Milwaukee County s first affordable subdivision in Oak Creek

Oak Creek is paving the way for what leaders are calling the first affordable housing subdivision in Milwaukee County.

County Executive David Crowley and local leaders on Apr. 13 announced the county’s Department of Health and Human Services will lead development of the 50-homes to be constructed at 3810 E. American Ave., 9050 S. Annette Pl. and 8950 S. Chicago Court in Oak Creek. The city’s Common Council a week earlier unanimously approved a measure allowing the new construction to move forward.

Crowley worked with the U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, to secure $7 million in federal funds to help cover roads, sewer, power and landscaping costs. They plan to cover unit construction costs with federal HOME funds.

“This first-of-its-kind project, an affordable subdivision in a suburban community, represents the continuation of our work to make critical investments that provide families with expanded access to becoming homeowners, improving their lives, strengthening our neighborhoods, and fostering a healthier community for all,” Crowley said.

Baldwin and Crowley touted the project as part of an effort to address Wisconsin’s housing crisis.

Construction of the roughly 1,200-square-foot units for Garden Medley Estates is slated to start in 2027 and are set to be on the market for $225,000-$250,000. The homes are expected to be a mix of one-and-two-story units. Buyers will be required to make 80% or less of the Area Median Income, which is roughly $80,000 a year for a family of three, according to the county.

A request for proposals for infrastructure work is expected to come out in the summer of 2026.

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Leo's notes: Oak Creek is advancing a notable first: a county-led affordable housing subdivision with up to 50 single-family homes, signaling a shift in how suburban communities are approaching housing supply. This marks a meaningful evolution where suburbs embrace smaller-scale, ownership-focused affordability solutions. If successful, this model could help fill a critical gap — bringing starter homes back into markets that have largely priced them out.

Ken Notes: Two quick apologies, one, the Daily Reporter has a paywall at the link. Two, while an interesting project, this is also a bit of an earned media campaign for a gubernatorial candidate.

WWHNews is nonpartisan and believes housing is a nonpartisan issue. We would also like to see policy that allows for 1,200-square-foot units on the market for $225,000-$250,000 without substantial government intervention and believe by working with developers, communities, and manufacturers this can happen. It will require a paradigm shift, but it can be done.