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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

The City’s largest housing development in progress continues to be the Rock River Ridge, on the former Bethesda property at 700 Hoffman Dr., with 188 total units. 16 homes have already been sold and Harbor Homes is a year ahead of schedule on purchasing property lots from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, due to demand.

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Ken Notes: Great Read. Economic development and Workforce Housing are now tied together and need to be addressed as one solution. A business will not seriously consider a project if there is a substantial shortage of workforce housing in the area. Sustaining larger workforce housing projects requires a demand for quality housing that is affordable to the entry level worker. It is not the chicken nor the egg --but rather the roost that matters most.

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Leo’s notes: Workforce housing remains one of the most pressing challenges for Wisconsin communities. The state’s latest $2.5 million investment is a strong step forward—helping create new housing opportunities that support workers, attract talent, and strengthen local economies. Continued momentum will be key to meeting demand statewide.

Cinnaire closes $340 million LIHTC fund, the largest in organization’s history

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RICE LAKE, WI — Governor Tony Evers and Elmer Moore Jr., chief executive officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), visited Hayward, Wisconsin, on June 16 to tour the future site of Trailview Cottages. The visit also included a roundtable discussion with local and regional leaders about the scope and potential impact of the development.

Trailview Cottages is a 40-unit multifamily workforce housing community being developed through a partnership between Northwood Technical College and IMPACT Seven. Supported by the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) Workforce Innovation Grant, the project is located on a 15-acre parcel at the corner of Highway 77 and Hospital Road. It is one of three housing and workforce initiatives in the Northwood Tech District aimed at addressing critical housing shortages while offering on-site job training for area residents...

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Leo’s notes: Trailview Cottages is a model for how rural communities can tackle workforce challenges—by pairing affordable housing with on-site job training. Innovative partnerships like this one are key to helping families thrive, supporting local employers, and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy.

Co-authors of UW-Extension study speak on connection of health, housing, ways to address housing stress

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Ken Notes: We are causing stress and actual health issues because we do not want to address affordable workforce housing in Wisconsin. We will see more issues related to this until we develop communities that care for one another.

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — Charities in Ozaukee County continue to work against a shortage of affordable housing in the area.

Joana Hemschemeyer works for the local chapter of Family Promise, an organization working to combat housing insecurity in the area, even among professions like teaching and firemen.

"The workers who are living here in Ozaukee County can`t afford to live here," Hemschemeyer said.

Family Promise operates a shelter outside of downtown Port Washington. The organization works directly with landlords to help individuals and working families find homes, particularly those who have experienced setbacks like job loss, medical debt, car accidents or criminal records...

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Notes: Leo’s notes: Ozaukee County’s housing shortage is pricing out even its essential workers—teachers, firefighters, and families striving to stay afloat. Family Promise’s work highlights the urgent need for more housing options and a deeper understanding of local needs. A countywide housing study is a smart first step toward long-term solutions that ensure stability, dignity, and opportunity for all residents.

Ken Notes: I would like to see the focus more on those with jobs who are often lost in the system. Social programs exist for those with job loss, medical debt, car accidents or criminal records. There are few if any affordable market rate homes, condos, multiplexes, or modern developments with smaller lots and homes with shared amenities for service and retail workers.

A controversial plan to build affordable housing in McGovern Park will not move forward

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County leaders have rejected a proposal to redevelop McGovern Park into affordable housing and a new senior community center.

The supervisors voted 10-7 to reject the proposal.
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Longtime resident Joyce Hailstock expressed her personal connection to the center and her fear of it closing.

"I don`t mean to get emotional, but just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes," said Hellstock, a retired educator, who described the center as a second home. "We`re seniors, you owe us this, we`ve given years of our lives to this city, leave us something to enjoy."...


