Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) have announced over $2.5 million in new affordable housing loans to support the construction of more than 120 workforce housing units across Wisconsin. The awards are part of the state’s largest-ever investment in workforce housing, funded by the 2023-25 Biennial Budget.
Record Investment in Housing
Governor Tony Evers, alongside the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), revealed Wednesday that more than $2.5 million has been awarded to three new affordable housing developments statewide. These funds come from the Vacancy-to-Vitality and Infrastructure Access Loan Programs, created through bipartisan legislation and backed by a historic $525 million investment in workforce housing.
120 New Units Planned
The new funding will support the creation of over 120 new workforce housing units in communities across Wisconsin. Since this initiative began, over 1,000 workforce housing units have been developed statewide, with more underway. Gov. Evers emphasized the deep connection between housing and key statewide challenges. “Housing is one of the issues I hear most about everywhere I go and it’s great to see these funds go out the door to communities across our state,” Evers stated.
Homeownership Month Spotlight
The announcement coincides with Wisconsin’s Homeownership Month, marked by a gubernatorial proclamation. WHEDA CEO Elmer Moore Jr. noted, “What better time than Homeownership Month to celebrate the creation of thousands of housing options in our rural and urban areas for workers, their children, and our aging population who need a safe, stable place to live and thrive.”
Breakdown of Loan Awards
The Vacancy-to-Vitality Loan Program awarded a total of $2.3 million
- Kelly Station (Dane County): $1 million for 76 workforce housing units.
- South Shore Landing (Milwaukee County): $756,752 for 20 housing units.
- Indianhead Conversion (Chippewa County): $562,807 for 27 housing units.
Additionally, Kelly Station received an Infrastructure Access loan of $222,210 to support infrastructure work essential to the project.
More Like Home Repair Success
The More Like Home™ Repair and Renew Loan Program, also established in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget, has allocated $21.2 million to 500 homeowners since launching in September 2024. These low-interest loans help owners of older homes make vital repairs and energy-efficient upgrades.
Future Expansion Planned
Building on this momentum, Gov. Evers’ 2025-27 Executive Budget proposal seeks to expand these programs further, improving access for local governments and Tribal Nations. The proposal also aims to double the resources for state housing tax credits, extend the credit period from six to 10 taxable years, and broaden WHEDA’s financing authority.
WHEDA’s Progress So Far
To date, WHEDA has awarded $18.9 million in loan funding through these programs since their launch, supporting the state’s long-term affordable housing strategy and community development goals.
