Rural Housing is a Pillar of Wisconsin’s
Economic Growth
Economic Growth
Rural Housing Toolkit Modules
- Module 1: Rural Housing is a Pillar of Wisconsin’s Economic Growth
- Module 2: Building Support for Rural Housing Solutions
- Module 3: Financing: Unlocking Resources for Rural Housing
- Module 4: Working with Developers
- Module 5: Community-Based Ownership Models
- Module 6: Innovative Ideas for Rural Housing
- Module 7: Who’s Who of Rural Housing in Wisconsin
- Module 8: Definitions
The Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), is committed to fostering vibrant and resilient rural communities across Wisconsin. Housing is not just a basic need; it is a cornerstone of economic vitality. Rural Wisconsin faces distinct challenges in developing and maintaining affordable, high-quality homes.
This toolkit is a strategic resource designed to empower local leaders, employers, and community advocates with the insights, tools, and proven strategies needed to address rural housing shortages. By sharing best practices, highlighting actionable data, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, the Office of Rural Prosperity aims to inspire meaningful investment in workforce housing. This investment supports business growth, strengthens local economies, and ensures that rural Wisconsin remains a place where people want to live, work, and thrive.
The Office of Rural Prosperity
Launched in 2020, the Office of Rural Prosperity serves as Wisconsin’s one-stop shop for rural economic development. Housed within WEDC, it connects rural communities to state, federal, and nonprofit resources, streamlining access to funding, technical assistance, and planning support.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) uses its financial strength and expertise to improve access to affordable housing options throughout Wisconsin. WHEDA works closely with lenders, developers, local government, nonprofits, community groups and others to implement its low-cost financing programs. Since 1972, WHEDA has financed more than 88,700 affordable rental homes, helped more than 142,000 families purchase a home, and made more than 29,000 small business and agricultural loan guarantees.
Acknowledgements:
This toolkit was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of the following individuals and organizations:
- Office of Rural Prosperity
- Beth Haskovec, senior director
- Jim Cleveland, rural development specialist
- Kietra Olson, rural initiatives senior manager
- David Fleming, Tribal liaison
- Delia Kovac, rural initiatives senior manager
- Adina Kurzban, intern
- Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
- Jon Searles, director of community and economic development
- Rebecca Giroux, community and economic development officer
- WEDC Marketing Team
- Sarah Duchemin, vice president of marketing and brand strategy
- Peggy Burke, marketing project manager
- Elizabeth Geib, senior communications manager
- Carrie Firman, senior designer
- Thrive Economic Development
- Deb Reinbold, president
We extend our sincere gratitude to these partners for their invaluable contributions, insights, and commitment to advancing rural housing solutions across Wisconsin.
Evolving housing needs and economic development in rural Wisconsin
Wisconsin faces a significant housing shortfall, with studies estimating the need for 140,000 to 227,000 additional housing units by 2030 to meet growing demand. This challenge presents a critical opportunity for rural communities to invest in housing solutions that support workforce development and community vitality. Strategic investments in housing-specific funds, development projects, and infrastructure can empower rural areas to compete more effectively in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. These efforts not only address immediate housing needs but also lay the foundation for long-term economic resilience, helping rural Wisconsin thrive in an increasingly innovation-driven economy.
As highlighted in WEDC’s impact reports, housing has emerged as a central pillar of regional economic development. In FY25 alone, WEDC supported more than 2,000 planned housing units across 16 counties, the highest number of housing-related grants since 2020, demonstrating the power of targeted investment to catalyze growth.
Rural housing toolkits
Further Reading
Tribal housing development in Wisconsin: A key partner in rural housing solutions
Tribal housing development plays a vital role in supporting the well-being, sovereignty, and economic resilience of Native communities across Wisconsin. The state is home to 11 federally recognized Tribal nations, each with distinct housing needs and priorities. These range from affordable rental units and elder housing to homeownership opportunities and supportive services, all within rural areas where housing shortages are especially acute.
Tribal housing initiatives are led by Tribal housing authorities and Native organizations, often in collaboration with government agencies, Native Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFIs), and philanthropic partners.
Key programs and organizations include:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Supports Tribal and rural housing development through a range of funding and loan programs designed to increase access to safe, affordable housing.
- Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG): Provides formula-based funding to Tribal housing entities for affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and related services.
- Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program: Offers mortgage guarantees to private lenders, helping Tribal members secure financing for home purchase, construction, renovation, or refinancing on or off reservation lands.
- Bay Bank (Oneida Nation): A Tribally owned financial institution, Bay Bank is the leading lender for HUD’s Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program in Wisconsin. The bank specializes in serving Native communities by helping Tribal members access mortgage financing for home purchase, construction, renovation, or refinancing on or off reservation lands.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development: Provides funding, technical assistance, and loan programs to support housing and infrastructure in rural communities, including Tribal areas.
- Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC): Provides technical assistance, training, and development support to Tribal housing entities and Native organizations across Wisconsin. WIHEDC helps build capacity for housing and economic development projects, supports access to funding opportunities, and fosters collaboration among Tribal nations, government agencies, and financial institutions.
Many Tribes are also utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) to expand housing options. Some have created new housing departments to manage these developments and pursue innovative financing strategies.
While each Tribal nation has a unique housing landscape, recent studies show common challenges: a shortage of available housing and lower rates of homeownership compared to statewide averages. In response, Tribes are advancing a range of solutions tailored to their communities—solutions that municipal leaders can learn from and collaborate with. For local governments and planners, understanding Tribal housing efforts is essential to building inclusive, effective rural housing strategies. Partnerships with Tribal nations can unlock new opportunities for shared infrastructure, regional planning, and culturally grounded development.
