from Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay, and mileage is charged accordingly, said Craig Coursin, owner of Carlson-Erickson Builders, based in Baileys Harbor. The recent closure of northern Door County’s only lumber yard will also affect builders and contractors in the area. Affordable housing developments adhere to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition, of affordable, which is that housing and utility costs cannot exceed 30 percent of a household’s income, and that income must be less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Traditional developers and landlords would lose money if they charged what low and very low income households can afford in Door County, according to Brian Spoerl, a developer who is working on an affordable housing project in Door County. Affordable housing is not feasible without low-interest loans, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, grants and other forms of assistance, he said... Leo’s notes: Door County’s housing crisis isn’t just about high costs—it’s about the nearly impossible math developers face when building for the residents who need it most. If we want more housing for households making 30–60% of the area median income, we need state and federal policy shifts that make financing less cumbersome, tax credits more robust, and local incentives easier to pair. Without those changes, too many communities will keep talking about affordability without ever building enough of it... ![]() |
Theresa Terrace neighborhood celebrates completion of new town homes |
![]() The City of Madison is celebrating the completion of a new set of town homes that create more affordable housing options for families on the city’s west side. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joined Alder Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development Director and Community Development Authority (CDA) Executive Director Matt Wachter, and members of the CDA board and Theresa Terrace neighborhood in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new homes. ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: By replacing aging structures with well-designed, permanently affordable homes, the City is modeling how to bring missing-middle housing into established neighborhoods with community support. This is the kind of smart, people-first investment that helps families stay connected to schools, jobs, and opportunity. ![]() |
Kolbe Windows & Doors Announces Topping-Off of Evergreen Landing Apartments Workforce Housing in Rural Wisconsin |
![]() A new multifamily, workforce housing development by Kolbe Windows & Doors will bring 102 new, affordably priced rental units to Wausau, Wisconsin. Named Evergreen Landing Apartments on 8th, Kolbe, its building partners and invited guests celebrated a construction milestone on August 6th with the “topping off” of its first building to be fully enclosed. The phased, four-building, 44,000-square-foot residential complex is expected to open in January 2026. Built on land owned by Kolbe, no public money has funded its development or construction. “This four-building apartment complex will provide affordable, high-quality living options for individuals and families within our community,” said Mike Tomsyck, Kolbe Windows & Doors’ vice president of transportation and risk management, who is overseeing the project’s development... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Kolbe Windows & Doors is building 102 new workforce housing units in Wausau with no public funding, addressing a major barrier for manufacturing workers facing high rents.The development is expected to open in early 2026, providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes that include heat, internet, and other essentials, helping local employers attract and retain talent while expanding affordable housing options in the region. ![]() |
Wisconsin Motel Reopens as Apartments |
![]() NOAH developments play a key role in addressing housing needs, according to the developer.A troubled Super 8 motel has been transformed into 129 apartments in Madison, Wisconsin. The motel was in rough shape and had a lot of crime and policy activity over the years, plaguing the surrounding residential neighborhood, according to local reports. Wiseman Capital recently acquired the building, gutted it to its bones, and reconstructed it into the Sandburg Studios with apartments ranging in size from 277 to 340 square feet, with some units coming furnished. Rents are between about $975 and $1,125 per month. In comparison, the overall average rent in Madison is about $1,695, with studios averaging about $1,250, reports Zillow... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: As communities seek solutions beyond traditional affordable housing programs, Sandburg Studios shows what`s possible when local developers are empowered to repurpose underutilized buildings. These units may not be government-subsidized, but they are mission-critical—proof that public and private housing strategies must work hand-in-hand to fill every gap in the housing ladder. We need more local innovation like this—combined with zoning flexibility, reduced red tape, and financial tools that reward reinvestment in our neighborhoods. ![]() |
New coalition aims to boost home ownership for Wisconsin`s tribal communities |
GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- A new coalition is being launched to help address housing needs for tribal communities in the Badger State. It`s called the Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition and is backed by Oneida Nation-owned Bay Bank. "Really, we`ve had this issue in Indian Country for decades, with overcrowding and not enough housing stock," Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation CEO Fern Orie said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the home ownership rate in Wisconsin is 67.9% for all residents. For Native Americans in Wisconsin, it`s around 57%. Now, with the creation of the Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition, work is being done to increase housing supply and affordability for tribal communities. "We really want to address the key issues and come up with some fantastic solutions that will work for our people," Orie said... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: The launch of the Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition marks a pivotal shift in addressing the chronic housing shortfall for tribal communities. This initiative is notable not only for its focus on expanding homeownership and affordable rentals, but also for its long-term strategy: building a skilled local workforce to construct and maintain housing stock. Pairing supply with self-reliance ensures solutions don’t just meet today’s need but create generational stability and opportunity. ![]() |
‘There’s signs of life’: Wisconsin housing expert analyzes new state data |
![]() UW-Madison’s Kurt Paulsen discusses the state housing market and what factors are affecting housing affordabilitySales of previously owned homes in Wisconsin rose 8.1 percent in June compared to the same month last year. That’s according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association’s latest housing report. Kurt Paulsen, professor of urban planning in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, called the sales jump a “mixed signal.” “It’s positive to see a little movement in June, but if you look at the numbers for the first six months of this year compared to the first six months of last year, we’re right at about the same pace,” Paulsen told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” “(But) there’s signs of life.”... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: We must double down on affordability efforts. That means supporting state investment, rethinking zoning laws, and committing to housing types that actually meet the needs of workers, families, and future generations. If we don’t build for them, they won’t stay. ![]() |
Wausau Economic Development Committee backs two new affordable housing projects |
![]() The first is a proposal from Habitat for Humanity of Wausau to purchase a 0.19-acre city-owned lot at 1609 East Bos Creek Drive for $1,000. The nonprofit plans to build a three-bedroom, one-bath modular home with an attached single-car garage – its 78th home – constructed in partnership with Merrill High School students. The home must be sold to an income-qualified buyer, and Habitat representatives say a family has already been approved. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2026, with occupancy in October... Leo’s notes: By pairing city-owned infill lots with trusted nonprofit and contractor partners, the city is turning underused land into stable, attainable homes for working families. These investments don’t just provide roofs — they build equity, foster community, and ensure that revitalization benefits residents for the long term. ![]() |
Madison launches $300M affordable housing redevelopment project |
![]() MADISON, Wis. — Madison has launched a neighborhood redevelopment with “deeply affordable” housing for residents of city-owned property in the Triangle neighborhood. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, the city of Madison and the Community Development Authority on Wednesday celebrated the start of the first phase of construction of the “Taking Shape, Our Triangle” redevelopment in downtown Madison.
The CDA and Madison-based developer New Year Investments are leading the transformation of the Triangle neighborhood, bordered by West Washington Avenue, South Park Street and Regent Street. ...Full Story HereKen Notes: It is a real problem, but we may be going at it wrong. We need to educate our workforce as to the importance of building equity in their youth and home ownership is one of the best ways to do this... ![]() |
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources |
![]() Nate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com... ![]() |
Oshkosh City Council Finalizes Affordable Housing Plans and Set Guidelines for Development |
![]() One of the central topics was the income requirements for potential homeowners. Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that homes remain accessible to those within specific income brackets. Discussions highlighted the need for builders to be aware of these income caps to prevent pricing out eligible buyers. The council debated whether to impose a cap on home prices, ultimately leaning towards a flexible approach that allows buyers to stretch their budgets if they qualify financially. As the conversation progressed, the council examined the financial implications of the development. They discussed the estimated property tax contributions from homes valued at approximately $275,000, which would yield around $2,200 annually for the city. This revenue is crucial, especially considering the long-term benefits of transforming vacant lots into thriving residential areas... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Oshkosh leaders are charting a careful course with the Washington Housing Development, aiming to grow supply without losing affordability. By tying incentives to income limits, resale restrictions, and timely construction, the city is prioritizing residents over speculation. The project offers a blueprint for future developments like Farmington, where affordability and infrastructure must align. ![]() |
