WRA Joins Legislative Leaders Announcing Bills to Address Wisconsin’s Housing Shortage

Date: October 7, 2021

MADISON, Wis. — Today, the Wisconsin REALTORS^® Association (WRA) joined legislative leaders at a press conference announcing strategic efforts to curb the state’s out-of-control housing shortage. With increasing construction costs, an antiquated regulatory atmosphere, and a severe shortage of affordable housing, these bills have been introduced to make a difference in the lives of average
Wisconsinites.

“The actions of our state’s legislators today will have a profound effect on the future of our state,” said Mary Duff, Chair of the WRA board of directors. “These bills will allow more people to afford homes in Wisconsin and give working families a chance to build upon their dreams and provide for a better tomorrow.”

The package of bills introduced include initiatives to streamline the development-approval process, reduce building material costs, and allow Wisconsinites to attain greater financial resources to build, restore and renovate their homes.

A number of factors have led to the severe housing shortage facing Wisconsin today, including outdated development regulations, a lack of building permits being issued and rising construction costs. The legislation put forward today will help alleviate these issues and create a vibrant and open marketplace for homes to be built, homebuyers to afford new places to live, and the state to grow in a manner that will help the economy thrive.