Regional Housing News - April 2025
Facebook  Instagram  Web  Email

IN THE NEWS


RHS Strategy Spotlight – TIF Extensions

Sun Prairie City Council Approves New TIF Extensions


Upcoming RHN Program:

WEDC Financing Programs, Zoning and the Housing Crisis

Thursday, April 10, 3:00-4:00PM


Turning the Key to Homeownership Panel Discussion

Wednesday, April 23, 2025


CDBG/HOME Updates:

 Consolidated Plan Public Hearing and RFP Workshops


Latest RHS Program News


Vacancy-to-Vitality Funding in Dane County:

The Derby

 

Looking Ahead – Housing Meetings & Upcoming Events
 

RHS Housing Strategy Spotlight:

TIF Extensions


Sun Prairie City Council Approves New TIF Extensions


An Interview with Housing and Equitable Development Planner,

Becky Binz

One of most important financial tools municipalities have to address the housing crisis is using TIF Extensions to create an affordable housing fund (AHF). The City of Sun Prairie approved two TIF Extensions in February allocating $5.3 Million to their Affordable Housing Fund, and established criteria and program guidelines for the allocation of those funds in an Affordable Housing Fund Policy.


Q: Why did the City of Sun Prairie create an Affordable Housing Fund?

 

A: Sun Prairie’s Affordable Housing Fund was created in 2020 as part of a city-wide effort to address housing issues. The 2017 Comprehensive Plan prioritized housing and recommended creating an AHF using the TIF Affordable Housing Extension, a tool created by WI state statute. The 2022 Housing Study further advised expanding the fund and developing a policy based on housing priorities to guide its use. The Affordable Housing Extension remains the City's most significant tool for addressing housing needs.


Q: How was the AHF Policy developed?

 

A: The City wanted to create an AHF Policy to establish criteria and program guidelines but lacked staff capacity until 2022, when we created my position and formed a Housing Committee. The Committee reviewed needs identified in our Housing Study and heard from local experts (developers, Tenant Resource Center, etc.) to discuss housing issues. The Committee also studied housing needs and solutions used across the state to inform their decision-making. The AHF Policy outlines potential programs the Common Council could fund. On February 18, the Committee presented the AHF Policy and proposed $5.3 million in TIF Extensions to the Council. Both were approved.

 

Q: What were some challenges and lessons learned?


A: One lesson learned is that TIF is complex, and we need to do a better job explaining the tool, its impact on the community, and the Affordable Housing Extension option. Community understanding is important because TIF is a tool that’s critical for local economic development and housing. During the extension and policy approval process Sun Prairie received questions about the Affordable Housing Extension, but there were also unexpected questions on the basic mechanics of TIF and how it’s used throughout the State. During policy discussions, misconceptions arose about funding being diverted from schools, placing more burden on taxpayers, and lining the pockets of developers. Those were serious concerns, but they highlighted the need for additional information. It ended up taking a team of staff to respond to questions and get accurate information out to the community.


Q: What housing programs are recommended in the AHF Policy?

 

A:

  1. Loan program for development of new affordable owner-occupied housing
  2. Loan program for development of new affordable renter-occupied housing
  3. Loan program for down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers
  4. Housing rehabilitation loan program (renter and owner-occupied units)
  5. Grant program for housing support services (e.g., housing case management)
  6. Funding for housing staff, outreach, and planning


Q: What are the next steps for implementation?


A: The next step involves working with Housing Committee to develop the details of each of the six programs in the AHF Policy document. Once we have those programs finalized this summer, we will bring the program details and recommended funding levels to Council for approval. Council could choose to fund some, or all, of these programs. Since Affordable Housing Extensions are infrequent, ensuring long-term program sustainability is a key consideration.


For additional information, listen to the City of Sun Prairie’s interview with Becky Binz about the AHF and AHF Policy HERE. To learn about how some other Dane County municipalities are putting TIF Extension funds to use, watch the recording or view the PowerPoint presentations from our June Regional Housing Network program about TIF Extensions!

Upcoming Regional Housing Network (RHN) Program

Please Join Us!


