High university enrollment leads to city housing discussion

Increasing needs addressed at recent Community Development meeting

Whitewater’s Community Development Authority Board of Directors gathered Thursday, Sept. 19, to discuss ongoing future housing developments aimed at addressing Whitewater’s growing population. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and was held at the Whitewater Municipal Building and streamed virtually for community members.

City officials outlined several housing projects in progress. Harbor Homes reported that 17 of 19 permits were pulled, and three homes are currently listed for sale. These are single-family owner-occupied homes, which help address the city’s need for a wider housing variety. The rest of the homes have been sold or are under contract. Meadowview has three properties available, while Waters Edge South recently issued permits for eight new duplex units, which will provide 16 units total. The largest upcoming project is Hartland Shores, a multi-family development on the city’s southeast side that broke ground earlier this year. This development will provide 32 new units of housing...

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Leo’s notes: Whitewater is adding single-family, duplex, and multifamily projects to meet rising demand fueled in part by record university enrollment. With home prices up 40% since 2021, the city is pairing new development with TIF and down payment assistance to preserve affordability—a model to watch statewide.