Tour of the Oaks of Jackson showcases Washington County’s housing model and its influence on new federal legislation

JACKSON, Wis. – Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann welcomed U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald to the Oaks of Jackson on Tuesday for a tour highlighting the county’s Next Generation Housing Initiative and its growing influence as a model for expanding attainable homeownership.

Schoemann, Fitzgerald and Village of Jackson Administrator Jen Heidke toured newly constructed homes, met with homeowners and discussed how Washington County’s public-private approach is helping working families purchase homes, supporting local employers and encouraging future housing development.

“What started as a local solution to a challenge facing Washington County is now helping shape the national conversation about housing,” Schoemann said. “Our Next Generation Housing Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when county and municipal leaders work alongside builders, employers and community partners. By reducing barriers to construction and focusing on attainable homeownership, we are helping more working families achieve the American Dream while strengthening the workforce our local businesses need.”

The visit also highlighted Fitzgerald’s recently introduced federal housing legislative package, including the Working Families Home Construction Act, which was inspired by a similar program implemented in Washington County.

“Washington County has shown that innovative financing can help get more homes built for working families,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “My Working Families Home Construction Act takes the lessons learned here in Wisconsin and brings them to the federal level, helping builders access the financing they need to build more middle-class housing across the country.” 

“Fixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Washington County has developed a successful model for overcoming barriers to housing construction, and we need to build on that success so more hardworking Americans can achieve the dream of homeownership.”

The Working Families Home Construction Act would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase qualifying residential construction loans at low interest rates. The proposal is intended to help builders obtain financing for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation and other upfront costs associated with producing middle-class housing.

Fitzgerald’s package also includes the Sustainable Homeownership Act and the Home Affordability Through Mortgage Simplification Act. Together, the proposals seek to reduce barriers to new housing construction, simplify the homebuying process and expand sustainable homeownership opportunities.

During the tour, Schoemann and Fitzgerald visited homes constructed by Hillcrest Builders and spoke with Next Generation Housing homeowners about their experiences. Local government, business, housing and community representatives also discussed how attainable housing helps employers recruit and retain workers by allowing more families to live near their jobs and establish roots in Washington County.

Washington County launched the Next Generation Housing Initiative in 2021 to increase the supply of attainable, owner-occupied housing and address barriers to homeownership. Under its updated framework, the initiative seeks to create 1,000 new owner-occupied housing units in Next Generation Housing developments by 2032.

The initiative’s pricing goals call for 40% of homes to be sold for less than $340,000, 80% for less than $360,000 and all homes for less than $420,000, including the home and lot or site. Its broader vision is to expand housing opportunities, provide attainable options and help families obtain quality homes while keeping housing costs within approximately 30% of household income.

More information about the initiative is available here.

About Washington County’s Next Generation Housing Initiative

Washington County’s Next Generation Housing Initiative brings together local governments, developers, builders, employers and community partners to increase the supply of attainable, owner-occupied housing. The initiative is designed to support homeownership, strengthen the local workforce and help ensure Washington County remains a place where working families can live, work and build their futures.