Resource Details

Housing, Workforce

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. WHEDA’s rural affordable workforce housing initiative represents an effort to address these challenges. The initiative 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.

Top Benefits

  • External support
  • New partners
  • Additional financing
  • Transformative approaches
  • Potential for policy changes to address local priorities

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority

WHEDA works closely with lenders, developers, local government, nonprofits, community groups and others to implement its low-cost financing programs.

More Info

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