On Friday, October 3rd, The Graaskamp Center hosted its annual Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference, bringing together public, private, and nonprofit leaders to tackle the state’s deepening affordable housing crisis. Wisconsin currently faces a shortfall of more than 126,000 affordable rental units—a gap equivalent to the combined capacity of three of the state’s largest sports stadiums. While WHEDA has financed 88,700 affordable units, rising construction costs and limited tax credit availability continue to constrain new development, putting pressure on communities to find creative and coordinated solutions.
Panelists David Weiss, Bryan Schreiter, and Representative Rob Brooks highlighted how targeted financing, innovative development strategies, and policy reform must work hand in hand. Weiss described how “twinning” tax credit deals—combining 9% and 4% allocations—can make challenging projects viable while partnering with nonprofits to invest in resident well-being. Schreiter emphasized that access to tax credits, not debt, is the biggest financing constraint, noting that banks remain eager to fund strong projects. Brooks urged communities to overcome NIMBYism and embrace smaller, more attainable housing options, calling for state and local governments to align policies that enable growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisconsin faces a 126,000-unit rental gap, demanding urgent action from both public and private sectors.
- Creative capital structures like twinning, coupled with community partnerships, can make difficult projects feasible.
- Tax credit availability—not financing—is the main constraint to scaling production.
- Overcoming NIMBYism and empowering local governments to streamline approvals are essential to increasing supply.
