The ROAD to Housing Act is now law. What does that mean for Wisconsin?

Are you a policymaker? Do you advise a policymaker? Or do you want to advocate for your state and community to make the most of recent federal housing legislation?

Then this is for you.

I break down the ROAD to Housing Act from a Wisconsin perspective, highlighting key provisions affecting manufactured and factory-built housing, CDBG and HOME funding, pre-approved building plans, single-stair apartments, home repairs, and local land-use reform.

Read the full breakdown →

-Ken Smith, Housing Policy Director

The ROAD to Housing Act recognizes that new factory-built housing does not solely consist of mobile homes or “trailers.” Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA, U.S. National Archives

We're Hiring!

Community Engagement Manager

We’re looking for a Community Engagement Manager to join Housing Onward Wisconsin.

We’re looking for someone who is highly organized, energized by bringing people together, passionate about pro-housing policy, and ready to roll up their sleeves!

This role will coordinate the grassroots Community Housing Academy, building relationships with participants and partners to help ensure each session is a success.

This position reports to the Housing Policy Director and is an integral part of the housing team, which also includes the Communications & Digital Manager and the Executive Director. This position is remote, based in Wisconsin.

Send your resume and cover letter to:

Trevor Roark, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin

trevor@1kfriends.org

Is the way we’re building and funding our communities financially sustainable?

Net New Construction by County

More housing and development can help communities grow their tax base.

But a new report reveals that even Wisconsin counties experiencing strong development (measured by NNC = net new construction) aren’t generating enough new tax base to keep pace with inflation. Meanwhile, 96% of Wisconsin counties used 99%+ of their allowable levy between 2020–2025.

As many Wisconsin municipalities head into budget season, I wanted to highlight some research from the Wisconsin Counties Association and Forward Analytics.

Their report, Losing Ground: Net New Construction & Inflation, looks at the past 15 years and finds that even counties with strong levels of net new construction are struggling to keep pace with inflation.

Your Housing Story Matters.

Tell Us Your Story!

We are creating a new video series highlighting the real experiences of people across Wisconsin. Learn More

We're looking for stories about finding a home, affording housing, raising a family, downsizing, building or buying, navigating housing challenges, and finding creative solutions.

Your story could help your neighbors, community leaders, and policymakers better understand what Wisconsin's housing challenges look like in real life. 

Or, do you know of a local housing project that deserves the spotlight? Email your ideas to Ali: ali@1kfriends.org

Upcoming Events:

Join Us! 1000 Friends of Wisconsin 30th Anniversary Party



Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 5:30p-8:00p at the Goodman Community Center Brassworks Building in Madison, Wisconsin. Our organization will be celebrating 30 years of protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources and building healthy communities around the state. All are welcome to join us and learn more about history and exciting work in the future. Buy Tickets Here

Community Housing Academy - Final Presentations



Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Join us at Independence First in Milwaukee for our Community Housing Academy Final Presentations. Participants will get the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and advocate for a proposed housing solution in their community. More Info

We are a statewide coalition of neighbors and nonprofits advancing practical housing solutions and updated land use policies to support strong, sustainable communities across Wisconsin.

HousingOnward.org

FOLLOW ALONG

Housing Onward Wisconsin is a program of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin