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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News
This Weeks Articles for 3/23/2026 ...
- ‘They are squeezing everybody in this park to death’: Owners of manufactured homes get little protection as private equity moves in...
- Northmarq Arranges $23M Sale and $18.265M Acquisition Financing for Douglas Terrace Apartments in Wisconsin...
- New affordable housing in Duluth...
- New DeForest affordable housing program utilizes multi-pronged approach ...
- Cohousing Promises Lower Costs. Why Hasn’t It Worked in the US?...
- USDA funds home repairs investments in 11 Wisconsin counties ...
- Work could start by summer on apartments near former Milwaukee Walmart ...
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
La Crosse County Farm development inches forward, despite pushback from West Salem
A study commissioned by La Crosse County found the County Farm property in West Salem could support 1,145 housing units.Consultants presented the study to the La Crosse County Board on Monday after presenting a similar, countywide housing assessment. They maintained that the 111-acre property near Lake Neshonoc would be attractive to both developers and renters.
They also cautioned that the project’s greatest risk was community resistance — a concern that seems well-founded.
Leo's notes: As an advocate for housing affordability and reform, this development underscores a familiar challenge across Wisconsin: large-scale sites capable of meaningfully addressing housing shortages often encounter local resistance before planning even begins. With La Crosse County projected to need roughly 4,900 new housing units over the next decade, projects like the County Farm property could play a critical role in regional supply — but only if local governments, school districts and residents are brought into the conversation early and collaboratively.
Construction underway on downtown Madison workforce housing development
MADISON, Wis. — Construction crews have broken ground on The Bankston Apartments on West Mifflin Street as demand grows for downtown housing that essential workers can afford.The 40-unit development represents a partnership between SSM Health and Madison Development Corporation to address the growing shortage of workforce housing in downtown Madison. The project targets middle-income workers who are increasingly priced out of the downtown housing market.
Leo's notes: Construction has begun on The Bankston Apartments in downtown Madison, a 40-unit workforce housing project developed through a partnership between SSM Health and Madison Development Corporation. Projects like this highlight an important shift: employers, nonprofits and community lenders stepping in where the market alone cannot meet workforce housing needs. If communities want to remain economically competitive and livable, expanding housing options for the workers who keep cities running must remain a central priority.
New Peshtigo workforce housing project aims to grow the small town
Joe Beranek owns Evergreen Tools in Peshtigo. They make metal pieces for manufacturing equipment and fire suspension.
After more than a decade of operating in the area, he’s looking to expand.
“Our business is growing and it’s growing to the point where we need to buy additional equipment and they’re very large, so we’re looking to add on about another 10,000 square feet later this year, and with that, we’d be adding some new employees,” Beranek says.
Berman says the project will likely cost about $6 million, but the city will apply for about $2 million through state grants.
The concepts approved by council include around 30 homes, built on city-owned land off of West Front Road. The homes would be smaller and less expensive, targeting working individuals and families...
Leo’s notes: Peshtigo’s proposed 30-home workforce housing development highlights a challenge shared by many rural manufacturers: jobs exist, but housing shortages limit workforce growth. By using city-owned land and pursuing state grants to lower development costs, local leaders are aligning housing supply with economic expansion. For small towns competing for talent, housing is economic development.
Ken Notes: So about 200K per unit. I would love to see a state funded program allowing communities to buy land and install infrastructure then "front" the lots and improvements to developers for homes sold to owner occupants for under 200K. I can not think of a more productive way to invest a 4 Billion dollar surplus. That could create almost 100,000 homes for our service and retail workers. Not to mention attracting new workers into our communities.
‘They are squeezing everybody in this park to death’: Owners of manufactured homes get little protection as private equity moves in
Experts estimate that more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents live in manufactured homes, the more accurate name for what many call mobile homes or trailers — structures that make up the country’s largest portion of unsubsidized low-income housing. Many live in parks where they own their homes but rent the land beneath them.But Wisconsin’s government is failing to enforce basic protections for residents at a time when private equity firms are buying up parks to maximize profits, a Wisconsin Watch/WPR investigation found.
Wisconsin law requires operators to keep parks “in a clean, safe, orderly and sanitary condition at all times.” The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is supposed to enforce that law and licensing standards. But it rarely inspects parks, allows many to go unlicensed and doesn’t even know which parks are operating... ...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: As private equity increasingly acquires parks, residents — who often cannot afford to relocate their homes — face growing instability with few clear avenues for recourse. This highlights a critical gap: preserving affordability without enforcing standards is not true housing stability. If manufactured housing is to remain a viable part of the affordability solution, Wisconsin must modernize oversight, strengthen tenant protections and treat this sector as essential infrastructure — not an afterthought.
