From Madison to the Fox Valley, Wisconsin has a housing shortage. But it isn’t just a quality-of-life issue, it’s a workforce issue.
Wisconsin has a shortage of more than 120,000 rental units, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. And many municipalities are short on owner-occupied housing as well.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes said housing is critical to allowing people to fully participate in the economy — along with reliable transportation and child care.
“When you apply for a job, you have to write down your address,” Hughes said. “So if you are unhoused, or you’re in temporary housing, then that creates a challenge for even getting a job.
[Adapted from: Wisconsin’s housing shortage isn’t just a quality-of-life issue. It’s a workforce issue. November 2, 2022 Wisconsin Public Radio]