...Full Story Here

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

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:

Housing crisis across Wisconsin draws federal attention from Sen. Baldwin

   ...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.

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.

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 Here

Leo’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.

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.

“From our smallest towns and villages and our state’s largest cities, affordable housing is the number one issue I hear most about across the state,” Gov. Tony Evers said at a news conference.

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 Here

Ken 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...

ENABLING BETTER PLACES: A USER’S GUIDE TO WISCONSIN NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABILITY	WHEDA’s Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative	Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
WISCAP Affordable Housing Network	Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources	Housing Authority City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp	WEDA Legislative Tracker	NRA Housing Needs By State / Wisconsin
Wisconsin Housing Alliance	Office of Rural Prosperity Wisconsin Economic Development

   ...Full Story Here

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

In a recent workshop held by the Oshkosh Common Council, city officials engaged in a detailed discussion about the Washington Housing Development, focusing on strategies to enhance affordable housing in the community. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and responsibility, as council members recognized the pressing need for housing solutions that cater to local residents.

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.

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.

   ...Full Story Here

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

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

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


   ...Full Story Here

   ...Full Story Here

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