Wisconsin’s workforce housing shortage is impacting communities and employers across the state. The shortage makes it more difficult to attract or retain workers, impacting the economic competitiveness of communities, regions and businesses. The Wisconsin Economic Development Academy is hosting a series of four programs on workforce housing that will provide participants with an understanding of the causes and impacts of the shortage, initiatives for addressing the shortage, best practices in workforce housing development and resources and tools to use in your community.
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WEDA Members: $240 Non- Members: $345
Session 1: Workforce Housing: Framing the Issues and Opportunities
December 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Webinar
This program will provide participants with a clear understanding of the issues surrounding the Wisconsin workforce housing shortage and opportunities for reform, including legislative initiatives. Through this course, attendees will learn:
- the causes and impacts of the workforce housing shortage
- policy, regulatory and program reforms to spur housing investment
- current legislative efforts linked to workforce housing
Session 2: Financing Workforce Housing: Exploring Program Options and Models
February 5, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Madison Club, Madison
Members: $95 Non-Members: $145 Register for Session
This program is being held the day prior to the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development which will focus on Social Impact Investing. This session will focus on case study projects, where speakers will discuss how the project came together, challenges, project capital stack including programs used. Through this course, attendees will learn:
- Financing structures of successful workforce housing projects
- Project timelines, challenges and keys to success
- Resources and programs available through a case study approach
- Communicating the need for workforce housing
Session 3: Spurring Single Family Residential Investment, Tools for Your Market
April 28, 2020, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Webinar
Members: $65 Non-Members: $95 Register for Session
The nature of single family housing is changing with different factors impacting the design and affordability of housing units. During this session, attendees will learn:
- The costs related to single family residential investment
- Options for spurring new development, such as down payment assistance, first time home buyer program savings accounts, public investment in infrastructure, and employer assistance
- Resources for rehabilitation of existing homes
Session 4: Workforce Housing: Identifying Local Needs, Municipal Tools and Zoning Practices
June TBA – Appleton
Members: $95 Non-Members: $145 Register for Session
In the last session of the series, we will focus on the policies, practices and tools that communities might consider in assessing their local needs and methods to reducing the cost of development of housing in their market. Through this course, attendees will learn:
- Methods and examples of examining local housing needs/gaps and the cost of housing
- Best Practices in permitting and the development approval process
- Innovations in zoning practices and land use requirements
- Municipal tools to encourage the development of workforce housing