Ken Notes: If the Wisconsin Legislature really wanted to make a difference in housing in Wisconsin they would draft regulations requiring investors to maintain clean safe home sites for their residents or lose the property. Also provide for a safe way to report abuse without fear of reprisal.
$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...
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.
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.
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...
...Full Story Here
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.
Northmarq Arranges $23M Sale and $18.265M Acquisition Financing for Douglas Terrace Apartments in Wisconsin
Northmarq’s Chicago Investment Sales team led by Alex Malzone, Parker Stewart, Dominic Martinez and Jake Lamb, in collaboration with its Chicago Debt + Equity team led by Brett Hood and Kevin McCarthy, successfully arranged the sale and acquisition financing of Douglas Terrace Apartments, a 202-unit garden apartment community located at 3706 Douglas Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.Northmarq completed the $23 million sale representing the seller, MLG Capital LLC. The buyer was a private capital group from Illinois... ...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: transactions like this highlight a key dynamic: existing workforce housing is not only in short supply, but increasingly viewed as a stable, high-performing investment opportunity. While capital flowing into these assets reinforces their value, it also reinforces the urgency for communities to preserve and expand workforce housing inventory so affordability is not eroded as demand — and investor interest — continues to rise.
Governors Applaud Progress on Housing Affordability
Washington, DC – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, co-chairs of the National Governors Association (NGA) Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force, released the following statement on congressional consideration of the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”
“Governors have been on the frontlines of housing affordability and are pleased that Congress is now working to deliver the bold, supply-side leadership that states have pioneered,” commented Govs. Evers and Gordon. “Governors welcome alignment at the federal level with the approach they have long championed and stand ready to be partners in implementation. America cannot achieve economic competitiveness, workforce mobility or intergenerational opportunity without adequate, affordable housing. Governors have built the case, and we welcome Congress answering the call.”
This federal action directly reflects the bipartisan consensus Governors forged at NGA’s 2025 Winter Meeting, when they unanimously approved federal priorities including:
- Increasing housing supply by strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and giving states and territories the tools necessary to streamline zoning, permitting, and land use policies.
- Accelerating infrastructure project delivery and streamlining permitting to reduce the cost burden on developers and local governments while retaining critical review processes.
- Ensuring federal action is state led and locally driven — avoiding one-size-fits-all mandates that undermine gubernatorial authority.
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon are urging stronger federal action on housing as Congress considers the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.” They also highlighted the importance of streamlining permitting and ensuring solutions remain state-led and locally driven. The message is clear: expanding housing supply is essential not only for affordability, but for workforce mobility, economic competitiveness and long-term community stability.
Housing shortage impacting northeast Wisconsin, industry leaders say
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Communities across Wisconsin, including northeast Wisconsin, are continuing to face a significant housing shortage, according to local industry leaders.
Local 5’s Stacy Engebretson spoke with representatives from the home building industry and the Realtors Association to examine the challenges driving the shortage and potential solutions.
...Full Story Here
County announces $1 million in housing grants
Last week, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced $1 million in grant funds will be released to accelerate housing development and help address the county’s housing crisis. Interested municipalities can use the funds to update their zoning codes, permitting processes, and internal procedures.
“Regulatory barriers can drive up housing costs and restrict the supply of homes and the range of housing options available.” Agard said. “Through the CDBG PRO Housing grant program, our participating municipalities will have a chance to review their local zoning, permitting, and internal procedures—and make important reforms to remove barriers and support more housing.”...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Dane County’s $1 million PRO Housing grant program targets a key barrier to workforce housing: local regulations that slow or limit development. By helping municipalities modernize zoning and permitting systems, the initiative focuses on structural reforms that expand supply across the region. Streamlining local rules is emerging as one of the most effective housing tools
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.
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...
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.
New affordable housing in Duluth
Duluth’s inventory of affordable housing expanded on Friday with the grand opening of two new supportive housing developments: Wadena West and Welch Place Apartments.
Located next to each other on 52nd Avenue West, the new buildings offer a total of 90 units designated for single adults experiencing homelessness. As supportive housing, the apartments pair affordable rent with on?site services designed to help residents stabilize and rebuild their lives...
