A Step Forward for Housing

Wisconsin is one step closer to addressing its housing shortage. Two key supply-side bills recently passed the Wisconsin Legislature and are now headed to Gov. Evers for his signature. Both bills focus on making it easier to build more homes by improving financing tools and reducing barriers to development.

SB 480: Residential tax increment districts (TIDs)

SB 480 allows communities the option to create residential TIDs specifically designed to support housing This gives local governments a way to help finance infrastructure costs such as roads, sewer and utilities. By lowering those initial costs, the bill helps make new housing developments more financially feasible and encourages projects that might not otherwise move forward.

For many communities, this is a practical tool to support growth, expand housing options and respond to local demand.

AB 194: WHEDA loan modifications

AB 194 updates Wisconsin’s WHEDA loan programs so they can be used more effectively in today’s market. The bill removes barriers, increases flexibility, and allows these financing tools to better align with real-world development needs. The goal is straightforward: get funding to projects faster to build more housing.

Together, these updates help ensure state resources are working as intended to support housing supply.