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WASHINGTON COUNTY, WISCONSIN — Washington County is taking a new approach to making more affordable housing available to residents and those who work in the community.
The county is launching a program called Next Generation Housing. The county will spend $6.75 million to encourage builders to build new homes at more affordable prices than those currently seen in the county.
To qualify for incentives paid through the County Savings Fund, builders must sell 75% of the home for less than $300,000 and the remaining 25% for less than $400,000.
There are currently three parcels in different areas of the county that will be used as part of the Next Generation Program. The plot is in Slinger, Jackson and Hartford.
Washington County Administrator Josh Schoemann is a strong supporter of the plan. As more land is being developed in the county, Sheeman believes more affordable options will attract newcomers to the county and incentivize more people to work in the area. There is
“My number one priority is to help kids who have graduated from high school here, gone to college, and are now back or perhaps directly in the workforce can find homes here in Washington County. I’m going to move to Dodge County or Fond du Lac County,” Sherman said.
Sheeman said there is a shortage of affordable housing in the county. In particular, many of his quarter-acre land homes built in the mid-20th century are usually cheaper and harder to find. Mr Sheeman said people were staying home longer.
Shermann said he’s happy people are staying home, but it could create some challenges for young homebuyers.
“That’s fine, but it creates a situation where the next generation lacks opportunities to get off to the same start that’s so important for building intergenerational wealth,” Sherman said.
Next Generation Housing has received support from several large employers in the county who see more affordable housing as a great employee recruitment and retention tool.
The Hartford Economic Development Authority, which played a role in the development of industrial parks in the city, was also a supporter. Tom Hostad, who is HEDC’s executive director, said the project could have employment implications.
“Our employers feel it is very important to give their employees the option of living here in the community where they work,” said Hostad.
HEDC owns a parcel of land on which a subdivision will be built in Hartford using the Next Generation Fund. All construction projects associated with the Next Generation Initiative are currently in the planning and approval stages.
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