...The $31 million project was funded through a blend of local, state, and federal support. Major contributors included: Minnesota Housing, St. Louis County, City of Duluth, and Private investment partners...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: As communities look to reduce homelessness long-term, investments like this demonstrate how housing, health and social services must work together to create lasting outcomes. Affordable housing alone is not enough for the most vulnerable populations — supportive services must be integrated into the model.
Plans Approved for 39-Unit Affordable Housing Apartment
Sturgeon Bay’s Aesthetic Design and Site Plan Review Board approved plans on March 9 for Spoerl Commercial to build the first phase of an affordable housing project along North 14th Avenue. The initial phase calls for a three-story, 39-unit apartment building south of Georgia Street.
Developer Brian Spoerl has been awarded low-income housing tax credits through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to offer the units to households earning between 30-60% of Door County’s area median income.
Spoerl said his affordable housing project is “feasible and financeable,” with one-bedroom apartments for residents earning 30% of the county’s area medium income renting for $479 per month...
...Full Story Here
Leos’ notes: Sturgeon Bay is advancing an affordable housing development after site plan approval for the project’s first phase. Supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, the project illustrates the reality housing developers face today — careful design adjustments and cost controls are often required just to keep affordable housing financially feasible. For communities like Door County, where workforce housing shortages continue to grow, projects like this represent an essential step toward restoring balance in the local housing market.
Report: Zoning approvals in area communities can add hundreds of days to development timelines
Leo’s notes: As shortages push prices higher, the pace of local approvals is emerging as a key factor in expanding workforce housing supply. Regulatory efficiency is becoming a central housing strategy. Zoning reform and approval process (and timelines) must continue to be evaluated for real change to occur.
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.”...
...Full Story Here
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.
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
Central Wisconsin housing summit aims to spark solutions April 15
Central Wisconsin leaders gather April 15 for a hands-on housing summit focused on supply, affordability, needs, and small?scale development.
STEVENS POINT ? The Central Wisconsin Housing Summit is set for April 15 at the Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It aims to bring together regional leaders, housing professionals, employers, developers, lenders, educators and community members to address housing challenges in the area, according to a community announcement.
The summit will focus on practical solutions for housing supply, affordability, workforce development and neighborhood reinvestment. It will include an overview of regional housing efforts, featuring new findings from the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Study......Full Story Here
Leos’ notes: A great initiative that will bring together community leaders, developers and lenders to focus on practical solutions to housing supply, affordability and workforce development. The event will feature new insights from the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Study and a keynote from UW–Madison urban planning professor Kurt Paulsen. A great opportunity to move beyond discussion and build coordinated regional action to increase housing development and reinvestment.
Madison officials float more financing tools to expand affordable housing supply
The City of Madison Economic Development Division discussed using tax incremental financing to support affordable housing development during a Housing Policy Committee meeting last week.
Madison officials are turning to new housing policies and financing tools as the city works to keep pace with rapid growth and one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country.
Launched in 2021, the city’s Housing Forward initiative aims to help create 15,000 new homes by 2030 through expanding housing choice. Some of the completed milestones include renovating rental homes and public housing units, constructing additional affordable housing and creating a transit district that prioritizes walking and biking access to bus lines.
To continue creating affordable housing throughout Madison, the city’s Economic Development Division said their staff has three main focuses: “[Monitor changes in TIF policies, strategically purchase land and provide accessible public transportation].”
At the committee meeting, Madison’s Economic Development Division Director Matt Mikolajewski said lawmakers at the Capitol have been revising state housing laws in recent weeks...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Madison officials are expanding their use of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) as part of the city’s Housing Forward initiative, which aims to create 15,000 new homes by 2030. City leaders say tools like strategic land acquisition, transit-oriented development and flexible TIF policy will be essential to closing the housing gap. Proposed state changes allowing longer TIF use for affordable housing and stacking multiple financing programs could significantly increase development feasibility. The pattern remains clear- solving the housing shortage will require creative use of public financing tools alongside private investment.
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.
...Full Story Here
New DeForest affordable housing program utilizes multi-pronged approach
The Village of DeForest has officially launched its new affordable housing program, HomeReach DeForest, after the village board unanimously approved it on Tuesday, March 17.
The program is split into two parts: the Affordable Housing Development Fund and the Home Improvement and Downpayment Assistance Fund.
“HomeReach DeForest is about making sure our community remains accessible and livable for a wide range of residents,” DeForest Community Development Director Alex Allon said. “This program allows us to support both new housing development and the people who already call DeForest home.”...
