Advancing Housing Initiatives
I had the pleasure this week of attending the Brown County Homebuilders Association’s annual legislative breakfast. The members and I discussed a variety of legislative initiatives to improve affordability in the housing market, including the following enacted laws from this session:
Act 173, dubbed “Truth in Planning”, ensures the consistency of municipal zoning ordinances to abide by their comprehensive plans, identifying areas where houses will be allowed and specifying minimum and maximum densities. This new transparency and certainty provide needed predictability for developers, particularly for entry-level housing planning and construction.
Act 235 created a 100% Residential TID in Wisconsin. This new law establishes another tool for municipalities to stimulate the development of new housing through the financing of local infrastructure. It also allows communities to address housing needs without crowding out traditional economic development TIDs.
Act 237 made improvements to the following three workforce housing revolving loan fund programs created last session: 1.) Infrastructure Access Program; 2.) Restore Main Street Program; and 3.) Commercial-to-Housing Conversion Program. Act 237 updates project eligibility criteria and maximum loan amounts to make the programs more attractive and usable for developers and communities, increasing program efficacy and expanding access to capital for home building.
Homeownership is both an economic driver and a critical issue for quality of life that has become a massive problem facing the state. I’m glad these efforts were able to garner support and get signed into law to make progress on this issue.
Hosting a Listening Session
[see featured photo above] Thank you to everyone who attended my listening session this week to discuss issues pertinent to you, the 4th Assembly District, and the state. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to address your questions and discuss a wide range of topics and concerns.As our regular session has concluded, we were able to examine and reflect on what was able to be accomplished, and further discuss what concerns are hoped to be successfully advocated for in the next session. I appreciate the engagement from constituents and thank you again for being involved.
National Apprenticeship Week
This week is National Apprenticeship Week. Our state has announced another record setting school year for enrollment in our youth apprenticeship program, with 12,141 students and 8,105 employers participating. Wisconsin also reported a record number of participants in our Registered Apprenticeship program, with over 18,000 apprentices and more than 3,000 employers involved.
Apprenticeships provide workers and students with tangible skills and an industry recognized credential. They boost our economy and expand pathways to acquire essential skills and experience. During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the workers, employers, and schools who create a brighter future for themselves and our state through this continued bolstering of opportunities.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
