Dane Co. allocating $1 million to accelerate housing development

MADISON, Wis. — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced on Tuesday that $1 million in grant funds are set to be released to accelerate housing development and help address the county`s housing crisis.

Officials say interested municipalities can use the funds to update their zoning codes, internal procedures, and permitting processes.

The Dane County Department of Human Services` Housing Access and Affordability will administer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Grant funds, or CDBG PRO Housing for short. These funds are intended to be informed by the Best Practices Model Zoning Code Guide, which the Dane County Planning and Development Department releases.

“Regulatory barriers can drive up housing costs and restrict the supply of homes and the range of housing options available.” County Executive Agard went on to say, “Through the CDBG PRO Housing grant program, our participating municipalities will have a chance to review their local zoning, permitting, and internal procedures—and make important reforms to remove barriers and support more housing.”...

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Leo`s notes: Dane County’s release of $1 million in CDBG PRO Housing funds targets one of the most persistent barriers to workforce housing: local regulation. By helping municipalities modernize zoning and permitting processes, the county is focusing on structural reforms that unlock long-term supply. Removing barriers is as critical as financing construction—a model worth piloting throughout our state.