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Wisconsin Workforce Housing News |
 Ken Harwood Advocating for Wisconsin HarwoodKen [at] gmail.com Cell 608.334.2174 Commentary Leonardo Silva Architect Leonardo Silva Architecture is a La Crosse based studio practice focused on timeless design solutions and sustainable practices; for homeowners, builders and contractors alike. This Weeks Articles for 11/3/2025 ...
Community Updates, News Stories, Best Practices, Resources, and other data supporting the development of affordable housing for the citizens of Wisconsin in every city and region in the State. Please consider partnering with us and sharing your story  |
Wisconsin faces a housing affordability crisis. Here’s how lawmakers and candidates for governor plan to address it. |
 Republicans want lower property taxes and less regulation. Democrats emphasize funding affordable housing development programs and renter rights. Both want to incentivize developers to build cheaper options.The median price of a home in Wisconsin rose nearly 120% over the past decade, from $155,000 to $337,000 according to data from the Wisconsin Realtors Association. But median Wisconsin incomes have increased only about 50% in that time period, illustrating just one of the reasons why voters and politicians are increasingly concerned about a housing affordability crisis. Past bipartisan efforts at the Capitol have worked to address these issues. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers dedicated more than $500 million in the biennial budget toward several loan programs at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority aimed at creating new affordable housing, rehabilitating homes and transitioning space in commercial buildings... ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: We need to allow communities design neighborhoods that support affordable workforce housing. Smaller lots, smaller homes, quality manufactured units, infrastructure assistance, help with interest rates, owner occupied, nice amenities, partner with developers and builders. Also remember each community is different, a solution for Milwaukee will and should look dramatically different that a solution for rural Wisconsin. The current "Affordable Housing Programs" are not addressing the need for affordable workforce housing. We need more quality homes for service, retail, and entry level employees that allow them to build equity through ownership. Keep the math simple if 50K is a fair living wage then $ 1,250 is a fair housing payment (30%). So assuming your entire $1,250 monthly payment is for the principal and interest @ %6.5, you can afford a home loan of approximately $200,000ish. |
La Crosse nonprofit receives more than $750K in federal funding for homeless housing program |
 LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- A La Crosse nonprofit organization has secured more than $750,000 in federal funding to expand its efforts to house people experiencing homelessness in the community. Couleecap announced Tuesday it received $751,926 in Federal HUD funding for their Permanent Supportive Housing program, which takes a "Housing First" approach to addressing homelessness. The Housing First model prioritizes getting people experiencing homelessness into stable housing first, then provides individualized case management, mental health support, substance use recovery support, job training and other resources to help them maintain that housing... The Brief• Couleecap receives $751,926 in Federal HUD funding for their Permanent Supportive Housing program • The program uses a "Housing First" approach, providing stable housing before addressing other needs • In the past year, Couleecap helped 327 people experiencing homelessness, with 48 using the PSH program |
Viroqua opens new workforce housing with childcare center |
 VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) — City officials celebrated the opening of Main Street Apartments Friday, a 65-unit workforce housing development that combines affordable apartments with a childcare facility for working families in western Wisconsin. The development features housing units, retail space and a 6,000-square-foot childcare facility called the Bumble and Bloom Early Learning Center. The center will serve approximately 65 children ranging from six weeks to six years old. La Crosse-based VARC will operate the early learning center, which city leaders say addresses a critical need for working families in the area. Governor Tony Evers attended Friday`s ribbon-cutting ceremony and praised the community-wide effort that made the development possible. "There were so many players putting this together — the city, but you name it, anybody who is anybody in western Wisconsin had something to do with this," Evers said. "But at the end of the day it was a local project with local people."... ...Full Story HereLeo’s notes: Viroqua’s new Main Street Apartments pairs 65 units of workforce housing with an on-site childcare center—meeting two of rural Wisconsin’s most pressing needs in one project. By combining affordability, family support, and local collaboration, it’s a model of holistic workforce investment—a model many of our communities ought to watch... |
Diving in on the latest Wisconsin housing report: what does it mean here locally |
 WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) - The Wisconsin housing market is seeing rising prices and increased sales, but a low inventory is creating challenges for buyers.According to the September 2025 Housing Report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, the average home price statewide has increased by 8.7 percent, and home sales have risen by 6.9 percent. David Clark, an economics professor at Marquette University, said, "Well it`s still a sellers market is what it boils down to." Clark highlighted the limited supply as a key issue, stating there are only four months of inventory available. "But with that said, it`s well above those points within the last couple of years where it`s been in the 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1 months of supply range," Clark said... |
Armstrong: Assembly passes housing package, including four Armstrong bills |
 “Wisconsin has a severe housing problem,” Armstrong said. “The median home price has more than doubled in the last 10 years, and there aren’t enough affordable options for would-be first-time home owners. Besides being a problem for potential buyers, this is a problem for employers, as no one wants to work where they can’t afford to live... “The housing package my colleagues and I passed today will help to improve this situation, and I am proud that four proposals I introduced were included.”The four Armstrong bills the Assembly approved are: ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s Assembly advanced a major housing package aimed at easing costs and boosting supply through tax credits, TIF districts, and zoning alignment. By tying workforce housing directly to business development and infrastructure tools, the package signals a shift toward coordinated, economy-linked solutions. Eagerly following the advancement of these bills... |
"Beyond the Bridge" ahead of Tuesday`s premiere |
 La Crosse, WI: October 14, 2025 |
Wisconsin Is Building the 11th Most Multi-Family Homes in the Country |
 The U.S. housing market remains a critical economic issue, with housing affordability and supply at the forefront of bipartisan policy agendas. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are increasingly focused on expanding access to affordable housing and addressing the nationwide housing shortage. According to a recent Freddie Mac analysis, the U.S. faces a shortfall of 3.7 million housing units, a deficit that continues to drive high prices for both homeowners and renters.Expanding multi-family housing—such as townhomes, condos, and apartments—offers one of the most effective solutions for addressing this shortage and improving affordability. Multi-family developments allow for higher housing density in urban and suburban areas and are generally more cost-efficient to build than single-family homes, making them a faster and cheaper way to increase supply. However, restrictive zoning regulations in many areas have historically made it difficult or even impossible to construct multi-family housing. Recently, though, there has been growing political momentum to relax or eliminate these zoning restrictions, among other barriers to new home construction. And as such, more higher-density housing may be on the horizon... |
Experts say paradigm shift necessary to solve housing problems |
 While many barriers to affordable housing exist, local experts are certain that a change in mindset is where solving the shortage begins. Every community has different issues that affect their particular iteration of the national housing crisis. In Door County, peninsular geography, limited infrastructure, a seasonal tourism economy, and market pressure from vacation homes and rentals are some of the forces affecting its lack of affordable housing. These factors are largely outside of any agency or individual’s control. Of the factors that can be manipulated, affordable housing development faces structural barriers—zoning codes, funding restrictions and state regulations. Getting around these specific roadblocks demands legislative changes, and there is some movement in Wisconsin to that end... ...Full Story Here |
Wisconsin Workforce Housing Resources |
 ...Full Story HereNate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com... |
Assembly approves GOP housing package, including building code bill |
 The proposals still need to pass the state Senate, which hasn`t convened in monthsThe state Assembly approved a rash of bills on Tuesday aimed at expanding affordable housing in Wisconsin. Backers of the GOP-authored initiatives said they’re looking to expand on bipartisan housing legislation passed in 2023 and signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, although the legislation passed Tuesday would still need to clear the state Senate. Democrats criticized the package, claiming that Republicans had walked away from bipartisan negotiation to promote their policy preferences... ...Full Story Here |
DNR awards $1.3 million for soil cleanup of affordable housing site in Madison |
 MADISON, Wis. — The City of Madison is receiving $1.3 million in funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help clean up contaminated soil at affordable housing development project sites... What You Need To Know
...Full Story Here |
Southern Housing Region public hearing notice |
The Southern Housing Region, which includes Kenosha and nine other Wisconsin counties, will host a public hearing at 11 a.m. Nov. 5, 2025, at 112 E. Edgewater St. in Portage. This hearing will regard:
For more details, see the Public Hearing Notice. ...Full Story Here |
Marquette County approval of $13.9M Brownfield Plan to boost housing options |
 MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — New workforce housing is coming to a vacant five-acre plot in Marquette Township following the approval of a Brownfield Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The Marquette County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the plan, which will bring 48 new cottages, duplexes, and townhomes to Marquette Township. Marquette County Treasurer Jackie Solomon said the development would be at 170 County Road 492, right across from Lost Creek. Of the total units, 17 must be sold to individuals at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI), which is $50,034, according to recent U.S. Census data... ...Full Story Here Leo’s notes: Marquette Township’s approval of a Brownfield Plan for 48 new workforce homes shows how underused land can be leveraged to meet urgent housing needs. By combining mixed-income ownership opportunities with smart tax capture, local leaders are aligning redevelopment with affordability goals—a model to watch. |
Tiny home project in Milwaukee will provide temporary housing for homeless veterans |
 Groundbreaking for the Veterans Community Project was held Monday Construction is set to begin soon for a project in Milwaukee aimed at getting homeless veterans off the street and into housing. The development, spearheaded by Veterans Community Project, will bring 40 tiny homes to a 7-acre site on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Each tiny home will be anywhere from 240 to 320 square feet and will come fully furnished. Bryan Meyer, Veterans Community Project cofounder and CEO, said people in the program will be able to live there for free with access to case managers to help get them into permanent housing... ...Full Story Here Ken Notes: I like these projects, but 300 sq. ft. is, well tiny. and while this is a part of the solution we need more 1,200 sq. ft. homes for those working and looking to enter the housing market rather than renting an apartment. |
Panelized wall construction pitched as affordable housing solution |
 WASHINGTON — As the national conversation around affordable housing grows, more firms are scrambling to get in the door for support from the federal government. A construction association in September exhibited a quicker way to build homes while presenting at the 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase in Washington. One expert with Wisconsin ties said he’s driving for public-private partnership to support a tested home construction method. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development hosted its annual homebuilding showcase Sept. 6 to 10 at the National Mall, which saw more than 5,000 visitors, including top White House officials and industry leaders. The event coincided with the country’s 250th birthday.
The Blueprint
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Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Wisconsin |
 The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties.The typical home value in the United States was $364,891 in September, 0.0% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But some areas are still seeing price jumps compared to the year before. ...Full Story Here |
UW Extension hosts housing summit in Lac Du Flambeau to address local housing shortage |
 LAC DU FLAMBEAU (WJFW) -- On Tuesday at Lake of the Torches convention center, community leaders and partners met today for a series of presentations regarding the current housing crisis in the northwoods, as well as discussing possible solutions. Residents were also allowed to attend the regional housing summit, as it touched on issues that directly affect them and their businesses. Over the last 20 years, Wisconsin`s northwoods have had a challenge in keeping enough housing available to the ever growing population, and with real estate prices on the rise every year, it`s becoming more and more of a challenge for families to move to the area... ...Full Story Here |
This Affordable Heartland State Has the Most In-Demand Housing Markets in the Country |
 Best known as the heart of the domestic cheese industry and the home of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin is now drawing attention for having some of the nation`s hottest housing markets.For the fifth consecutive month, Springfield, MA, took the crown as the nation`s most in-demand city, according to the Realtor.com® September 2025 Hottest Housing Markets. But overall, Wisconsin dominates in the latest ranking, with seven of the 20 hottest markets located in the Badger State. ... ...Full Story Here |
About Wisconsin Workforce Housing News (WWHNews.com) |
| Across Wisconsin many employees can simply not afford to live where they work. This is true in big cities and small rural communities. Both the availability and price of housing is not in line with the needs of those working in jobs that are vital to the success of our communities. Imagine a firefighter, teacher, city employee, service, or retail worker not able to afford a home in the community they serve. We aggregate news and highlight programs that are working to provide affordable workforce housing in Wisconsin. We advocate for state and local policies that improve the more affordable housing markets. We encourage developers to build new homes that are affordable for those working for Wisconsin while still making a fair profit on the work they do. We encourage communities and neighborhoods to become partners in meeting these needs. We highlight what others have done as a form of "Best Practices" in the State and Country. Finally, we provide direct links to resources and programs in the State. Safe, affordable housing makes a difference in the lives of children and families impacting both education and health. We are supporting affordable housing because it is good for business, good for families, good for communities, and good for Wisconsin. Ken Harwood Editor / Publisher Advocating for Wisconsin 608.334.2174 harwoodken[at]gmail.com |
List of Housing Resources |
WWHNEWS Notes: To add a resource or correct above send data and link to wwhnews.com[at]gmail.com... |
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
