Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

10/08/2026

WHEDA Community and Economic Development (CED) Officer Mai Xiong recently attended the ribbon cutting for Indianhead Apartments in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

This project received $562,807 through our Vacancy-to-Vitality Loan Program to rehabilitate the Indianhead Motel into 27 single-occupancy studio apartments. Thank you to Hope Village Chippewa Falls and Chippewa County for addressing homelessness by expanding affordable housing options in the Chippewa Valley. This project was not only a creative way to redevelop an underutilized space, but also preserves a piece of local history by incorporating elements of the former property and keeping the iconic neon Indianhead Motel sign on site.

Learn more about WHEDA’s Vacancy-to-Vitality Loan Program: https://bit.ly/4hPsb1s

Wisconsin Department of Administration, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

09/25/2026

For many aspiring homebuyers, the dream of owning a home can feel out of reach. But with the right guidance, education, and support, that dream can become reality. Through WHEDA’s Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP) in collaboration with the FHLBank Chicago, homebuyers like Julia gain the resources, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the home buying process, secure down payment assistance, and finally become a homeowner.

As we recognize Housing Counselor Day tomorrow, we’re celebrating the housing counselors who help turn uncertainty into opportunity and dreams into reality. Read the story below to see how organizations like La Casa De Esperanza help people buy homes which creates stability, builds wealth, and strengthens communities.

Today, we joined Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in Waukesha to recognize La Casa De Esperanza, one of 14 Wisconsin organizations receiving grants through our Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP).

Through the HCRP, we’re proud to strengthen housing counseling organizations across Illinois and Wisconsin, expanding their capacity to provide the trusted guidance and financial preparation that help more individuals and families navigate the path to successful, sustainable homeownership.

The impact of this program comes to life through homebuyers like Julia Castillo, a single mother of three who received counseling through La Casa de Esperanza while preparing to purchase a home. She also received a $10,000 Downpayment Plus® Program grant through FHLBank Chicago member Waukesha State Bank to help with down payment and closing costs.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4guBwN1

09/24/2026

WHEDA CEO & Executive Director Elmer Moore, Jr. joined KG Development Group, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services, Aurora Health Care, Bader Philanthropies, WNC & Associates, and many other partners to celebrate a major milestone for housing. The first-of-its-kind affordable housing development, Phoenix Residential, officially opened in Milwaukee’s Uptown neighborhood on Monday.

This unique project combines affordable housing and supportive services and is a model for how bold partnerships lead to innovative ideas that solve considerable challenges. As one of 13 financing sources that supported this transformational project, WHEDA is helping to create new opportunities that expand access to affordable housing for Wisconsin residents.

09/22/2026

The Annual WHEDA Conference brings Wisconsin’s housing leaders, innovators, and change makers together to spark new partnerships, explore bold ideas, and shape what’s next for housing in our state.

For two days, the conversations that are driving the future of affordable housing will all be happening under one roof. Join us at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Wednesday, November 18, and Thursday, November 19, for WHEDA Conference 2026: How Housing Happens.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4hERIeX



https://youtu.be/bpaCsVzDhzs?si=tTGKBWJAwjcYIE-X

09/14/2026

Join WHEDA and other leaders at the Wisconsin Real Estate & Economic Outlook Conference in Madison on October 2, 2026, to learn about what it takes to build stronger, more affordable future-ready communities across the state.

WHEDA Director of Community & Economic Development (CED) Jon Searles will participate in the panel discussion titled, “Innovative Housing Solutions: New Tools from Washington to Wisconsin.” Register today to gain expert insight into emerging strategies and tools that can help expand housing opportunities and support Wisconsin’s communities: https://bit.ly/4xtMQOl

08/28/2026

As summer comes to a close, we want to applaud our 2026 Intern Cohort for their hard work and many contributions to the Authority.

Beyond supporting various business units, the interns collaborated on a Capstone Project that celebrated WHEDA employees, housing, and the Year of the Neighbor, demonstrating their strong understanding of WHEDA’s mission and culture.

Thank you Allie (Single Family Housing), Cadence (Single Family Housing), Elijah (Project Management Office), and Sarah (Marketing & Communications) for choosing to kick-start your careers at WHEDA. We can’t wait to see what is in store for each of you and wish you all the best.

08/27/2026

Exhibitor Registration for WHEDA Conference 2026: How Housing Happens is now open! Join us in the Vendor Marketplace on Day Two (Thursday, November 19, 2026) to connect directly with leaders and innovators in the affordable housing industry.

Exhibitor booths are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot today to showcase your company’s impact.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4gUkSpX

08/25/2026

Join the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and WHEDA at the Home & Habitat Fest this Saturday, August 29, 2026! This family-friendly event will provide attendees with resources available for first-time homebuyers as well as how to remain in a safe and healthy home.

Visit the information booths between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to chat with local organizations focused on housing, recreation, and education, and get ready for the school year with Vanessa’s Mommy Foundation. Stop by for snacks, ice cream, and free back-to-school giveaways while supplies last.

Participating organizations:
-Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office - ECO
-Friends of Havenwoods State Forest
-Housing Resources, Inc.
-Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services
-Milwaukee Habitat
-Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District - MMSD
-Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation
-Milwaukee Public Library
-U.S. Forest Service
-Vanessa’s Mommy Foundation
-Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
-Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

08/21/2026

WHEDA joined FHLBank Chicago in Milwaukee to celebrate the success of three outstanding Milwaukee organizations and their work through the Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program.

Since October 2025, Acts Housing, Housing Resources, Inc., and United Community Center have collectively provided homebuyer education to over 3,000 families, supported more than 850 first-time homebuyers, hired three new housing counselors, and expanded services and outreach to help more low-to-moderate income aspiring homeowners.

Today, FHLBank Chicago joined Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in Milwaukee to celebrate Acts Housing, Housing Resources, Inc. and United Community Center, three of 14 Wisconsin organizations receiving grants through our Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP).

Through the HCRP, we’re proud to strengthen housing counseling organizations across Illinois and Wisconsin, expanding their capacity to provide the trusted guidance and financial preparation that help more individuals and families navigate the path to successful, sustainable homeownership.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4cU1qY3

08/13/2026

Housing happens when we invest in communities.

In case you missed it, WHEDA was joined by Governor Tony Evers today to announce $50 million in awards across 22 developments in 10 Wisconsin counties. This investment through our Vacancy-to-Vitality, Infrastructure Access, and Restore Main Street Loan Programs will support the creation of nearly 1,900 affordable housing units for our workforce, families, and seniors.

Read our News Release here: https://bit.ly/4wAEKU0

Awards build on Evers Administration efforts to expand access to safe, reliable, affordable housing, supporting over 35,000 affordable housing units since 2019