RHS Housing Strategy Spotlight
Multi-family Affordable Housing
The production of income-restricted mullti-family affordable housing is crucial to addressing Dane County’s affordable housing shortage. The Regional Housing Strategy calls for the production of 1,765 new affordable renter units annually, or 26% of all new housing units. By 2040, at least 35,300 new affordable rental units should be accessible to lower-income households, primarily 60% AMI and below.
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable multi-family housing developments include rental units available at a range of prices as well as market rate. Income levels are based on area median income (AMI) and are typically reserved for households between 30%-60% AMI. Rent prices are capped based on income to ensure affordability for the household. Affordable housing may be funded through federal or state sources, such as low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC); local sources, such as affordable housing funds; or tax-increment financing.
Who needs it?
Affordable housing is in high demand for lower and moderate-income households. The lack of this housing has led to families doubling up (sharing the same housing unit), and higher rates of evictions. Seniors, veterans, home health care and service sector workers need affordable housing. Area employers need affordable housing to attract and retain a stable workforce. According to the recent Housing Strategy Committee report for the Madison metro area, low-to moderate income workers don't have sufficient wages to afford the median rent:
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Firefighters: entry-level annual wage $25,330; affordable rent must cost no more than $633
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School teachers: entry-level wage $48,700; affordable rent must cost no more than $1,217
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Childcare providers: entry-level annual wage of $22,900; affordable rent must cost no more than $572
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Dental assistant: entry-level wage $38,540; affordable rent no more than $963
Want to learn more about affordable housing?
Click the button below to read our Affordable Housing 101 Fact Sheet!
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The Mill, above, is a new affordable housing development in the City of Middleton. The property was developed by Madison Development Corporation (MDC) in partnership with the City of Middleton, with additional funding from the State. This 52-unit complex includes studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and accessible units, and is located on a transit corridor near a grocery store. | |
(L to R) Daphne Xu, Associate Planner for the City of Middleton; Lorrie Heinemann, President and CEO of Madison Development Corporation; and, Abby Attoun, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Middleton in front of The Mill apartments during construction. The Mill opened in September 2024. | |
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Upcoming Regional Housing Network (RHN) Program
Please Join Us!
Preserving Housing Stock Through Energy Efficiency Investment
Thursday, February 13, 3:00 - 4:00pm
Target Audience: Renters, homeowners, multifamily property owners, local government, elected officials
Please join us to learn about programs to preserve and update existing housing stock through energy efficiency investment in Dane County! Claire Oleksiak, Executive Director at Sustain Dane and Loreen Gage, Housing Initiatives and Program Specialist for the City of Fitchburg, will share their partnership in the Efficiency Navigator Program. Abigail Corso, Chief Strategy Officer at Elevate will discuss their work. Doug Plowman, City of Monona Director of Planning and Community Development, will share his insights on their municipal energy efficiency fund.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94310243246
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Expanding EV Charging Stations in Dane County
We Need Your Input!
Charge Up Dane County is a $13.2M effort to expand affordable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Dane County. As EV ownership expands, we will need public charging so that people who live in apartments or homes without garages can easily charge. This program will focus on addressing charging gaps in all areas of Dane County - urban to rural. This includes adding charging near multi-family buildings, in rural areas, and near multi-modal hubs.
This map shows the locations of existing EV charging in Dane County and includes a link to a form where you can suggest a location that needs affordable EV charging. The Charge Up team will use the suggestions submitted via the form as part of their efforts to identify possible station locations.
Submit your ideas to the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change now, and visit here to stay informed on the program’s progress!
*Please note the 2025 EV tax credit is in place! Rebates up to $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used vehicles are available if you buy from a dealership.
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New Grants, Resources & Events
New Housing Grants Awarded in Dane County!
Dane County Awarded HUD’s PRO Housing Grant
We are excited to share that Dane County was recently awarded $7 million from HUD's Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant to advance housing initiatives, including the production of new housing, and implementing zoning reforms. Read the press release HERE to learn more about how all the funds will be used.
