Insights & Updates

The federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act creates new opportunities to expand housing supply, support affordability, and modernize housing policies. But making the most of these opportunities will require action from Wisconsin’s state and local governments. This Wisconsin-focused guide breaks down key provisions, what governments can do to access new funding and incentives, and how housing advocates can use the law to spur meaningful reform.

From rethinking I-794 and strengthening public transit to conservation funding and parking reform, August was a busy month for housing and community development in Wisconsin. Catch up on what I’ve been reading, watching, and thinking about – and see what’s ahead as we kick off the Community Housing Academy in Milwaukee this September.

Ken Smith advocates for a "both-and" approach: protect what is genuinely historic, while also making it easier to build and adapt housing. Thoughtful preservation and abundant housing can coexist rather than compete.

Catch up on Housing Onward's July updates, including the Road to Housing Act, Midwest Regional Gathering, A Home for Everyone Conference, and Wisconsin housing advocacy efforts.

Ken Smith shares insights from a national Smart Growth America convening on zoning reform, connecting how restrictive land-use policies limit housing supply, drive up costs, and worsen affordability in Wisconsin. The piece explores how rethinking housing by place, type, and price can open the door to more attainable homes statewide.

Topics this month include zoning reform, housing affordability, community engagement, national policy conversations in Washington D.C., and preparations for the upcoming Community Housing Academy in Milwaukee.

Recapping key conversations shaping Wisconsin’s housing future, from regional data showing a deepening supply shortage to local debates over zoning, affordability, and NIMBYism.

April was a full and energizing month for the 1000 Friends housing team! From Milwaukee conversations on community land trusts to housing summits, home tours, and workshops all across the state – we connected with partners and saw real progress toward expanding affordable housing in Wisconsin.

Driven by the amazingly high cost of housing and the growing unaffordability of car ownership, we’re more motivated than ever to support more communities where people have the freedom to live without a car. That urgency kept us moving, making March another busy and productive month for the Housing Onward team.

Our newly inaugurated housing team at 1000 Friends of Wisconsin has begun its work, and housing is a major issue on the minds of people across Wisconsin and the nation.