The upcoming conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to dive into the fundamentals of economic development and the leading issues of the day, including technology advancements, entrepreneurship, talent attraction; business expansion and retention; and redevelopment and revitalization opportunities.

 

In addition to a wealth of networking opportunities, dynamic speakers, and continuing education credit certifications (EDFP, CEcD and AICP), the Best Practices Conference will include the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA). The CEDA Awards program recognizes and celebrates exceptional projects, programs, and businesses that drive economic growth in Wisconsin.

 

With a big thank you to our sponsors, we look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Best Practices Conference. Come for the conference and take in the beauty of Western Wisconsin!

Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed to empower economic developers in tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Scheduled for the morning of September 25 in Eau Claire, this in-person event will kick off our annual Best Practices Conference, which runs from the evening of September 25 through noon on September 27.

This workshop aims to provide economic developers with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted barriers to expanding housing supply, especially workforce housing. Attendees will explore:

Economic Barriers: Discover the components of project costs and why there’s often a gap between development expenses and the revenue needed to repay loans and provide returns to investors.

Site Selection: Learn the factors developers consider when choosing a location for new housing projects.

Funding Solutions: Identify tools available to bridge financing gaps, including increasing loans, unit counts, rents, and incorporating various subsidies. Understand the impact of these strategies on housing affordability across different income levels. Learn the solutions that banks offer, including tax credit equity, direct lending, investments in CDFIs, philanthropy and collaboration with the public and private sectors. Learn about innovative new loan and grant programs offered by WHEDA, CDFIs, and others that can be used to close financing gaps.

Municipal Strategies: Gain insights into what municipalities can do to boost the supply of affordable housing.