County Executive Josh Schoemann said he’s seen his community struggle for years with retaining younger generations, primarily because the cost of housing has crept up to the point that looking elsewhere for a home makes financial sense. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Schoemann was Hartford School Board president, he saw it happening.
“Even back then the cost of owning a home, or even renting, was pretty high at that point,” he said. “And now, of course, it’s exponentially higher, and so I kind of look at all the different things that impact why somebody would live here, move here, stay here, and it’s housing, and transportation, and childcare costs and things like that. But really, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, kind of that baseline shelter, is the first real need.”
For the past few years, Washington County has been focusing on the problem by subsidizing, primarily with American Rescue Plan Act dollars, Next Generation Housing projects and help with down payments through the Heart and Homestead program, which provides up to $20,000 in assistance...
Leo's notes: Washington County’s Next Generation Housing initiative demonstrates that workforce housing extends beyond rentals to creating attainable paths to homeownership for young workers and families. By combining lower-cost homes, down payment assistance, and public-private partnerships, the county is helping the next generation live where they work. Expanding attainable ownership opportunities continues to be a powerful workforce development strategy.
Ken Notes: This may be a model to keep on your radar screen. Imagine a community working together to retain and attract a younger workforce. Also consider the attractiveness of this to new businesses looking to grow or locate in Wisconsin.
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- - Volume: 26 - WEEK: 31 Date: 7/27/2026 4:20:07 PM -