Around 500 apartments, targeting mid-income renters, planned for Harbor District by New Land |
![]() A mixed-use development ? featuring 500 apartments for middle-income renters ? is in the works for a large site in Milwaukee`s Harbor District. New Land Enterprises LLC is seeking a zoning change for a 5.1-acre site at 2252 S. First St. That property is mostly a vacant parcel with a 162,167-square-foot industrial building, according to city assessment records. It runs between East Becher Street and East Lincoln Avenue. New Land is seeking a zoning change from industrial-heavy to industrial-mixed, according to a new Common Council file. That would allow a mixed-use development, the file said... Key Points:
Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s Harbor District could soon see one of its largest workforce housing projects yet — 500 middle-income apartments with street-level retail — replacing a largely vacant industrial site. Developments like this are essential to closing the city’s “missing middle” gap, giving working families and essential workers housing they can afford while strengthening vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. Like many developments in our state, there’s a need for private + municipality agreements to make these larger projects happen. ![]() |
McShane Construction Selected to Build 76-unit Affordable Housing Project Kelly Station in Madison |
![]() McShane Construction Company’s Wisconsin regional team was selected by Volker Development to build Kelly Station, a 76-unit affordable housing residence in Madison, Wisconsin. “We’re proud to partner with Volker on Kelly Station,” commented Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations at McShane. “This development not only brings much-needed affordable housing to Madison, but also incorporates thoughtful design, modern amenities, and green building practices that will benefit residents and the surrounding community for years to come.” Volker is a development and property management company focused on providing affordable and workforce housing options nationwide. Based in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, this project will be Volker’s first new construction project in Dane County, and their 27th in the state of Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Kelly Station is a strong step toward addressing Madison’s growing need for affordable, accessible housing. Backed by public-private collaboration and WHEDA’s support, this project prioritizes both sustainability and equity—proving that affordable housing can be high-quality, community-oriented, and rooted in long-term impact. It`s the kind of development housing advocates have long pushed for—and one we need more of across Wisconsin... ![]() |
`The missing middle,` Workforce housing development to start construction in September |
![]() GREEN BAY (NBC26) — With nearly $3 million in city funding and loans,
a workforce housing development seeks to provide a place to live for a
population that`s been left out of housing conversations.
The 95-unit apartment development with one, two, or three-bedroom apartments is set to start construction Sept. 1 and finish a year later. "The workforce housing platform really tries to serve people who are, as we call, `The missing middle,`" Ted Matkom, Wisconsin market president for the developer, Gorman and Company, says the apartments will be available to people who make between 80% and 120% percent of the county`s median income. So, Matkom says a single person would have to make about $50,000 to $70,000 to live there... ...Previously Gorman & Company developed Bay City Lofts, 48 apartments, most reserved for families earning 30-60% of the area’s median income... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: As rising costs continue to outpace incomes, more municipalities should follow Green Bay’s lead by using local tools—like TIF and housing authority loans—to fill the affordability gap and create stable, connected neighborhoods for working families. ![]() |
Bucyrus campus project gets a $250K state grant; South Milwaukee may get new senior center |
![]() The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded an Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant to the Bucyrus Community Project led by Scott Crawford, Inc., according to a July 28 news release from the City of South Milwaukee. This grant provides money to communities to spur redevelopment of spaces that have sat idle, abandoned or underutilized for at least two years. The Milwaukee-based developer is transforming three existing office buildings and constructing a fourth building on the former Bucyrus campus, 1100 and 1022 Milwaukee Avenue, into 132 apartments, over 200,000 square feet of commercial space and a K5 elementary school called Guidance Academy that could accommodate up to 200 students...
