Housing
Housing Development & Resources
Housing development in rural communities plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and vitality of these areas. By addressing housing needs, such as affordable housing options and infrastructure improvements, rural communities can attract and retain residents, including young families and professionals. Initiatives that focus on promoting mixed-income housing developments, rehabilitation of existing structures, and expansion of housing options tailored to diverse needs contribute to community resilience and inclusivity. Furthermore, investments in community amenities and public spaces enhance quality of life and foster a sense of belonging among Wisconsin residents. Through strategic planning and collaboration between local governments, developers, and community stakeholders, housing development initiatives can drive positive transformation and long-term prosperity in rural areas.
Success Stories
When Kikkoman, Palermo’s Pizza, Nestle Purina, and Aztalan Bio launched expansions of their operations in Jefferson County in the past year, local authorities cheered at the boosts to the economy and the new jobs that would result—more than 400 in all.
Meeting the goal to build a 50-unit apartment building in downtown River Falls with affordable rents and load it with energy-saving features.
The Workforce Innovation Grant Program rewards creativity, promotes sustainable regional collaboration and fosters local accountability and participation to address regional workforce challenges.
Looking to talk to someone?
Whether you’re looking to grow your business, improve local infrastructure, or strengthen your community’s leadership, our team is here to provide the guidance and resources needed to succeed. By working together, we can ensure that rural Wisconsin continues to thrive and remains a vibrant, dynamic place to live and work. Let’s collaborate to build a prosperous future for all.
Support Organizations
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit that supports affordable housing efforts throughout rural America.
WHEDA’s Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative (RAWFHI) represents an effort to identify possible solutions to remove barriers to the development and rehabilitation of workforce housing, and to create scalable solutions for rural communities across Wisconsin.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs because we understand a strong community is rooted in its people.
The Rural Gateway is an information clearinghouse providing technical assistance, training workshops, and peer learning and resource sharing to support rural housing and economic development.
WISCAP is Wisconsin’s official, and only, statewide network of poverty fighting agencies.
News
Gov. Tony Evers today announced up to $4.6 million in grants through the Workforce Innovation Grant Program will be awarded to the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to support water infrastructure in a 32-unit workforce housing development to be constructed by the Tribe in 2025.
Small rural towns across the country has been hit by the housing crisis. With limited options and space, towns are starting to use creative and cost savings solutions. Mayville, Wisconsin is turning a vacant school building into affordable apartments.
Projects in Ladysmith, Elkhart Lake and Rhinelander highlight efforts to address workforce needs by assisting as local developers.
