It’s part of a package of bills to address housing affordability, but so far most Republicans aren’t on board By Jack Kelly Wisconsin Watch A Democratic bill seeks to bring down house prices in Wisconsin by blocking hedge funds from buying single-family homes in the state. “We know that there’s an access and affordability crisis […]
Wisconsin’s Rural Homelessness Crisis and the Fight to do ‘More With Less’
Homelessness in rural Wisconsin, while often unseen, is increasing. Yet a grueling funding landscape, among other challenges, poses obstacles for local shelters and rural providers. By Hallie Claflin Wisconsin Watch Last winter, Eric Zieroth dressed in as many layers as he could and stayed beneath a down blanket each night. He learned it was the […]
Biden Administration to Unveil New Actions Aimed at Lowering Housing Costs
By Karen Stokes President Biden revealed on Tuesday his initiatives aimed at lowering housing expenses, including measures to limit rent increases, building more homes, and revitalizing neighborhoods. First, Biden is focusing on corporate landlords, urging Congress to offer them a choice: Limit rent hikes on existing units to 5% or potentially forfeit current federal tax […]
Vice President Harris Announces Funding to Lower Housing Costs by Reducing Barriers to Building More Homes
By Karen Stokes On Wednesday, Vice President Harris announced the recipients of new grants under the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant competition. The goal of the program is building more housing, and lowering housing and rental costs for American families. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) created PRO […]
American Rescue Plan Act is Expanding Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Throughout Milwaukee County
By Karen Stokes Milwaukee County is receiving $6 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to expand affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the county. The county is building 120 new single-family homes in the City of Milwaukee’s King Park neighborhood that will support first-time homebuyers and provide equitable access to affordable-rate housing options for […]
Milwaukee County Pushes for Affordable Housing in Suburbs to Narrow Disparities
Officials invest millions of dollars to tackle a mismatch between where residents work and can afford to live. Success will require loosening zoning laws, experts say. By Jonmaesha Beltran Wisconsin Watch News414 is a service journalism collaboration between Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service that addresses the specific issues, interests, perspectives and information needs […]
Wisconsin’s ‘Smart Growth’ Law Requires Planning to Meet Housing Needs, but Enforcement is Lax
Local governments face no consequences for conflicting with state-mandated plans to guide land use. By Jonmaesha Beltran Wisconsin Watch News414 is a service journalism collaboration between Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service that addresses the specific issues, interests, perspectives and information needs identified by residents of central city Milwaukee neighborhoods. Learn more at our […]
EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED, THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE MADISON TIMES
Record Inflation Shrinks Housing Affordability, Worsens Racial Wealth Gaps
Homeownership, historically a reliable building block to family wealth, is more of a challenge today for first-time homebuyers. As of 2022’s first quarter, the median price of an existing single- family home grew to $368,200, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 15.7 percent higher than a year ago. By Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire […]
EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED, THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE MADISON TIMES
State Must Do More Now to Help Families Afford Housing
By Will Martin Candidate for Wisconsin Lt. Governor A recently released study documented that average metro Milwaukee rents have risen by 18% from May 2021 to May 2022. The average rent rose from $950 to $1,124 over that period. That’s a rent increase of $174 a month, making it harder for families to afford a […]
A Legacy of Past Choices: Milwaukee’s Housing Crisis Explained
By PrincessSafiya Byers This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org. Rising rent, stagnant wages and a lack of available units have left Milwaukeeans navigating an affordable housing crisis. This crisis, say local housing experts, is a legacy […]