MADISON, WI – State Representative Alex Dallman (R-Markesan) voted in favor of a package of bills aimed at increasing Wisconsin’s housing supply for working-class families and lowering costs for first-time homebuyers. For many years, rising home prices have made it increasingly difficult for many Wisconsinites to afford their first home.
“In the past decade, we have seen median home prices in Wisconsin double due to the low number of housing units being built,” said Rep. Dallman. “This package of bills will help alleviate rising costs for first-time homebuyers, increase the housing supply, and remove local red tape that slows down development.”
With new homes in short supply across Wisconsin, especially in rural communities, something must be done to help working families. Economic tools like Tax Increment Districts (TIDs) have proven successful in revitalizing older neighborhoods and attracting commercial growth. TIDs allow communities to reinvest new tax revenue into critical infrastructure projects such as sewer and water systems, streets, and other public improvements that support redevelopment.
Other bills in the package seek to strengthen collaboration between housing developers and local governments. A report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum highlighted that a slowdown in housing permits has contributed to limited housing supply and unaffordable housing costs. By modernizing the permitting process, these bills aim to help developments begin construction sooner, reduce unnecessary delays, and bring greater transparency to local approvals.
“Government red tape almost always leads to more problems, especially when it comes to housing,” said Rep. Dallman. “By removing unnecessary barriers at the local level and creating a more transparent, accountable permitting process, we can help grow Wisconsin’s housing market and give more families a place to call home.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate for further consideration before heading to the Governor for his signature.
