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Impact By State

Wisconsin

Overview Legal Landscape Approaches News

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Wisconsin’s growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Wisconsin residents.

Wisconsin is home to more than 5.8 million people and has seen 2.2% growth since 2010.

More than 635,100 Wisconsinites call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

65% of low income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Wisconsin will need to build 3,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

CONTINUE PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few—and not necessarily those in greatest need—at the expense of the larger society.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

It is important for lawmakers to pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greater need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Wisconsin, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) provides HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) funds through local governments, housing authorities and non-profit organizations to provide HOME rental assistance, in association with support services coordinated by the participating agency, to help homeless persons and to prevent homelessness.

The Rental Housing Development (RHD) Program assists eligible housing organizations, including Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), with funds to develop affordable rental housing. For-profit corporations may partner with the above-mentioned groups or apply directly for RHD funds. The program is part of the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources, Wisconsin Department of Administration. It is federally funded through HUD’s Home Investment Partnership’s Program.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Housing Choice Voucher Program helps families with very low to extremely low incomes rent decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing of their choice.

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