WEDC Financing Programs, Zoning and the Housing Crisis

Thursday, April 10, 3:00 - 4:00pm


Target Audience: Developers, municipal staff, elected officials, residents


Please join us for our upcoming Regional Housing Network (RHN) meeting. Hear from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)'s Regional Economic Development Director, Jason Scott, about WEDC grant and loan programs that include financing for workforce housing and mixed-use development.


What does zoning have to do with the housing crisis? Updating local zoning codes can help bring forward a variety of desired housing types such as senior housing and starter homes, and increase affordability of current and future housing stock. Olivia Parry, Sr. Planner, Dane County Planning, will present on this topic. 


Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94310243246
Sign up for the Regional Housing News Here

Turning the Key to Homeownership

Wednesday, April 23, Light Breakfast 7:30 AM, Program at 8:15 AM


Join Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and Habitat for Humanity International for a FREE lively and solutions-driven discussion on tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on. Moderated by housing expert Kurt Paulsen, this event brings together community and business leaders who are shaping the future of homeownership in Dane County.

 

With housing challenges at the forefront of local and national conversations, this discussion will highlight the collective action needed—from businesses, non-profits and government—to drive real change. Together, we can make homeownership more accessible for all.


Arrive early at the beautiful TruStage Lighthouse building to enjoy a light breakfast and time to network. The program begins promptly at 8:15 a.m. Time available after the program for conversation and collaboration. Indoor parking is provided for attendees. Registration is required for entry into the TruStage building, and space is limited— REGISTER HERE to attend in-person, or HERE to attend virtually!

CDBG/HOME Updates


Notice of Public Hearing - Tuesday, April 8, 5:00 PM

2025-2029 CDBG/HOME Consolidated Plan


The public is invited to review and comment on the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, and provide input on community needs and priorities for how Dane County intends to allocate federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds in Dane County (outside the City of Madison) over the next five years. 


A hybrid public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 5:00pm, at the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Blvd. Room 351. Information on how to join the meeting is found at the top of the meeting agenda which can be accessed at the Dane County legislative page at https://dane.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.


To view a draft of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, click here. Paper copies may be requested by contacting Cindy Grady directly at grady.cindy@danecounty.gov. 


Comments on the draft Consolidated Plan may be made at the public hearing on April 8th, or submitted in writing via email to cdbg@danecounty.gov no later than 12:00noon on April 8, 2025. Please note “Public Hearing Comment” in subject line of email.



2026 CDBG/HOME RFP Workshops Scheduled


The CDBG/HOME Team is be hosting two workshops to provide information on the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFPs) and application cycle for the 2026 CDBG/HOME program funds. These workshops will provide general information about the CDBG and HOME programs, including eligibility requirements, expected outcomes, and other project-specific considerations. View the below flyer for workshop dates and times. 


REGISTER FOR THE 2026 CDBG/HOME WORKSHOP SESSIONS


Registration is required. To register, click on the link above. If attending the virtual workshop, the zoom meeting link will be sent to the email address listed in the registration form.

For more information on the CDBG/HOME programs, visit our website: https://cdbg.danecounty.gov/

Latest RHS Program News


Metro buses continue to promote awareness of the

Regional Housing Strategy!
 

Welcome New RHS Project Assistant, Paige Marshall


We are excited to introduce Paige Marshall, our new 2025-2026 UW Project Assistant for the Dane County Planning Division! Paige graduated from UW-La Crosse with a B.A. in Political Science receiving High Honors in 2024. She is in her first year of graduate school in the Planning & Landscape Architecture program, focusing on housing and public policy at UW Madison. Paige is supporting the Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) with several projects. She is developing the RHS Community Housing Survey Report, a countywide survey implemented during RHS strategic planning, doing extensive data collection for the housing element update of the Village of Cottage Grove’s comprehensive plan, working on RHS Fact Sheets, and other planning assignments. As a Cottage Grove native, Paige looks forward to gaining hands-on planning experience, contributing to housing initiatives, and working in her hometown alongside the RHS team!


RHS Launches Marketing and Outreach Plan


This month, the RHS is launching the process of developing a Marketing and Outreach Plan! A team of RHS staff and community partners will be working with a marketing firm, 6 AM Marketing, to develop the plan and key messaging strategies. Stay tuned for more information as the planning process progresses.
 


