Affordable Housing Legislation Signed into Law

This month Gov. Tony Evers signed five bipartisan bills into law to help expand access to safe, affordable housing for working families, a key driver of economic development. This brings good news not only to Jefferson County and our municipalities, but also to housing developers and property owners.

Under the new laws, developers should see local government approving permits for single-family and multi-family housing that meets existing requirements. In addition, they can get help covering the cost of public infrastructure related to workforce or senior housing with an approved loan through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Developers can also apply for a WHEDA loan to convert a vacant commercial building to workforce or senior housing with 16 or more units for rent or sale. Owners of rental housing can benefit from a new WHEDA loan program for the rehab of aged workforce housing where the building’s main floor is used commercially. Homeowners with a house built 40 or more years ago may be eligible for a WHEDA loan for the repair or replacement of flooring or an interior wall or ceiling, or an internal plumbing system. This loan can also be used for the removal of lead paint, asbestos, or mold.

You can access the new laws, 2023 Wisconsin Acts 14-18, here.