Wisconsin is setting up a one-stop-shop for developers and owners of affordable housing. On Monday, officials from multiple agencies gathered to sign an agreement that streamlines the process for getting government housing dollars.
“We knew that too often, rental housing projects are subsidized by more than one agency,” said Wyman Winston, executive director of WHEDA, a private/state housing agency.
This is the second such pilot program in Wisconsin. Responding to White House push to reduce wasteful regulations, in November, the Badger State became the first in the nation to streamline inspections of affordable rental properties. On Monday, Wisconsin became the sixth state in the effort to make housing subsides more efficient.
“Once again Wisconsin and WHEDA are blazing a new trail for the rest of the country to follow,” said Antonio Riley, Midwest regional administrator for HUD.
AUDIO: Riley on Obama administration making the issue a priority (1:09)
Stan Gruszynski, USDA rural development state director, is hoping this trend will grow. “The more we do things together. The more likely it is that we’ll be able to find other ways and other avenues to collaborate and rebuild this economy.”
Governor Walker’s office released a statement praising the partnership. “The understanding signed by WHEDA and their federal partners is another example of our effort to streamline regulations to make capital investment and job growth easier,” said Walker.