Vacancy-to-Vitality Funding in Dane County:


The Derby

Dane County Executive, Melissa Agard, joined by Governor Evers and other local leaders for the grand opening of The Derby, one of the first developments in Dane County to receive WHEDA Vacancy to Vitality financing!


The Derby is a four-story mid-rise building providing 70 new units of affordable housing. Most units are reserved for households making 30-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) – for example, a two-person household at 60% AMI has an annual income at or below $60,480. Preference will be given to local veterans. Read the press release HERE.

Looking Ahead -

Housing Meetings and Upcoming Events


Unlock Your Path to Homeownership!

FREE In-Person Homebuyer Education Workshop

Saturday, April 12, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Lunch Provided)

Villager Mall, Atrium Entrance (2300 S. Park St., 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 meets the requirements for most down payment assistance programs (including WHEDA!). You’ll earn a Certificate of Completion after attending the workshop and a one-on-one counseling session with Consumer Credit Counseling Services. Reserve your spot now and start your journey to becoming a homeowner!


Register here: https://homebuyersroundtable.org/event/free-home-buyers-education-class-in-person/


If you have questions, please contact Maria Davila-Martinez, mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com , 608-266-6557.

_____


Sustainable Breakfast Series: Energy Transition Technologies

Tuesday, April 15, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor)


Join Sustain Dane for their April Sustainable Breakfast Series to learn more about the journeys of geothermal (which is currently used in homes and commercial buildings in Wisconsin) hydrogen, and fusion energy. Dive into stories of three different clean energy technologies – what does it take to bring these innovations into the mainstream? In what ways are these technologies used today? What role do they or can they play in decarbonizing our economy? Register HERE.

_____


Badger State Housing Alliance's Advocacy Day

Wednesday, April 23, Any Time Between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wisconsin State Capitol Rm. 330 SW


Housing advocates, community leaders, and changemakers will be heading to the Wisconsin State Capitol on Wednesday, April 23, to advocate for policies that support preventing homelessness, reducing barriers to rental housing, and supporting housing development across the state. They will provide all the information you'll need about our policy priorities and schedule meetings with legislators, and we encourage you to bring your own experiences and knowledge about housing across the state. By attending, you’ll help ensure that decision-makers hear firsthand about the housing challenges in Wisconsin—and the solutions we can champion together.


Here's what you can expect:

  • Learn about BSHA's three policy priorities this year: preventing criminalization of homelessness, supporting affordable housing development, and cleaning up eviction records to reduce barriers to rental housing
  • Engage directly with Wisconsin lawmakers
  • Meet and socialize with other people who care about affordable housing across the state


RSVP here!

_____


A Home for Everyone Conference 2025 – Call for Speakers

Wednesday, August 13 & Thursday, August 14, 2025

Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells


The Wisconsin Collaborative for Affordable Housing is seeking dynamic, engaging, and thought-provoking speakers for the upcoming A Home for Everyone Conference, focused on the critical issues facing the affordable housing industry. This conference will bring together developers, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals passionate about improving access to safe, affordable, and equitable housing for all.

We invite speakers from a variety of backgrounds to share their expertise, insights, and experiences in the following areas of interest:

  1. Housing Development
  2. Homelessness
  3. Homeownership
  4. Fair Housing
  5. Advocacy


If you are an expert in any of these areas, we encourage you to submit a proposal to share your knowledge and be a part of this important conversation. Presenters receive complimentary conference admission for the day you are presenting, or a discounted admission for a two-day ticket.


Speaker Submission Guidelines:

  1. Proposal submission deadline: Wednesday, April 30th
  2. Notification of accepted proposals: by Friday, May 30th
  3. Topics: Submissions should focus on one or more of the conference's areas of interest (listed above).
  4. Format: Sessions are approximately 75 minutes in duration. Audience size varies, and can reach up to approximately 50 participants.


Submit your proposal HERE. Questions? Contact Heather Boggs at ahfe@wphd.org
 
Questions? Send an email to regionalhousing@danecounty.gov for questions or more info on the Dane County Regional Housing Strategy.


Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy
 

Dane County Planning and Development | 210 Martin Luther King BLVD Room #116 | Madison, WI 53703 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact