Copper Rocks development among projects awarded WHEDA loans

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) -- Governor Tony Evers announced $50 million to support 22 new housing developments across 10 counties, including La Crosse County, according to a release on Wednesday.

The funding is provided by the Vacancy-to-Vitality, Infrastructure Access, and Restore Main Street loan programs from the Wisconsin housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). It will help create nearly 1,900 workforce housing units for communities across Wisconsin.

“Expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a key part of our work to support kids and families, strengthen our communities, and grow our state’s workforce,” said Evers. “I’m proud of our efforts to build affordable housing statewide—to the tune of over 35,000 new units—that will help communities grow, and workers, families, and seniors thrive. Together, we are building the future we want to see for folks and communities across our state.” ...

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Leo's notes: WHEDA financing for Copper Rocks helps move La Crosse’s long-planned redevelopment of the former Kmart site closer to reality, turning an obsolete commercial property into a mixed-use neighborhood with new housing. Projects like this show why workforce housing programs must do more than support greenfield construction—they should also help communities overcome the cost barriers to reclaiming underused sites. Strategic financing can turn yesterday’s commercial spaces into tomorrow’s housing supply...