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Leo’s notes (and update from past week’s mention:) Milwaukee County’s rejection of the McGovern Park redevelopment leaves seniors without a clear path forward. While community concerns about park preservation are valid, the urgent need for safe, accessible senior facilities remains unresolved. Without a viable alternative plan, the cost of inaction may be far greater—risking both public trust and the well-being of older residents.

Ken Notes: We could use a TIF like system to fund shared amenities in a development like, SENIOR CENTERS, Parks, day care etc...

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s Department of City Development (DCD) is proposing the creation of two new tax incremental districts (TIDs) to support the development of affordable and workforce housing, generating new homes on the site of a long-vacant tax foreclosed commercial building on King Drive and adaptive reuse of an underutilized office tower in the heart of Downtown. 

On July 3, the City published a public hearing notice for TID 127 (100 East Wisconsin) and TID 128 (Compass Lofts). 

In April, DCD released updated Tax Incremental Financing for Housing Development Guidelines. 

The department’s updated policy prioritizes projects that create affordable and workforce housing options and developments that repurpose underutilized central business district office buildings into residential properties. 

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Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s proposed TIDs for 100 East Wisconsin and Compass Lofts reflect a bold, targeted use of public financing to create affordable and workforce housing where it`s needed most. By transforming vacant and underused buildings into vibrant residential hubs, the city is advancing equity, preserving community, and proving that thoughtful redevelopment can benefit both existing residents and future growth.

Ken Notes: With development agreements to insure quality development and large projects to serve as the economic engine TIF can be a wonderful tool for housing projects. But we need to clearly define affordable and rules to ensure units are built well...

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Leo’s notes: Preserving Monroe Plaza as affordable, accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities is a critical step for downtown Green Bay. While SDG’s renovation vision brings potential for much-needed upgrades and dignity in design, thoughtful oversight—especially around property management and resident protections—will be essential to ensuring long-term success for this vulnerable population...

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of continued strength and service to member financial institutions and communities across Illinois and Wisconsin. As interest rates remained elevated and economic uncertainty persisted, FHLBank Chicago remained focused on delivering the funding and programs their members needed to navigate uncertainty and drive local impact. Through human interest stories, the report illustrates how FHLBank Chicago is Investing in Opportunities - providing liquidity and reliable funding, supporting housing and community development, and cultivating a high-performing and engaged workforce.

In 2024, FHLBank Chicago provided $107 million in housing and economic development grants and delivered $1.9 billion in discounted Community Advances—supporting the creation or preservation of more than 7,300 housing units and 7,800 jobs. FHLBank Chicago welcomed eight new member institutions to its cooperative, continuing to expand its reach and impact across the district.

FHLBank Chicago Releases 2024 Impact Report

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Leo’s notes: At a time when many communities face housing shortages and economic uncertainty, FHLBank Chicago’s investments are delivering real impact—helping create thousands of homes, supporting local jobs, and strengthening community development across Wisconsin and Illinois. Continued leadership like this is essential to building resilient, thriving communities.

Developers hope to create 48 units of housing on three-acre property.

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Leo`s notes: Milwaukee’s Carleton School redevelopment shows what workforce equity can look like in action: affordable housing, local hiring, and small business inclusion. More projects should follow this lead.

Ken Notes: This "Pay as You Go" approach is a great way to fund a project withiut asuming a great deal of risk.

New zoning package calls for increased density in single-family neighborhoods

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LAC DU FLAMBEAU, WI - Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, hosted a grand opening ceremony for Forest Edge Apartments, a 40-unit, townhouse-style affordable housing development in Lac du Flambeau.

"We are proud to partner with Cinnaire Solutions and Wisconsin Management Company to bring high-quality, affordable housing to the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods," said Kevin McDonell, LAC Vice President and Regional Project Partner. "Forest Edge Apartments will support the local economy by giving workers and families a place to call home."

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Leo’s notes: Homes That Power the Workforce! Forest Edge Apartments in Lac du Flambeau shows what modern affordable housing should be: energy-efficient, community-oriented, and workforce-ready. With deep affordability, solar integration, and supportive partnerships, it’s a win for both families and the Northwoods economy.

