This Weeks Articles for 5/13/2025 ...

1. DSPS Puts Focus on Affordable Housing...
2. Hillpointe Launches Nonprofit to Tackle Attainable Workforce Housing Challenges...
3. 9 Most Affordable Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2025...
4. Rethinking building codes: How Wisconsin could build more by regulating smarter...
5. GOP bill would support investments in child care, workforce housing ...
6. What you need to know about efforts to create affordable housing for early childhood educators ...
7. St. Croix EDC to share results of new county-wide housing study...

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Community Updates, News Stories, Best Practices, Resources, and other data supporting the development of affordable housing for the citizens of Wisconsin in every city and region in the State. Please consider partnering with us and sharing your story

Despite recent changes to some of La Crosse’s city zoning rules, the development planned for Mayo Health Clinic employee living quarters struggled to adhere to any one zoning type.

Thursday evening, the city council spent most of its discussion figuring out a solid path of approval for the project because it does not fit any city zoning regulations.

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From April 28 through May 3, 2025, La Crosse Housing Week will offer a series of events and gatherings for community members to learn about local housing issues and how to get involved. Please join us! All events are free and open to the public. At each event, you’ll learn simple ways you can make change in the La Crosse community.

Sustainable Futures: Housing as a Catalyst for Healthier Communities with Habitat for Humanity

Case Study: City of Middleton Zoning Code Rewrite

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region and other local organizations are hosting the first La Crosse Housing Week. It will offer a series of events and gatherings for community members to learn about local housing issues.

Natalie Heneghan with Habitat for Humanity says they wanted to create La Crosse Housing Week because the city needs more affordable housing.

“For too long the wages in our community have not kept up with the cost of housing, the cost to build housing, and the lost of land and construction. We really want to draw attention to this issue and invite members of the public into this conversation. It shouldn’t just be housing advocates and organizations talking about housing. Housing affects every single person in our community. We want to invite more people into the conversation to shape a better La Crosse,” says Heneghan.

Part of the housing week involves a missing middle housing tour, which allows people to take a closer look at places with multiple housing units on the same lot. Heneghan says modern zoning codes have made housing options like this less available...

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Leo’s note: La Crosse Housing Week sparks the kind of conversations we need to build a future where everyone—regardless of income—can afford to live, work, and thrive in our community. I had the pleasure to attend a few of their events and was excited to see homeowners, developers, city staff, and many key stakeholders rally around improving availability and affordability of homes.

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (WKBT) -- A new affordable housing development powered by solar energy celebrated its grand opening Monday in Prairie du Chien.

Prairie Eco Cottages features 24 units ranging from one to three bedrooms, each with a garage. The development provides quality housing for income-eligible workers, seniors and residents with disabilities.

Praire Eco Cottages holds open house event highlighting housing development that addresses growing costs

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Leo`s notes: It’s inspiring to see a development like Prairie Eco-Cottages that truly understands the needs of the community. Affordable, sustainable housing options are essential for keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and welcoming to all. Projects like this show how thoughtful design can strengthen community ties and offer more people a place to call home. Thank you for investing in solutions that put people first!

UW–Madison Urban Planning Professor Kurt Paulsen said Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal to provide incentives to local governments for zoning changes would be an effective tool to bring more affordable housing to the state.

But the chair of the Assembly Local Government Committee, Todd Novak, argued zoning incentives would not make a difference in supporting affordable housing.

“I firmly believe zoning isn’t the issue,” the former Dodgeville mayor said.

However, another Republican working on housing, Assembly Committee on Housing and Real Estate Chair Rob Brooks, R-Saukville, said “everybody thinks we need to address’’ zoning but said he would like some changes to the governor’s current proposal.

The governor’s proposal would provide $20 million for a pilot program that would provide grants to local municipalities if they enact zoning changes to build more affordable housing.

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Leo`s notes: Governor Evers’ proposal is a smart, much-needed step toward making housing more affordable for Wisconsin families. Modernizing zoning laws to allow for greater flexibility will help create more attainable homes, strengthen communities, and support our local economies. Affordability and access must be at the center of our growth — and this plan moves us in the right direction

Ken Notes: I promise zoning is an important PART of the problem but it is only a part. We need to work with developers and builders to address the rest of the issues. We need to build neighborhoods with homes for all income levels.

