Wisconsin Real Estate & Economic Outlook Conference
Future-Ready Communities: Building Opportunity Through Housing Infrastructure and Innovation
Friday, October 2 | 8:30am – 2:45pm
How can communities create more housing while preserving quality of life? How should they weigh the opportunities and tradeoffs surrounding major investments in infrastructure, energy systems and data centers? What new policies, financing tools and technologies can help address housing affordability while supporting sustainable economic growth? These are the complex questions shaping the future of real estate and economic development, and they are at the heart of the 2026 Wisconsin Real Estate & Economic Outlook Conference.
Nationally recognized housing economist Morris Davis, Professor at Rutgers University and Chief Housing Economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisers, will open the conference with a national economic and housing outlook, including insights into the nation’s landmark new housing legislation and its implications for communities, developers and housing markets. Throughout the day, experts from government, industry and academia will explore innovative housing policies, financing tools, emerging technologies and real-world examples of communities working together to address housing affordability, infrastructure needs and economic growth.
Whether you’re in real estate, banking, development, government, planning or economic development, you’ll leave with practical ideas for evaluating complex issues, weighing competing priorities and building consensus around decisions that shape thriving communities. Along the way, you’ll connect with professionals from across Wisconsin who are working to solve many of these same challenges.
Agenda
Friday, October 2 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 am | Continental Breakfast and Registration |
| 9:00 – 9:10 am | Welcome and Introductions: Dayin Zhang, Assistant Professor; Real Estate and Urban Land Economics; Valentino H. Pasquarella Sr. Faculty Fellow in Real Estate in Real Estate and Urban Economics; Wisconsin School of Business; University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| 9:10 – 10:00 am | Keynote Presenter: Morris Davis, Professor, Rutgers University; Former White House Chief Housing Economist The 2027 Housing Outlook: The Economy, Housing Markets and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act |
| 10:00 – 11:15 am | Panel 1: Innovative Housing Solutions: New Tools from Washington to Wisconsin Communities across the country are grappling with rising housing costs and a shortage of homes that meet the needs of today’s workforce and families. Join national, state and local housing leaders for a practical discussion of the latest strategies to expand housing supply and improve affordability. The session will explore recent federal housing legislation, Wisconsin’s housing initiatives, updates to WHEDA financing programs, innovative TIF tools, truth-in-zoning reforms and other regulatory approaches that can reduce barriers, attract investment and accelerate housing development. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical policy solutions and real-world examples that can help communities expand housing opportunities while balancing local priorities. Moderator: Kurt Paulsen, Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Wisconsin–Madison Panelist Ideas: Dave Armstrong, Wisconsin State Assembly Representative for District 67 and the Executive Director of the Barron County Economic Development Corporation Amy Bliss, Executive Director, Wisconsin Housing Alliance Robert Procter, attorney in Madison – completed series of fact sheets detailing new laws Jon Searles, Community & Economic Development Director, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) |
| 11:15 – 11:30 am | Networking Break |
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Keynote, Lesli Gooch, CEO, Manufactured Housing Institute Unlocking Housing Opportunity: The Power of Manufactured Housing to Build More Homes |
| 12:30 – 1:20 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:45 pm | Panel 2: From Opposition to Opportunity: Building Consensus for Better Communities A practical discussion on navigating community opposition to housing, infrastructure and economic development projects. Panelists will explore strategies for educating the public, building trust and coalitions, engaging stakeholders early and fostering productive dialogue that leads to successful projects and stronger communities. Moderator: Jerry Deschane, Former Executive Director, Wisconsin League of Municipalities Panelists: Nicole Solheim, Vice President, Development for the Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp (WHPC) John Garvin, Manager of State Governmental Relations, American Transmission Company Jerry Deschane – Mayor from a Wisconsin community that would be a good fit. |
| 2:45 pm | Wrap-up and Adjourn Dayin Zhang, Assistant Professor; Real Estate and Urban Land Economics; Valentino H. Pasquarella Sr. Faculty Fellow in Real Estate in Real Estate and Urban Economics; Wisconsin School of Business; University of Wisconsin–Madison |
Keynote Presenters and Featured Speakers
Morris Davis
Lesli Gooch
Who Should Attend?
