Leaders of Northwoods business, non-profits, government and other agencies met at Rhinelander City Hall Wednesday to learn about improving housing and economic opportunities in the region.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, and other state agencies, are holding a series of forums statewide to alert local communities of opportunities to enhance local housing and economic development.. Former Racine legislator George Petak now works for WHEDA...
"WHEDA believes local elected officials are those persons who drive economic development in their communities. We're addressing housing issues, senior housing, affordable or workforce housing. Single family housing we have a broad scope of housing capabilities...."
Petak says they've been hearing some things across Wisconsin...
"...what we hear in the most rural and the most urban communities is there is a very significant housing need. Thankfully, just in March, the legislature passed and the Governor signed, a new state income tax credit for housing that matches the federal affordable housing tax credit program..."
Petak says those credits should entice local housing owners and developers to move forward with new housing. Other agencies were the state Department of Administration and the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.
