Fitchburg to receive funds for affordable housing

New county program focuses on rehabilitation, preservation

Dane County will award $3,926,399 in funding through a unique new program focused on preserving existing units of affordable housing across Dane County, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced in a news release.

It’s the fund’s first-ever round of awards, anticipated to preserve and/or rehabilitate 65 units of housing in the communities of Fitchburg, Stoughton, and Madison, and create four new units of affordable housing in the Village of Waunakee.

“Preserving the affordable housing we already have is one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to address our housing crisis,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “These investments will keep dozens of families and individuals stably housed, protect long-term affordability in communities across Dane County, and ensure that existing homes remain safe, livable, and within reach for people at a range of incomes. This first round of awards reflects our commitment to using every tool available to meet urgent housing needs while building a stronger, more equitable county.”...

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Leo`s notes: Dane County’s first round of Preservation Fund awards marks an important shift in housing strategy: protecting the affordable homes currently there. By investing nearly $4 million to rehabilitate 65 existing units and add new ones in Fitchburg, Stoughton, Madison and Waunakee, the county is recognizing that preservation is often faster and more cost-effective than new construction. In a tight housing market, safeguarding existing units is not just prudent policy, but also essential to maintaining long-term community stability and housing choices.