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: this is a strong example of using TIF not just for projects, but as a sustained housing ecosystem tool — supporting both supply and stability. For growing communities like DeForest, balancing new development with resident retention will be critical to maintaining long-term affordability and community continuity.
Dells Mayor Highlights Growth
$250M Dellshire Resort Set to Open
Headlining the city’s development wave is the Dellshire, a $250 million resort slated to open this spring. Designed as a 16th-century manor-style retreat, the property will feature stone masonry, turrets and medieval-themed rooms intended to deliver an immersive guest experience.
Local officials anticipate the Dellshire will generate new hospitality jobs and expand the city’s appeal to higher-end travelers seeking a more boutique experience...Leo’s notes: As hospitality jobs expand and more workers choose to live year-round in the region, local leaders are recognizing that workforce housing is essential to sustaining the visitor economy. In tourism markets, housing supply increasingly determines economic capacity
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...
...Full Story Here
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.
Cohousing Promises Lower Costs. Why Hasn’t It Worked in the US?
From shared meals to shared tools, cohousing offers a vision of lower-cost, community-centered living. While that vision is taking hold in the UK, communities in the US face barriers that drive up costs and limit who can participate.
Cohousing residential communities are designed to foster neighborliness, encouraging practices like borrowing ingredients from neighbors, sharing occasional meals, and watching one another’s children. Cohousing is a “community intentionally designed with ample common spaces surrounded by private homes,” according to the Cohousing Association of the United States (CohoUS), a national nonprofit that promotes these types of neighborhoods.
As CohoUS Board President Laurie Frank explains, “You bring in architects who know how to build for people who connect. … You’re always crossing paths. An example is that parking is on the outskirts of the building, not right outside your door.”
Nationally, there are about 160 cohousing communities across the U.S., says Trish Becker-Hafnor, CohoUS’s executive director. Industry numbers are imprecise, but a cohousing community in Santa Cruz, California, estimates that around 13,000 people nationally and over 60,000 worldwide live in cohousing communities. These communities are typically structured legally as condominiums, though other structures such as cooperatives can be used...
Notes: Leo's notes: While traditionally costly in the U.S., emerging models that pair cohousing with tools like community land trusts or retrofit existing neighborhoods are beginning to lower barriers and expand access. Simply put, affordability is not just about unit cost, but about shared resources, reduced space needs, and social infrastructure. If integrated with proven affordability tools, cohousing could become a meaningful part of the “missing middle” solution — blending housing supply with stronger, more resilient communities...
Milwaukee area embraces backyard homes, but not without debate
The couple now plans to spend a six-figure amount, helped with city cash, to make the building livable for a family member or other person.
The Hansons are taking advantage of the growing trend among Milwaukee-area communities to boost development of such backyard second homes. They`re known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs... ...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: Incremental housing solutions are becoming increasingly important in the workforce housing puzzle, particularly in well-established neighborhoods like Wauwatosa in Milwaukee. No amount of NIMBYism should outweigh the upside of these solutions.
Wisconsin’s forgotten homes: Takeaways from investigating manufactured housing
I didn’t initially know much about these communities, often called mobile home parks, where residents own their homes but rent the land they sit on. I quickly learned they provide a critical source of affordable housing in Wisconsin and beyond — the country’s largest portion of unsubsidized low-income housing.
Housing experts and advocates told me private equity’s growing interest in the model threatens to change that. My reporting found that Wisconsin’s government is failing to enforce basic protections for owners. Still, some residents and groups see pathways for safe, affordable manufactured home ownership as a solution during an affordability crisis. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We should recreate the statutes that govern both the old mobile home parks and newer options for denser lots allowing for manufactured homes. Also the practice of buying parks and then ignoring the tenants and using the income as a cash cow is the newest form of slumlords and we allow it to happen.
USDA funds home repairs investments in 11 Wisconsin counties
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WKOW) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced new funding for home repairs in 11 Wisconsin counties. The initiative is meant to assist low to very low-income homeowners with essential health and safety updates.
"Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to ensuring safe, affordable housing for rural Wisconsinites," said Andrew C. Iverson, Wisconsin state director. "Every Wisconsinite deserves a safe place to call home. This investment makes it more affordable for families, seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes with the accessibility and security that is needed so they can live independently."..