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is recognizing Affordable Housing Week (May 12-16) by travelling the state to host collaborative conversations on ways the department’s work regarding building codes could potentially lead to an increase in affordable housing development in Wisconsin.

DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth will visit multiple affordable housing facilities, engaging developers, architects, and other key stakeholders.

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Leo`s notes:  Refreshing to see DSPS take real action to modernize outdated building codes that have long inflated housing costs. By actively removing regulatory barriers and collaborating with key agencies, Wisconsin is finally aligning policy with the urgent need for more affordable homes...

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Leo’s notes: This is exactly the kind of long-term affordability strategy we need—land trust homes that break the cycle of skyrocketing prices and keep neighborhoods accessible for working families. A win for equity and for Madison’s future. Also Note: Todd Mandel (far right) is a former housing director at CouleeCap...

State`s low-income housing tax credit program may double under separate budget proposal

A new bipartisan bill aims to incentivize housing developments in rural Wisconsin.

It’s one of a pair of new bills aiming to address the state’s housing shortage. The other would raise lending limits for low-interest loan programs launched in a bipartisan push last year.

The tax credit bill directs the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, or WHEDA, to give 35 percent of its annual credits to developments in rural areas and loosens financing restrictions for projects receiving credits...

See Also:

Local legislators co-sponsoring bipartisan bill seeking to expand housing tax credits in rural Wisconsin

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Ken Notes: What we need is a fund that allows communities to buy and provide infrastructure to new development and infill, then make the land available to developers deferring holding costs until the property sells. Communities would then either buy more land or repay the state. The community could plan for density, affordability, neighborhood design, mixed use, amenities... If you are wondering if this would work, industrial parks were built this way.

In response to the extreme shortage of attainable housing for essential workers, HAWCS will advocate for policies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions.

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Leo`s notes: HAWCS is stepping in where policy has lagged—putting essential workers at the center of the housing conversation. By blending advocacy, education, and partnerships, this nonprofit challenges the broken systems that have priced out teachers, nurses, and first responders from the communities they serve. It’s a timely, community-rooted effort we need more of nationwide.

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Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Releases March 2025 Real Estate Report

Madison, Wis. - The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) released its March 2025 Wisconsin Real Estate Report today, revealing a double-digit decrease in existing home sales of 10.2% compared to March 2024. Inventory supply remains well below what would be considered a balanced market, and the median price of homes rose to $300,500 in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2024. However, affordability has improved after a re-benchmarking of statewide median family income data showed positive growth. As a result, the Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index increased by 7.2%.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

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The need for affordable housing in the United States has never been greater. After a dizzying run-up in residential real estate prices and rents in the last few years, housing costs are putting a financial squeeze on renters and homebuyers nationwide as they compete for a scarce, expensive supply of housing.

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With the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the charming towns in Door County, and vibrant cities like Milwaukee, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Wisconsin. If you’ve been considering moving to Wisconsin or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. As of April, the median home sale price in Wisconsin is $310,800. 

Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of 9 of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list...

#1: Racine...

#2: Oshkosh...

#3: Milwaukee...

#4: La Crosse...

#5: Kenosha...

#6: West Allis...

#7: Green Bay...

#8: Janesville...

#9: Appleton...

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RACINE, WI — As Wisconsin confronts a shortfall of more than 227,000 housing units by 2030, state and local officials, developers, and housing advocates gathered at the new Arabella Apartments in Racine on Monday, May 12, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the state: how to build more affordable housing amid rising costs, outdated building regulations, and federal funding uncertainty.

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What a mess.

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Ken Notes: We need leadership from the state on this issues. Cities are trying their best but without direction they are struggling. Remember the basics Land, Infrastructure, Design, Size, Density, and Cost...

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Brown County’s Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday night to give the city of Green Bay $3.5 million for a new fire station and affordable housing.

The project is at the former Badger Sheet Metal site in the 400 block of South Broadway.