City of Madison Awarded Funds for Energy Upgrades that Improve Housing Affordability
The City of Madison’s Sustainability Program has been awarded a $20 million grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grants program. With this funding, Madison will lead a collaborative project to provide home energy upgrades, saving money on energy bills, improving indoor air quality, and cutting climate pollution. Learn more HERE.
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Housing Events
"Unjust Deeds: History of Racial Covenants in Dane County and Beyond" Exhibit
Opening Reception Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 PM | Monona Public Library
Dane County Planning and Development is working with several partners to uncover, develop, and present racially and ethnically restrictive covenants. While the work is not complete, what has been completed will be presented as part of the Dane County Historical Society’s traveling exhibit on the History of Racial Covenants in Dane County and Madison. The opening reception will be held at the Monona Public Library at 6 p.m. on February 6, 2025, to coincide with Black History Month. The subsequent events are listed below:
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Belleville Public Library
March 20th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Waunakee Public Library
April 17th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Cross Plains Public Library
May 3rd, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Marshall Public Library
June 21st, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Mt Horeb Public Library
July 21st, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Bookmobile
August 2025
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Verona Public Library
September 20th, 2025 at 1:30pm
Sequoya
October 6th, 2025, time TBD
Sun Prairie Historical Museum and Library
November 2025, time TBD
Oregon Public Library
December 13th, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Middleton Public Library
January 22nd, 2026 at 6:00 pm
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If you are interested in hosting the exhibit in 2026, contact Executive Director Rick Bernstein. The Dane County Historical Society is a 501(c)3 private non-profit established to preserve and promote Dane County's history. To find out more, go to www.danecountyhistory.org.
WI Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) Galentine’s Event
Thursday, February 13 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM | The Great Dane Downtown
WI WAHN is gathering on Thursday, February 13th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Great Dane Downtown. WAHN's purpose is to foster a collaborative network of women in the affordable housing sector, empower, and uplift one another. Send RSVP to hello@wisconsinwahn.org if you are interested in joining WI WAHN Board and members for happy hour on Galentine’s Day at the Great Dane.
Film Screening: Divisible
Thursday, February 20 | 6:30 PM | Marquee Cinema, Union South, UW-Madison
This award-winning film provides a detailed look into redlining: what happened, where it came from, who was involved, how it supposedly “ended”, and why the 1968 Fair Housing Act did not actually get rid of redlining or its impact. Told through a combination of expert and personal interviews, Divisible explores how redlining impacted and continues to affect communities.
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Housing Resources
FREE In-Person Homebuyer Education Workshop
Saturday, February 8 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Villager Mall, Madison
Thinking about buying a home? Not sure where to start? The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you this resource! Our FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop will give you all the information (and confidence!) you need to navigate the homebuying process! This class is HUD-certified and will help give you access to most down payment programs, credit counseling is also provided.
Learn about:
- How to find a home that suits your needs and budget
- Mortgage 101—what you need to know before applying
- Budgeting and credit tips to boost your buying power
- Common roadblocks that prevent buyers from qualifying
- About down payment assistance—get financial help you didn’t know existed!
- Hear firsthand from professionals like lenders, realtors, inspectors, and insurance experts!
Reserve your spot now! Lunch is provided. Register here: https://homebuyersroundtable.org/event/2574/
Questions? Contact Maria Davila-Martinez, mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com , 608-266-6557.
Fair Housing Seminar: Dos and Don’ts for Housing Professionals
Wednesday, February 12 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM | 2909 Landmark Pl, Training Room,
In Person or Zoom
Seminar led by Jay Koritzinsky from Koritzinsky & Karl Law Firm. Gain valuable insights into the essential dos and don’ts of Fair Housing practices to ensure compliance and professionalism when interacting with clients and residents. This instructional session will cover key topics to help you navigate the complexities of Fair Housing regulations with confidence. Tickets are on sale now ($30.00 for Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin members, $45.00 for non-members plus fees). Buy your tickets HERE now!
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