Brooks unveils new bills aiming to boost affordable housing in Wisconsin

Rep. Rob Brooks has announced a package of bills to build on last session’s bipartisan housing legislation and efforts to boost affordable housing in Wisconsin. 

Brooks, who chairs the Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee, led a series of housing bills Gov. Tony Evers signed into law in 2023. The package sought to address the state’s housing shortage, setting aside $525 million for affordable housing development loans. 

At a Capitol press conference yesterday, Brooks joined fellow Republicans and stakeholders in announcing the latest effort. 

Brooks said Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. 

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Leo’s notes: Rep. Rob Brooks’ newly announced housing package underscores a critical truth: Wisconsin cannot thrive without affordable places for workers and families to call home. The proposals—ranging from workforce housing TIF districts to first-time homebuyer loan programs—represent another step toward tackling a shortage that impacts every corner of the state.

It’s encouraging to see lawmakers from both parties recognize housing as a statewide priority. Yet, while financing tools and zoning reforms are important, they must be paired with solutions that directly lower construction costs and speed up delivery of new units. Without addressing labor shortages, high material costs, and the barriers small developers face, many projects will still struggle to “pencil out.”

Wisconsin is in an affordable housing crisis. This package keeps the conversation moving, but policymakers must ensure that momentum translates into real doors opening for workers, seniors, and families who can’t afford to wait.