Expanding housing opportunities in rural Wisconsin

Projects in Ladysmith, Elkhart Lake and Rhinelander highlight efforts to address workforce needs

MADISON, WI. FEB. 28, 2024 – Like many smaller Wisconsin communities, Ladysmith has struggled with finding and attracting workers due to a lack of affordable housing. But this small city in the Northwoods has found a solution a that was in plain sight for years — a now vacant elementary school.

Later this year, the former Ladysmith Elementary School will begin a new life, providing 40 rental units for workforce housing.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp (WEDC) has awarded the city a $200,000 Idle Site Redevelopment (ISR) grant, providing the final piece of a $13 million public-private sector partnership.

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RSK: In larger metro areas, converting office space to residential is no doubt more helpful.