The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) applauds the State Assembly’s approval yesterday of legislation (Assembly Bill 859) to provide local communities with the necessary tools to advance the development of much-needed workforce housing across the state.

“WEDA would like to thank Representative Rob Brooks and Senator Dan Feyen for authoring this legislation and their commitment to addressing Wisconsin’s growing workforce housing crisis,” said Michael Welsh, WEDA Legislative Affairs Director. “The availability of affordable, quality housing is a top priority for individuals and families when deciding where to live and work. This bill will help boost housing options and provide employers and communities with a powerful talent attraction tool.”

Assembly Bill 859 will help address Wisconsin’s workforce housing shortage through several provisions aimed at boosting workforce housing stock at the local level, including changes to current Tax Incremental Financing law that will encourage additional residential projects. The legislation also incentivizes local communities to implement policies that encourage new workforce housing development.

“A major contributing factor to our labor shortage is the lack of available workforce housing in communities across the state,” said WEDA Executive Director Brian Doudna. “This bill will offer communities improved resources and new incentives to spur housing development, and without placing any burden on state taxpayers.”