September 23 – The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) today announced its strong support for a housing package, specifically three legislative proposals—LRB-0669/P5 (Subdivision Reform), LRB-2130 (Workforce Housing PAYGO TID), and LRB 2355 (Truth in Planning)—designed to streamline development processes, lower housing costs, and address Wisconsin’s urgent need for affordable workforce housing.
“The greatest obstacle to expanding workforce housing in Wisconsin is the high upfront cost of subdivision infrastructure—such as sidewalks, curbs, water and sewer lines, and utilities,” said WBA President Mike Derrick. “These expenses fall on developers at the start of a project and are ultimately built into the price of each home, pushing entry-level housing beyond the reach of many working families.”
Adding to the challenge are inconsistent planning and zoning requirements, which create uncertainty, delay projects, and drive-up costs. Together, these factors make it increasingly difficult to deliver the affordable housing our communities urgently need. The three bills directly address these barriers.
1. LRB-2130: Establishing Workforce Housing “Pay-As-You-Go” (PAYGO) Tax Increment Districts (TIDs)
a. Uses tax increment from new homes to offset subdivision infrastructure costs.
b. Lowers price points to make workforce homes more attainable for working families.
c. Targets “missing middle” housing with limits on lot size and square footage.
d. Voluntary tool that communities can choose to use; expands single-family and duplex options.
e. Developer-financed model ensures private investment leads with minimal municipal risk.
2. LRB-2355: Truth in Planning & TIF Modifications
a. Aligns zoning with comprehensive plans to eliminate costly, time-consuming disconnects.
b. Establishes “by-right” housing when projects comply with approved plans and requirements.
c. Extends affordable housing TIF flexibility from one year to two.
d. Clarifies “newly platted residential” definition to allow redevelopment of blighted parcels.
3. LRB-0669/P5: Subdivision Plat Approvals & Public Improvements
a. Requires municipalities to offer pre-submission, conceptual subdivision review for predictability.
b. Updates public improvement rules—no upfront installation required before plat approval; caps initial security at 120% of estimated costs.
c. Streamlines approvals: clerks must certify final plats within 10 days.
d. Modernizes planning statutes to support efficient processes and diverse housing options.
With the leadership of Representatives Brooks, Armstrong and Kreibich and Senators Jagler and Feyen—and in collaboration between WBA, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities—these legislative initiatives can help communities bring their vision to life by creating clearer, more efficient, and transparent processes for growth that align with local goals.
