APPLETON, WI — Improving the economy by making housing in Appleton more affordable is the goal of an effort by government and business leaders and home builders. The City of Appleton unveils the Housing Development Policy Task Force Monday afternoon. Members of the Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities, REALTORS Association of Northeast Wisconsin, the Fox Cities Chambers of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity Fox Cities will meet over the next several months. Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford explains what the task force will look into and its ultimate goal.
Tom Rooney, Director of Sales and Marketing for Mark Winter Homes, says it’s in builders best interests to help improve accessibility in an era of higher interest rates and supply challenges.
Amy McGowan, the Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity, says her organization is no longer drawing interest just from low-income families.
Becky Bartoszek, President of the Fox Cities Chambers of Commerce, says without affordable housing the Fox Cities’ economy faces competition challenges.
The task force proposal now goes before the common council for approval. If approved, the Housing Development Policy Task Force will spend several months reviewing policies, procedures and regulations for possibly revision to reduce barriers to affordable housing.
