Wisconsin Builders Association Supports Workforce Housing Package
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Alicia Naleid, Director of Communications
(608) 242-5151 ext. 13
Wisconsin Builders Association Supports Workforce Housing Package
May 9, 2023 – The Wisconsin Builders Association today announced their support for the Workforce Housing Package which has been spearheaded by Representative Robert Brooks and Senator Romaine Quinn, for the purpose of increasing the supply of workforce housing in Wisconsin.
“We are pleased with the collaboration with our industry partners in finding creative ways to solve the workforce housing deficit,” said WBA President Mike Howe.
Included in the package are five bills the group supports:
Residential Development Infrastructure Loan Program – will create a loan program at the state level to fund infrastructure (street, water, sewer, sidewalks, etc.) for residential developments.
Main Street Residential Housing Rehab Loan Program – will provide low-interest loans for the rehabilitation of second and third story apartments over main level businesses.
Vacant Commercial to Housing Conversion Loan Program – will offer low-interest loans for the conversion or demolition of vacant commercial buildings to workforce housing.
Land Development, Residential Housing, Zoning Ordinances – will require political subdivisions to approve certain permit applications related to residential housing developments that are consistent with certain local requirements and limits the authority of a subdivision to impose a supermajority requirement for a zoning ordinance.
Housing Rehabilitation Loans Awarded by WHEDA – will allocate funds to WHEDA to ensure qualified applicants are given their approved low or no-interest loans for the rehabilitation of certain residential properties. Changes will ensure applicants are able to repay the loan; loans will top off at $50,000 and not exceed a term of 15 years.
“We are looking forward to this housing package making its way through the legislature, and ultimately, being signed into law so we can take a big step forward in closing the housing gap,” said WBA Executive Director Brad Boycks.
###
About the Wisconsin Builders Association
The Wisconsin Builders Association is a professional trade association comprised of 21 local associations dedicated to helping members build communities around the state. We advocate the interests of 4,000 home building industry members to keep housing affordable and accessible for Wisconsin families, Protecting the American Dream for over 70 years.