Priority Issues

The following real estate issues, laws and regulations will be discussed at 2021 RGD. Check this page often as more priorities are introduced. 

• Broadband expansion: Broadband expansion for unserved and underserved areas is a top priority for the WRA. The 2019 Wisconsin state budget included the largest appropriation for broadband expansion grants in state history: $44 million over two years. The broadband program awards funding for critical infrastructure projects to deliver high-speed internet service to Wisconsin’s rural communities. This session, Gov. Tony Evers and the legislature must work to build on this investment and dramatically expand broadband internet access in areas of critical need in the Badger State. 
• Workforce housing: Wisconsin has a serious shortage of workforce housing, and workforce housing is another top priority for the WRA. The state is not building enough housing to keep up with demand for its growing workforce and its needs. The WRA and interested allies are working on a number of legislative proposals to address the workforce housing shortage. These proposals will focus on issues such as lack of inventory, construction costs, land use regulations and affordability.
• Property taxes: Wisconsin property owners pay among the highest property taxes in the country. In 2018, Wisconsin’s property tax rate was the fifth highest in the country, according to thebalance.com. Among Midwestern states, Wisconsin has the second-highest percentage of homeowners across all income levels who are “extremely cost-burdened,” paying more than 50% of their income on housing. The WRA supports the property tax caps and finding alternative revenue sources to fund local government and schools.
• COVID-19 losses for landlords: The current eviction moratorium will leave many housing providers and renters alike struggling. During the moratorium, property owners will struggle to meet their payment obligations for mortgage, insurance, taxes, property maintenance, utilities and staff. When the moratorium expires, renters will struggle to make up massive amounts of back rent, which could amount to over a years’ worth of rent. This could turn into a significant housing crisis in 2021 and beyond.