Whitewater’s Community Development Authority Board of Directors gathered Thursday, Sept. 19, to discuss ongoing future housing developments aimed at addressing Whitewater’s growing population. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and was held at the Whitewater Municipal Building and streamed virtually for community members.
City officials outlined several housing projects in progress. Harbor Homes reported that 17 of 19 permits were pulled, and three homes are currently listed for sale. These are single-family owner-occupied homes, which help address the city’s need for a wider housing variety. The rest of the homes have been sold or are under contract. Meadowview has three properties available, while Waters Edge South recently issued permits for eight new duplex units, which will provide 16 units total. The largest upcoming project is Hartland Shores, a multi-family development on the city’s southeast side that broke ground earlier this year. This development will provide 32 new units of housing.
Whitewater Economic Development Director Mason Becker stressed the importance of housing available during the community’s recent growth, noting that affordable housing is crucial, with the average price for a home being $321,000 compared to the price of $230,000 in 2021.
“There has been an identified shortage of housing,” Becker said. “It’s important to know that housing needs are changing. I believe that housing is the new workforce. Yes, we want to create jobs and bring in a workforce. Companies are looking for places where their employees will have a place to live and can afford.”
The city’s growth is beyond its current housing market and availability. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recently reported its largest enrollment since 2016, with about 12,000 students enrolled. Officials noted that the surge of enrollment contributes to the need for more housing options for those who reside in the community, applying to both students and year-round residents.
To support homeowners, Whitewater introduced a down payment assistance program in 2023. The program provides up to $25,000 in aid for residents who qualify, intending to make home ownership more accessible and possible. Financial tools were also discussed during the meeting, including Tax Increment Financing, which has been utilized in Wisconsin for nearly 50 years. TIF can offset construction costs and high interest rates, making it beneficial for economic development.
The Community Development Authority also updated its criteria for evaluating future projects that request TIF assistance. The new criteria is called the “What If,” and city leaders stated that the guidelines will help ensure resources are used appropriately. City leaders emphasize the importance of collaborating with developers, financial programs and planning will remain key as Whitewater balances the growing population while maintaining affordability.
With enrollment rising and businesses looking to expand, the city hopes that these initiatives will create opportunities for residents while keeping Whitewater a nice place to live and work as officials work hard to address the growing need for housing.
