In an effort to bridge the gap in attainable housing across western Wisconsin, the Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership Toolkit has been released to support municipalities, developers, and community organizations in their efforts to increase housing inventory. This comprehensive guide provides actionable strategies to facilitate collaboration, secure land, build housing, and connect homebuyers with financing options.

The toolkit is designed for stakeholders in Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, and St. Croix counties who are working to expand housing opportunities for households earning approximately $53,000 to $99,000—a key income range for workers such as teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, and other essential community members. The goal is to develop homes priced between $160,000 and $300,000, ensuring that more individuals and families can access quality housing in the region.

A roadmap for housing solutions

The Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership Toolkit offers:

• Guidance on forming partnerships – Bringing together municipal leaders, builders, lenders, and community organizations to create sustainable housing initiatives.
• Land identification and preparation strategies – Helping communities assess zoning, infrastructure, and land availability for development.
• Support for homebuyer outreach and financing – Connecting potential homeowners with financing resources and affordable mortgage options.
• Insights into factory-built housing solutions – Streamlining the construction process to improve affordability, quality, and efficiency.
• Funding and policy guidance – Leveraging programs like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Community Land Trusts (CLTs), and other incentives to make housing projects viable.

Funding for this project was led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, with support from Compeer Financial, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Momentum West.

Organizers shared their thoughts about the toolkit: “We’ve talked with housing stakeholders from across the region to help develop this resource,” said Kristie Smith, Executive Director, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity. “With a focus on increasing housing inventory that is attainable, especially for workforce in our communities, this toolkit can help lenders,

“This toolkit is an excellent complement to the Momentum West Housing Toolkit and provides key information for housing growth in the region,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West Wisconsin.

“Special thanks to everyone who participated and shared their resources to help create a very comprehensive, educational guide for potential homeowners,” said Aaron Sundeen, Director of Business Development, Derrick Building Solutions.

Municipalities, developers, and housing advocates are encouraged to explore the toolkit and utilize its step-by-step guidance to launch or expand housing initiatives in their communities. The toolkit is available online at Momentum West’s website, where stakeholders can access templates, best practices, and case studies to help implement housing solutions tailored to their specific needs. For more information, please contact Kristie Smith (ExecutiveDirector@scvhabitat.org) or visit Coop | St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity at scvhabitat.org

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity