Becky Beissel

Housing has been on my mind a lot this past month, so let's talk about it.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be interviewed on Wisconsin Public Radio about housing and development in Ellsworth*. It's a topic that comes up often at Village Board meetings, Community Summits, Plan Commission meetings, and even casual conversations around town. And for good reason.

Housing is one of the most significant challenges facing communities across Wisconsin, large and small, and Ellsworth is no exception.

For years, many of us have felt the effects of a limited housing supply. Employers struggle to recruit workers because there aren't enough places for people to live. Young adults who grew up here have difficulty finding their first home. Seniors looking to downsize often discover there are few options that allow them to remain in the community they love. Families searching for housing frequently find themselves competing for a limited number of available homes.

Recently, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) shared a new housing forecasting tool that helps communities better understand local housing needs. According to the tool, Ellsworth is currently short approximately 125 housing units, and over the next five years our community will need to add about 221 housing units to keep pace with demand and address existing shortages. That's a significant number for a community our size.

What's particularly interesting is that the need isn't limited to one type of housing. The data shows growth among young adults, families, and older residents. We need starter homes, apartments, townhomes, senior housing, and workforce housing. In other words, we need a variety of housing options that allow people to find the right fit for their stage of life.

This isn't just an Ellsworth issue, either. Last week, the Pierce County Journal reported on similar housing challenges being discussed in River Falls. Community leaders there are grappling with rising home prices, increasing demand, and a shortage of available housing. These conversations are happening throughout western Wisconsin because communities across the region are experiencing many of the same pressures.

The good news is that Ellsworth has been working proactively on this issue.

Over the past several years, we've updated our Comprehensive Plan, reviewed our zoning regulations, invested in infrastructure, and worked with developers to create new housing opportunities. Projects like Meadowlark Eco Apartments, the redevelopment of the former Junior High site, and future residential growth areas are all part of a broader effort to increase housing options while maintaining the character of our community.

Will any one project solve the housing shortage? No. But each project moves us in the right direction.

Housing conversations can sometimes be difficult because growth brings change, and change can feel uncomfortable. Yet communities that stop growing often face their own challenges; aging housing stock, workforce shortages, declining enrollment, and reduced economic vitality.

Our goal isn't growth for growth's sake. Our goal is thoughtful growth that supports local businesses, strengthens our tax base, provides opportunities for current and future residents, and ensures Ellsworth remains a vibrant community for generations to come.

Housing isn't the only issue we're working on, but it is one of the most important. And if it's been on my mind lately, it's because housing impacts nearly every other conversation we have about the future of Ellsworth.

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and investment in our community.

*Links to the interview and article are available on the Village of Ellsworth home page (under News & Announcements). https://villageofellsworth.org/