Leo’s notes: The Bucyrus Campus redevelopment shows what’s possible when public and private partners invest in turning idle properties into vibrant community assets. With new housing, commercial space, and a school, this $52 million project is more than a facelift for South Milwaukee’s downtown — it’s a long-term investment in economic vitality, education, and livability. Strategic reinvestment like this transforms underused sites into engines of opportunity. ![]() |
Taking Shape: Ground broken on transformational Triangle redevelopment |
![]() The City of Madison and the Community Development Authority (CDA) are celebrating the start of construction on a project that is years in the making, hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the “Taking Shape, Our Triangle” redevelopment downtown. Over the next decade, the Triangle – the neighborhood bordered by West Washington Ave., South Park St., and Regent St. that is shared with the Bayview Foundation, Asian Midway Grocery Store, and medical service providers – will see several new buildings containing deeply affordable modern homes for those who currently live in CDA properties within the Triangle. Hundreds of additional new homes for people across different income levels will also be created in future phases of this project. ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Madison’s Triangle redevelopment is more than new housing—it’s a model for equitable, anti-displacement investment. By replacing outdated public housing with modern, sustainable homes while ensuring current residents stay rooted, the city is honoring the past and building a stronger, more connected future. ![]() |
Habitat for Humanity buys Madison College land in Watertown for affordable housing project |
![]() 12 families will move in to the development in southern Wisconsin`s `MadWaukee` corridorLand near the Madison College campus in Watertown will soon be home to an affordable housing project. This summer, Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties bought 0.8 acres from the technical college for $116,800. The property will be used to build six duplexes. The $3.3 million project is set to break ground this fall so that 12 families can move in during 2026. The project is situated in a key “MadWaukee” corridor, halfway between Madison and Milwaukee, said Sue Vock, the director of marketing and development for the local Habitat for Humanity group... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Habitat for Humanity’s new 12-home development in Watertown is more than housing—it’s a blueprint for generational change. By creating stable, affordable homeownership opportunities for families earning 30–80% of the area median income, this project builds community, equity, and a pathway to long-term economic resilience. Volunteer labor, local partnerships, and homes priced for real working families! ![]() |
Affordable housing project planned near Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee |
![]() An affordable housing project could rise in the shadow of the Rockwell Automation headquarters in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Common Council will decide on a zoning change for 1435 S. 1st St. in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. Kenosha-based Bear Development submitted a request to rezone the site from industrial mixed to allow multi-family residential development, a spokesperson for the city of Milwaukee Department of City Development said. The proposed development will include 69 units of mixed-income housing that would be partially financed by housing tax credits through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the spokesperson added. Bear is planning a five-story building with 69 units with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, said Steven Rosandich, an associate project manager at Bear Development, in an email. The developer hopes to be ready to start construction in the second quarter of 2026. THE BLUEPRINT:
Leo’s notes: With rents rising and vacancy rates low, we must support projects like this that serve families earning around 60% of the area median income. The proposed zoning change at 1435 S. 1st Street isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating housing access and community stability in one of Wilwaukee`s most dynamic neighborhoods. ![]() |
2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit |
![]() Global and domestic shifts are reshaping our economy—and Wisconsin is
ready to lead. On October 15–16, 2025, over 400 of the state’s prominent
experts, economists, business leaders, and local and state government
representatives will meet in Green Bay to address challenges head-on and
seize emerging opportunities. At the Wisconsin Economic Summit, you’ll
gain knowledge, build powerful partnerships, and leave ready to drive
investment and innovation in your community. 2025 Theme: Unlocking Investment in Wisconsin’s Economy![]() |
Administration cancels $75 million in climate grants to Wisconsin, data shows |
