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Housing Impact Studies

When residential construction occurs, it generates substantial economic activity in the state where it takes place. The economic activity generated includes income and jobs for state residents, as well as revenue for state and local governments. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has developed a model to estimate the economic benefits.

The model captures the effect of the construction activity itself and the ripple impact that occurs when income earned from construction activity is spent and recycled in the state.

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2022 enabling better places

Reforming state and local policies that inadvertently restrict the housing market has been a focus of numerous efforts. This guide has the same goal, adding clarity to which reforms are appropriate where. Too often reform is conceived of very broadly, but places and the regulations that shape them are diverse. The regulatory landscape of our building, zoning, and other land use codes needs to better consider existing physical conditions. Regulatory reform efforts that attempt to increase infill opportunities can do so in a more targeted and strategic manner, while maintaining community compatibility. This Guide was made possible through generous contributions from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the Wisconsin Builders’ Association, AARP Wisconsin, NAIOP-Wisconsin the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, WHEDA, state and local planning officials, and housing advocates.
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2022 Priced out of house and home

WBA Members participated in a 2022 with the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty who issued a new policy report, Priced Out of House and Home: How Laws and Regulation Add to Housing Prices in Wisconsin. The report examines the ways in which government regulation has contributed to the rising cost of home prices in Wisconsin. The report makes recommendations for both state and local policy makers to remove barriers to the development of more affordable market-rate housing. As housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue, addressing various aspects of home improvement and security becomes increasingly important.


2018 Housing Impact Study

In January 2018, NAHB conducted a local impact study on the state of Wisconsin, including a look at the state and metropolitan areas. All files are PDF.

The Economic Impact of Home Building in Wisconsin: Income, Jobs, and Taxes Generated
The Economic Impact of Home Building in Wisconsin: Comparing Costs to Revenue for State and Local Governments

Impact of Home Building in Madison and Milwaukee on the Wisconsin State Economy: Income, Jobs, and Taxes Generated
Impact of Home Building in Madison and Milwaukee on the Wisconsin State Economy: Comparing Costs to Revenue for State and Local Governments

Other NAHB Studies

2018: Regulation: Over 30 Percent of the Cost of a Multifamily Development

2016: Government Regulation in the Price of a New Home

Housing Data: Monthly housing starts data for Wisconsin and other resources.

Press: Latest press releases and other media items.