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Leo’s notes: Randolph’s transformation of a long-vacant school into affordable housing is a model of rural revitalization done right. By preserving local character while expanding housing options for all life stages, this project strengthens the community, supports economic growth, and demonstrates how reinvestment in underused spaces can fuel a more resilient future for small towns across Wisconsin.

(The Center Square) — Wisconsin’s real estate agents say there are too few homes for sale, and those that are available are once again getting more expensive.

"Existing home sales fell for a third straight month," the May 2025 Realtors report released Thursday says. "Specifically, closed sales fell just 2.1% over the past 12 months. Relative to May 2024, the median price rose 4.3% to $330,000."

The report said May’s 2.1% drop in sales is much smaller than the 8.6% drop in sales in March, and 9% year-over-year drop in sales in April.

"As we move into the peak period for sales, it’s good to see a solid improvement in inventory levels over the last 12 months," Realtors Chairman Chris DeVincentis said in a statement. "More housing inventory will help moderate price appreciation and will lead to more buying opportunities."...

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Leo’s notes: Wisconsin’s housing market continues to reflect a core challenge: too few homes for sale, driving prices higher and limiting options for buyers. While rising incomes and improving inventory offer some hope, sustained efforts to expand housing supply remain essential to improving affordability and access across the state.

The city of Madison’s next spending plan is still in its early stages. The process includes five community engagement sessions this month alone, where city staff and elected officials solicit public feedback. The last engagement session was held Tuesday evening at the Black Business Hub.

The meetings are a venue for members of the public to learn how the budget works, which is where City Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke comes in.

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Leo’s notes: Madison’s budget is more than numbers—it’s a reflection of values and a chance to invest in equity, housing, and public trust. As community voices call for accountability and deeper inclusion, especially in affordable housing, the city has a responsibility to turn engagement into action. Transparent, people-centered budgeting must remain the priority.

ENABLING BETTER PLACES: A USER’S GUIDE TO WISCONSIN NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABILITY	WHEDA’s Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative	Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
WISCAP Affordable Housing Network	Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources	Housing Authority City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp	WEDA Legislative Tracker	NRA Housing Needs By State / Wisconsin

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Nate Notes: to be included as a Workforce Housing resource email us a link and a brief note to: wwhnews.com@gmail.com...

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Affordable housing within the City of Madison continues to be a focus area for many. While affordable can mean something different for everyone, the criteria for affordable housing units are generally the same.

The City of Madison has highlighted a number of housing goals to hit by 2030. This includes building 15,000 more homes within the next five years to keep up with the population growth. A quarter of those homes are slated to be affordable units.

Jaymes Langrehr, the PIO for the Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development, explained the location of these units can make or break the integrity of a complex.

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Leo’s notes: Madison’s push to add 15,000 homes by 2030—with a quarter dedicated as affordable—signals a necessary investment in housing equity. Prioritizing well-connected sites like Rise Madison Apartments shows that location and livability matter. As new proposals emerge, the City’s role in guiding smart, inclusive development will be key to meeting both population growth and community well-being. Great initiative to look as example in other cities throughout our State!

As part of the project at Cherry Lanes to construct apartments on the building’s second floor, Sturgeon Bay’s Aesthetic Design and Site Plan Review Board on June 23 approved replacing windows on the rear of the building at 134 N. 4th Ave. with larger ones that are 32 inches by 70 inches with colors and materials similar to the existing windows.

Cherry Lanes property owner Moira Callan sought a permit for the new windows to alter their sizes “for appropriate natural light and consistency throughout the building.”

City Planner/Zoning Administrator Stephanie Servia said the new windows, for which there will be no changes to the front of the building facing North 4th Avenue, “do not appear to take away from the historic character of the building” with the windows being replaced with the same style of windows.