![]() The cancelled projects include money for the state’s Department of Military Affairs to make infrastructure more resilient to climate change and a grant for the Milwaukee-based water quality non-profit Reflo, Inc. to help children in the city learn about sustainability and the environment.... Milwaukee energy efficiencyAmong the projects that have lost their funding is a grant program under the Inflation Reduction Act to help the city of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office work with non-profit organizations to help residents of the city’s predominately Black north side and predominately Latino south side connect with programs to make their homes more energy efficient.... ...“At the end of the day, we are trying to help the people that need the help the most, help them save on their energy bills and help them get their families stabilized, and create better environments for kids, and better environmental conditions for kids to have a better chance in life,” he says... Leo’s notes: The rollback of $75 million in federal climate and resilience funding for Wisconsin is more than a budget cut — it’s a direct hit to vulnerable communities, from Milwaukee’s north and south sides to tribal lands. These canceled projects would have lowered energy bills, improved housing safety, and strengthened climate resilience. Stripping this support midstream undermines stability for families, contractors, and local governments working toward a safer, more sustainable future. Wisconsin can’t afford political whiplash when the threats of climate change — from wildfire smoke to worsening floods — are already here. Consistent investment in climate-resilient, affordable housing isn’t partisan; it’s essential. Ken Notes: We are not taking political sides but we are advocating for more affordable housing, and efficiency is a huge part of that... ![]() |
Here`s how much you need to earn to rent an apartment in Milwaukee, according to a new study |
![]() The average one- or two-bedroom rental in Wisconsin is entirely unaffordable to full-time, minimum-wage workers in the state, according to a newly released study by the National Law Income Housing Coalition, a nonprofit working to expand affordable housing. In fact, the study found workers in no U.S. state, county or metropolitan area can comfortably afford a typical two-bedroom rental while making the local minimum wage. The report, compiled annually by the NLIHC, used the average rent costs in each state to calculate how much workers would need to earn to comfortably afford a rental home in their area. An "affordable" rent was defined as less than 30% of a worker`s monthly income, which is the generally recommended threshold for housing costs. In Wisconsin, the study found a worker needs to earn just over $23 hourly to afford a two-bedroom rental. That`s the 35th-highest wage out of the 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico... ...Full Story Here ![]() |
OPINION: Cutting housing counseling is a grave mistake |
![]() For generations, owning a home has been one of the most effective ways for American families to build wealth, stability and long-term opportunity. But for far too many families, especially those who are Black and Latine, this opportunity remains out of reach. Sustainable homeownership means giving people the tools and support they need to make informed decisions for long-term success. That’s what housing counseling does. Usually working at nonprofit organizations, trained counselors certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) help individuals and families navigate every stage of the housing journey, from renting to buying to holding on to their homes during hard times.The advice of these counselors is unbiased, typically free and grounded in the best interests of families and communities. They help clients build budgets, improve credit, understand down-payment assistance programs and avoid scams... ...If the administration truly believes in making homeownership more accessible, it must back that belief with action. That means fully funding HUD’s Housing Counseling Program, not abandoning it. Sustainable homeownership doesn’t just change one family’s future. It stabilizes neighborhoods, grows local economies and builds intergenerational opportunity. What we need is the political will and investment to keep housing counseling robust. ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: An OPINION worth reading. We have spent a lot on programs and developments in the past that had little or no impact on the actual housing market or affordable housing stock, but that suggest we need to refocus our efforts based on outcomes not eliminate them. ![]() |
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won`t run for re-election in 2026 |
![]() The 73-year-old Democrat`s decision not to seek a third term will set off a wide-open race to replace him in the closely divided battleground state.Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday he won’t run for re-election next year, a move that will set off a wide-open race to replace him in one of the nation’s most closely divided battleground states. In a video posted to X, Evers, 73, a Democrat, said he would not seek a third term so he could spend more time with his family, while also predicting he would have won had he run. "For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world, and I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together. It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term," he said. "I`m humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I ever had."... ...Full Story HereKen Notes: First thank you Governor Evers all you have done and will do. As housing advocates I believe we should put together a Housing Agenda for Wisconsin and seek candidates on both sides of the isle that will support Housing for ALL in Wisconsin. Wisconsin could become a model for building neighborhoods, creating affordable workforce housing for Baristas near CEO`s, bipartisan support for the people of Wisconsin, innovative construction and design, creating new community amenities, best use of new and existing infrastructure, and so much more. ![]() |
About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com) |
![]() 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. 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 ![]() |
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... ![]() |