Time to Put Housing Dollars to Work

In 2023, the Wisconsin Legislature set aside $525 million to fund three Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan programs with the goal of addressing the growing housing crisis in Wisconsin.

When the programs were created in 2023, the legislature included a clawback provision, meaning any funds not been allocated by January 1, 2031, will be returned to the state. Time is of the essence if we want to ensure this funding is used before the deadline.

When the programs were initially launched, the requirements were too strict, making it difficult for developers and communities to put together projects that could qualify. This led to only $25 million being used to date to create only 1,600 units of housing. Simply put, that just isn’t enough.

This session, the WRA and other stakeholders worked together to draft legislation that modifies the requirements for these programs to allow more flexibility, including stacking financing tools and removing barriers, so more housing projects can become a reality.

AB 194, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 237, was signed into law last Thursday, with an immediate implementation date. With strong advocacy behind it, this bill unlocks the full potential of this investment.