The building would be a combined fire station and a 200-unit apartment building.

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Ken Notes: Mixing public use and affordable development is a great idea.

(The Center Square) – Home prices in Wisconsin continue to go up, and there continue to be fewer homes for sale.

The March report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association shows a double-digit drop in home sales and a nearly 4% increase in the median price in the state.

“Wisconsin home sales fell 10.2% compared to solid sales in March 2024,” the report noted. “[And] the median price rose 3.7% over the past 12 months to $310,000.”

The median price is statewide, and homes in the Madison and WOW counties areas are much higher.

Wisconsin’s price increases and number of homes for sale are not just a March problem, the report points out. March was also the end of the first quarter of 2025, and the numbers show a trend.   ...Full Story Here

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Housing solutions were on the menu at a creative community event in La Crosse on Thursday, where tacos and innovative housing concepts made for a productive lunch hour.

Community members packed the Pump House Regional Arts Center for "Let`s Taco `Bout ADUs," an educational workshop sponsored by AARP Wisconsin designed to inform residents about new housing options now available in the city.

Attendees enjoyed a complimentary taco lunch while learning about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – compact, standalone homes that can be built on existing residential properties following the city`s legalization of these structures last year.

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Ken Notes: Leo and I were involved with the La Crosse events this week, thus the coverage. It was a great week!

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

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

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A strip mall on Madison’s west side will soon be converted into an apartment complex with more than 75 affordable housing units and 25 units dedicated to people experiencing homelessness.

The Dane County Board of Supervisors approved the project on April 10. A 124-unit apartment complex will replace the “White House Shoppes” at 6706-6714 Odana Road.

District 19 Alder John Guequierre said with some of the shops vacant after the pandemic, the space provides an opportunity to prioritize families in need of affordable housing.

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Seeking to help more low-income adults earn college degrees, a longtime academic program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is urging a new housing model for its students.

Leaders of the Odyssey Project say the shift is needed due to the rising costs of housing in the Madison area, which is the most common barrier to their students’ success. A city housing committee recently reported the median monthly rent in Madison is about $1,465.

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Leo`s Notes: Affordable housing tied to education is a powerful force for breaking generational poverty. When students have a safe, stable home, they can focus fully on building their future — and that lifts up entire families and communities. Every person deserves the chance to succeed without the crushing burden of housing insecurity. Investing in models like Family Scholar House isn’t just smart — it’s life-changing.

A new GOP bill increasing the flexibility of some state tax credit programs would bolster investments in workforce housing and child care, WisBusiness reports.

The new legislation follows a bill signed into law in 2024 that made changes to Wisconsin’s Business Development Tax Credit and Enterprise Zone Tax Credit programs. Current law allows qualifying recipients to claim tax benefits up to 15% of their investment in workforce housing for employees and up to 15% of their investment in creating a child care program for employees. It defines qualifying investments as “capital expenditures made by the person.”

The Bill is Here.

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Leo’s notes: Expanding tax credit eligibility beyond direct capital investments and employee-only programs finally recognizes the role businesses can play in broader community solutions. Removing red tape to support child care and workforce housing is exactly the kind of flexibility we need to strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce and local economies.

If you’re an early childhood educator, you might be eligible to purchase an affordable home.

Since October, local groups like the Community Development Alliance, Acts Housing and Habitat for Humanity have partnered to create homes for early childhood educators. Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced a $1 million gift to help fund the development of more.

“One of our mantras every day is ‘we love teachers,’ ” said JoAnne Anton, the foundation’s president, at an April 30 event at Malaika Early Learning Center in the Harambee neighborhood. “That includes early childhood educators. Unfortunately, the early childhood education sector is struggling.”

How it works

The three-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot homes are part of a 42-home development being built around five early childhood education centers.

The homes are exclusively for early childhood educators and will be sold for approximately $100,000 each...

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Leo’s notes: Solving multiple issues at once! By linking homeownership to early childhood educators, this partnership not only addresses our housing crisis but affirms the essential value of the people who help shape our youngest learners. Affordable homes for educators mean stronger families, better outcomes for children, and more stable communities.