- Real estate and housing professionals
- Financial services professionals
- Builders and developers
- State and local government employees
- Non-profit professionals
- Anyone interested in community and economic development
Location and Lodging
Hotel accommodations
A block of rooms is reserved at the Fluno Center at $169 per night for the evening of October 1. Contact the Fluno Center directly at 608-441-7117 or 877-773-5866 to reserve your room. Be sure to mention that you are attending the Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference.
Parking
Parking is available in the lot below the Fluno Center for $15 per day. We encourage you to arrive early the day of the conference, as there will be only one parking lot attendant on duty.
- Parking Maps: View the full campus garage layout and entrance locations on the Fluno Center Parking Map or the University Transportation Services Site.
- Live Availability: Real-time occupancy counts for these campus ramps can be checked using the Visitor Parking Availability Tracker.
There are also several public lots nearby:
- Lake & Johnson Ramp (Lot 46). Approximately a 2 to 3 minute walk. Entrances from Lake Street and Frances Street.
- State Street Campus Garage: About a 6-to-8-minute walk. Entrance at 430 N. Frances Street.
- If you have any questions about parking, please do not hesitate to contact the Fluno Center at (877) 77-FLUNO (35866) or (608) 441-7117 for assistance.
Registration
Four ways to register
1. Call: 1-800-348-8964 or 608-262-2451
2. Register online »
3. Fax: 1-800-741-7416
4. Mail completed registration form to:
The Pyle Center
Registration Office
702 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53706-1487
Registration Fees
$175 for government/non-profit and WREAA attendees
$225 for corporate attendees
Early Bird Registration (before August 15)
$150 for government/non-profit and WREAA attendees
$200 for corporate attendees
In-person fee includes the panels, presentations, conference materials, continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.
We are grateful for the support of our conference sponsors whose contributions help to keep registration fees low, allowing non-profit and government professionals to attend this important forum.
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 21. If you would like to register after the deadline, please call (608) 250-6401 to inquire about availability.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made by Monday, September 21, will receive a full refund; those made on or after September 21 are subject to the full registration fee. Substitutions may be made at any time.
Questions and Special Accommodations: If you have questions or need any special accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact Lee Gottschalk at lee.gottschalk@wisc.edu. Requests will be kept confidential. We look forward to your participation!
Join Us as a Sponsor
- Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026. For availability after this date, call Lee Gottschalk at 608-250-6401.
- Send completed form to graaskamp@bus.wisc.edu.
- Sponsorship payments may be made online, using this secure link.
- Select Graaskamp Real Estate & Economic Outlook Conference for the Conference/Event Name and enter 01 for the Reservation Number in the payment form.
Why Sponsor?
- Engage an influential audience of leaders in real estate, housing, banking and the public sector.
- Elevate your brand by aligning with one of Wisconsin’s premier housing conferences and the nation’s #1 Real Estate Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2026).
- Champion the conversations shaping affordable housing, economic development and thriving communities.
- Forge connections with current and future clients, partners and policymakers.
Sponsor Benefits “At a Glance”
Amplify Your Brand: Build visibility before, during and after the conference through extensive recognition, including:
- Recognition throughout the conference marketing campaign, including email, social media, news releases, media partnerships and digital communications.
- Logo placement on the conference website with a link to your organization’s website.
- Recognition verbally at the conference and in conference materials, signage and presentation slides.
- A color advertisement in the conference program.
- Recognition in post-conference communications sent from the Graaskamp Center.
Connect With 150+ Housing, Finance, Real Estate and Government/Non-Profit Professionals: Build relationships with professionals from across Wisconsin’s real estate, housing and financial services industries through:
- Exhibit space to showcase your organization and engage with attendees.
- Complimentary conference registrations.
- An invitation to the exclusive pre-conference dinner with keynote speakers and conference leaders.
- Be recognized for supporting one of Wisconsin’s premier real estate conferences hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graaskamp Center for Real Estate
If you have questions, please contact Lee Gottschalk at 608-265-2032 or lee.gottschalk@wisc.edu.
Conference Partners
We’re grateful to our partners for their support of this conference and their commitment to communities across Wisconsin.
