WHEDAs rural affordable workforce housing initiative

The shortage of affordable workforce housing in rural Wisconsin poses far-reaching challenges. Access to safe, affordable shelter is fundamental to the sustainability of our communities because housing provides a foundation for public health, economic well-being and environmental stewardship. If Wisconsin is to thrive, rural communities require effective tools and support to develop affordable workforce housing.

WHEDAs rural affordable workforce housing initiative represents an effort to address these challenges. The initiative, funded in part through WHEDAs $16.7 million 2019-20 Dividends for Wisconsin Plan and other reserves, totals $10 million and includes a workforce housing pilot effort in three rural communities as well as supplemental financing tools.

While the supplemental financing tools tackle technical gaps in existing programs, the rural, affordable workforce housing pilot establishes an adaptive framework to identify needs, evaluate choices and implement solutions. To succeed, the initiative requires the support and participation of many partners.

More details about the foundation of the pilot programs can be found in the Project Plan. .