Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership

There is a critical housing shortage in Western Wisconsin as identified by county income guidelines set by Housing and Urban Development standards.

Demand for affordable housing in rural Western Wisconsin continues to increase with the the eastward migration from Twin Cities exurban communities.   As employers and local municipalities look for housing opportunities, a collaborative model to address the demand will help ease this challenge and plan for a sustainable housing market.

You can learn more online here.  

A Roadmap for Housing Solutions

The Western Wisconsin Housing Toolkit is a resource for small-scale housing options for individuals and families with an Area Median Income of 80-100%.   

This comprehensive guide provides actionable strategies to facilitate collaboration, secure land, build housing, and connect homebuyers with financing options.

The toolkit is designed for stakeholders in Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, and St. Croix counties who are working to expand housing opportunities for households earning approximately $53,000 to $99,000—a key income range for workers such as teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, and other essential community members. The goal is to develop homes priced between $160,000 and $300,000, ensuring that more individuals and families can access quality housing in the region.

The Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership Toolkit offers: 

• Guidance on forming partnerships – Bringing together municipal leaders, builders, lenders, and community organizations to create sustainable housing initiatives.
• Land identification and preparation strategies – Helping communities assess zoning, infrastructure, and land availability for development.
• Support for homebuyer outreach and financing – Connecting potential homeowners with financing resources and affordable mortgage options.
• Insights into factory-built housing solutions – Streamlining the construction process to improve affordability, quality, and efficiency.
• Funding and policy guidance – Leveraging programs like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Community Land Trusts (CLTs), and other incentives to make housing projects viable.