...Full Story Here
Leo's notes: Local partners, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, will use the funding to improve safety, energy efficiency and accessibility for dozens of households. This program is a reminder that preservation is one of the most cost-effective housing strategies available— especially in rural markets where new construction is limited. Helping residents stay safely in their homes not only stabilizes communities, but also protects existing affordable housing stock that would be far more expensive to replace...
Milwaukee`s downtown development boom stalls: What`s holding up major projects?
It was big news when construction stopped abruptly on downtown`s Edison apartment high-rise – but that`s not the only Milwaukee project in limbo.
Milwaukee hosts several major developments that received city approvals years ago but have either not yet broken ground, or have ground to a halt after construction started.
This includes major projects, such as apartment towers and high-end hotels...
...Full Story Here
Leo’s notes: When financing gaps, market shifts, or construction costs delay projects, planned housing supply never materializes. For cities facing shortages, keeping approved developments moving from paper to production is becoming a critical priority.
Affordable housing bill headed to US Senate
WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Thursday was poised to pass legislation aimed at boosting affordable housing construction nationwide, giving lawmakers the ability to campaign for re-election this year by highlighting efforts to ease the burden of high living costs.The legislation, spearheaded by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina, a conservative Republican, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, the progressive senior Democrat on that panel, would have to be reviewed and voted on by the House of Representatives if it passes the Senate, as is expected.
Leo's notes: The U.S. Senate is advancing bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting affordable housing construction and addressing the nation’s estimated 4 million home shortage. In summary, the proposal includes incentives to increase housing supply, streamline permitting, expand financing through federal block grants, and raise loan limits for multifamily housing. The bill also proposes limits on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, reflecting growing concern about investor competition in the housing market. This effort signals rare bipartisan recognition that increasing housing supply must be central to addressing affordability and easing pressure on first-time buyers.
‘Dementia Village’ in Wisconsin Will House Patients in ‘Main Street USA’ Setting
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.
Work could start by summer on apartments near former Milwaukee Walmart
Construction could start by late summer on an affordable apartment community near a long-closed Walmart store in Milwaukee‘s central city.The 100-unit first phase of Midtown Commons is planned for a parking lot east of North 60th Street and north of West Hope Avenue.
That’s just north of the Walmart, 5825 W. Hope Ave., which closed in 2016, and south of a former Lowe’s store converted in 2018 into a distribution center for Sellars Absorbent Materials, 5800 W. Hope Ave.
Ken Notes: We should require that development sites have an exit strategy so that the locations do not remain vacant for years. This could be a key in providing more workforce housing in a region. And for our community development leaders this can be built into you development agreements. We almost always fail to think about what happens when, especially when a shiny new project is promising great retail, office or other use and the new tax revenue that comes with it.
Did you know that Walmart typically plans for an initial occupancy period of 15 to 20 years when developing new projects. While their buildings are often designed with a specific structural lifespan of roughly 15 to 30 years...
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...
...Full Story Here
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.
About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com)
Across Wisconsin many employees can simply not afford to live where they work. This is true in big cities and small rural communities. Both the availability and price of housing is not in line with the needs of those working in jobs that are vital to the success of our communities. Imagine a firefighter, teacher, city employee, service, or retail worker not able to afford a home in the community they serve.
List of Housing Resources
WRA Wisconsin Housing Statistics (Thanks Jon!)
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) Program
ENABLING BETTER PLACES: A USER’S GUIDE TO WISCONSIN NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABILITY
WHEDA’s Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
WISCAP Affordable Housing Network
Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
Housing Authority City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp
WEDA Legislative Tracker
NRA Housing Needs By State / Wisconsin
DANE WORKFORCE HOUSING FUND
Dane County Regional Housing Strategy (RHS)
A Housing Hurdle: Demographics Drive Need for More Homes
Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance
WRA’s “Falling Behind” report
Social Development Commission - Pathway to success
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
Middleton Workforce Housing Committe
Milwaukee’s Collective Affordable Housing Strategic Plan
Workforce Housing Initiative For Wisconsin
2020 Symposia Series on Workforce Housing
Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance.org/resources/
City of Milwaukee Affordability Report
WHEDA Qualified Allocation Plan
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
City of Milwaukee Consolidated Plan
Wisconsin Consolidated Plan
SEWRPC Regional Housing Plan
Wisconsin Policy Forum Reports
Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights
White House Fact Sheet on Rental Affordability
Community Economic Development / Division of Extension
Oshkosh Kids Foundation Tiny House Village