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Leo’s notes: Sturgeon Bay’s Cherry Lanes redevelopment is a smart example of preserving character while creating much-needed workforce housing. With WHEDA’s Restore Main Street support and thoughtful design updates, this project blends historic preservation with modern affordability—helping downtown remain vibrant and livable for all.

Celebration of community and collaboration took center stage Thursday in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district to mark the opening of 90 housing units as part of the multi-phase ThriveOn King development.

Milwaukee-based Royal Capital Group has been leading an effort for the better part of seven years to redevelop the former Gimbels and Schuster’s department store building at Garfield Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive into a community hub.

Construction work wrapped up last year on the project’s 470,000 square feet of commercial space for organizations that include the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), among many others, which will serve as support services for the affordable housing units...

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Leo’s notes: ThriveOn King - another blueprint for community-centered investment. With affordable units, senior and student housing, and built-in support services, this redevelopment reclaims historic space to meet today’s needs. It’s what happens when vision, equity, and collaboration align...

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Leo’s notes: Beloit’s effort to boost affordable housing faces a setback as one of its two major projects loses out on critical tax credits. With $3 million in city incentives now in limbo, local leaders have a renewed opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure those dollars advance urgently needed housing solutions that serve working families and stabilize the local market.

Ken Notes: With so little partisan agreement in Madison and DC, now might be a good time to work on a bi-partisan workforce housing bill partnering with communities and employers to build housing projects that will solve a problem we all agree needs to be addressed.

GREEN BAY - A developer interested in buying and rehabbing Monroe Plaza Apartments, the 1970s-era affordable housing complex for seniors at 400 N. Monroe Ave., is looking to the Green Bay Housing Authority for the funds to pursue its project.

The housing authority on June 19 will consider a request by Monroe Plaza Housing I LLC, whose principal office is based in Manhattan Beach, California, to access up to $27.5 million in revenue bonds to cover the cost of acquiring and rehabilitating the 197-unit apartment complex.

Here`s what to know.

What is the developer requesting from the Green Bay Housing Authority?

The official request is for the housing authority to give the developer up to $27.5 million in "tax-exempt conduit revenue bonds."...

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Leo’s notes: Preserving and modernizing affordable senior housing like Monroe Plaza is vital to keeping communities inclusive and livable for all ages. Public-private partnerships and creative financing tools, such as conduit revenue bonds, offer an important path to ensuring these critical homes remain safe, updated, and accessible for years to come.

MADISON, Wis. — Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway introduced three new proposals Wednesday to address the city’s affordable housing shortage.

What You Need To Know

• Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway introduced three new proposals Wednesday to address the city’s affordable housing shortage
  
  
• One of those proposals would let homeowners with deep residential lots split them and create new “backyard lots,” where an additional home could be built
  
  
• Sabrina Hilton built a permitted accessory dwelling unit in her backyard that can be used as a rental party or as a home for her aging parents down the line. She started her own business to help others do the same
  
  
• AARP Wisconsin supports the changes, citing benefits for homeowners earning income and creating homes for others

One of those proposals focused on simplifying the permit process for small- and medium-sized developments in downtown Madison.

Another would allow duplexes or twin homes in all areas where single-family homes are allowed. Current zoning limits ban duplexes in many neighborhoods.

Madison mayor unveils another round of zoning changes designed to increase the city’s housing supply

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Leo’s notes: Madison’s new proposals mark a critical shift toward housing flexibility. Legalizing backyard lots and expanding duplex zoning empowers homeowners, creates income opportunities, and supports multigenerational living — all while adding supply where it’s needed most. This is smart, scalable policy that centers people, not just property lines. Backyard homes is another forward thinking solution!

A South Milwaukee apartment project will receive a $756,752 loan to build 20 units in a former clinic building.

Gov. Tony Evers along with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced the loan in a June 19 news release as part of $2.5 million in funds supporting three new housing developments across Wisconsin.

Key Points...