Family Promise of the Great Rivers approaches community advocacy with rotational housing and other resources

Homelessness is often seen as a big city problem. But rural and small town communities also face unemployment, limited access to affordable housing and poverty.

Last year, 217 people were unsheltered in west central Wisconsin, according to the Institute for Community Alliances.

A new homeless shelter in Monroe County recently opened their doors to those individuals and families in need to provide food, clothing, life skills and community support...

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A proposed zoning change in a neighborhood near UW-La Crosse was recommended by a La Crosse city council committee on Tuesday.

The Judiciary and Administrative Committee voted 5-2 to transfer lots on West Avenue and Badger Street from business to residential use, for new housing.

Part of a street near the development site may have to be vacated to allow for parking that would be needed by tenants.

One landlord, who has units on that block, told the committee that the project might hurt their business by removing affordable housing and putting more parking spaces in an already dense area.

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Leo`s notes: This rezoning opens the door for much-needed residential development near UW-La Crosse. Thoughtfully adding housing in walkable areas like this helps to ease pressure on affordability while strengthening neighborhoods.

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In 2022, Taylor Larson and Taki Papademetriou wanted to turn a rundown garage into a fresh opportunity.

Their home near Monona Bay was crammed with the couple and their two children, with little room for guests. At the same time, they had a garage badly in need of repair. To solve both problems at once, the family decided to renovate the garage and add a home on top of it.

“We`re like, well, that`s a really great way to kill two birds with one stone,” Larson recalled thinking...   ...Full Story Here

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Ken Notes: I say this every week, if you refuse to live near your barista you need to make your own damn coffee. We need more mixed neighborhoods and communities that house the workforce that sustains them.

HUDSON - St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has announced plans to hold a series of events to share results and discuss a new study of housing issues across the county.  The first ever St. Croix County comprehensive survey is nearing completion and was designed to review the current housing supply, analyze the county’s future housing demand, define potential gaps between the supply and demand, and highlight key hurdles and challenges that may need to be resolved to help ?ll these gaps. The study will also have a series of specific ?ndings and some recommended actions.

“How we deal with the challenges and opportunities related to housing is an important conversation for the entire county,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of St. Croix EDC. “We conducted the study to make sure this conversation is as informed as possible. The data is comprehensive to help us better understand what’s happening today, what data suggests will happen in the future, and to look at ideas and recommendations to help everyone make better decisions. We are excited to be ready to share the information and are looking forward to the conversations with all our stakeholders.”

SCEDC hired the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, a multi-county planning agency, to conduct the survey. The commission works on planning for physical, social and economic development in Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix counties.

The study was designed to create a housing needs assessment, an affordable housing solutions toolbox, a county-wide housing snapshot, and housing snapshots for speci?c municipalities. It will document all the study ?ndings and recommended actions. The snapshots will summarize demographic and housing data within the community, along with the county’s housing needs and goals, as documented in the county-wide housing study.

The State of Wisconsin has projected St. Croix County’s population will increase by approximately 10% from 2020 to 2050, yet household sizes are expected to decrease. This will likely lead to an increased number of households and a greater need for additional housing units.

“With so much change happening here, from population changes and an evolving regional economy, we think having updated baseline facts about housing is incredibly important,” Meschke said. “We also realized that a comprehensive, county-wide housing study has never been conducted until now.”...

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Leo`s notes:  St. Croix County’s proactive approach to understanding its housing needs is a model for regional planning. With population growth and shrinking household sizes ahead, this data-driven study is a crucial step toward smart, inclusive housing solutions. Transparent conversations like these help ensure every community—urban or rural—can plan for a future where people can afford to live where they work.

In 2023, state lawmakers created three workforce housing programs they said would boost house construction around Wisconsin.

They didn’t work as well as legislators hoped.

Out of a total allocation of $475 million, only $16.4 million has made it to development projects to date...

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Ken Notes: My "Fix"... Lend money to communities to buy land, design and zone for affordability, install infrastructure, solicit developers/builders to build smaller affordable homes, defer land and infrastructure cost until closing, then repay the city who either reinvests or returns funds to the state...

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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.


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