• A former clinic in South Milwaukee will be converted into a 20-unit apartment complex called South Shore Landing with help from a state loan.
  
  
• The $3.2 million project will create 16 two-bedroom and four studio units.
  
  
• Construction is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.

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Leo’s notes: Transforming vacant properties into quality workforce housing is a smart way to strengthen communities and meet local housing needs. Projects like South Shore Landing—made possible through strong state and local partnerships—show how creative redevelopment can bring new life to neighborhoods while supporting Wisconsin’s workforce.

WATERTOWN — The City’s Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives presented a vast overview of economic development in the City to the Common Council on Tuesday. Mason Becker’s presentation included housing projects, future industrial use and more.

The City’s largest housing development in progress continues to be the Rock River Ridge, on the former Bethesda property at 700 Hoffman Dr., with 188 total units. 16 homes have already been sold and Harbor Homes is a year ahead of schedule on purchasing property lots from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, due to demand.

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Leo’s notes: Watertown is making visible strides in housing development—but aligning those efforts with true community affordability remains the next test. As new units break ground across a range of project types, ensuring that homes are accessible to the workers, families, and longtime residents who sustain the city must remain central to economic growth.

The city of Milwaukee has newly written guidelines for developers looking to work with the city and secure tax increment financing when working on affordable housing projects, with workforce housing as a new facet for public funding following developer demand.

Construction and borrowing costs are higher, driving developers to seek partnerships with the city for project financing. In some cases, developers have said that without public financing their projects would not get off the ground. Meanwhile, the city and developers are driving for more housing supply as rents have risen.

The six-page document from the city of Milwaukee Department of City Development outlined the city’s housing priorities and shared directions to follow to achieve tax increment financing. The documents arrived after discourse between the city and developers looking to expand workforce housing, and more than a year after the city’s downtown area plan was released.

“We’re excited to share publicly what we’ve been talking about with industry groups and specific developers over the last several months,” said Lafayette Crump, the commissioner of city development. “They have provided input into our policy, and we believe we’ve crafted a policy that is going to be impactful and move forward the kinds of projects we want to support, and we believe the city needs,” he added.....

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Advocates for increased density are part of a broad-based effort to correct inequities

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Ken Notes: Every new housing development or infill project should ask, "Where do the baristas live?". We must have communities and neighborhoods designed to house a variety of income levels. We have zoned ourselves into this problem now we must zone ourselves out of it. If you work in Wisconsin you should be able to live in Wisconsin.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today opened its applications for the 2025 Community First® Developer Program (Developer Program). Now in its fourth year, the program provides grants to organizations supporting career development opportunities in the affordable housing development industry across Illinois and Wisconsin. 

Sean O’Brien, Principal at Northpointe Development II Corp., and Cedric D. Thurman, EVP and Group Head of Community Investment at FHLBank Chicago, celebrate a $250,000 Developer Program grant awarded to Northpointe to support emerging talent in affordable housing development.

In 2025, FHLBank Chicago will award up to $3 million through its financial institution members, with individual grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Applications are open now through Friday, August 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CT....

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Notes:

Reimagining McGovern Park Senior Center a Necessity for Older Adults in Milwaukee

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Leo`s notes: Milwaukee County’s proposal at McGovern Park isn’t about selling off green space — it’s about confronting real challenges in how we serve an aging population. With underused land, strained budgets, and federal funding on the line, a long-term lease for a senior center and affordable housing on a small portion of the parkland reflects pragmatic stewardship. Public land can — and should — serve public need. Let’s lead with facts, not fear.

Ken Notes: Imagine creating even more public parks and facilities funded by allowing development to occur on a small portion of the land. We could add to our public space while housing those workers and seniors looking for options...

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 believe Wisconsin employers will support these efforts so they can successfully recruit workers to fill the thousands of job openings now hampered by a shortage of affordable housing.


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WWHNEWS Notes: To add a resource or correct above send data and link to wwhnews.com[at]gmail.com...