2025 Wisconsin Rural Housing Summit Series

Written by Hannah McKeever A part of the Economic Summits program

Summary

The UW-Madison Division of Extension – Vernon and La Crosse Counties hosted the second stop of the Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the pressing housing challenges faced by rural communities across Wisconsin. This series of four regional workshops aims to build local capacity, facilitate regional partnerships, and strengthen connections to local, state and federal stakeholders whose participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of housing in rural Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series features a series of tailored events over the next 18 months, including workshops in Lac du Flambeau, and in the Wisconsin Rapids/Stevens Point area. The Hillsboro event follows the initial launch of the series in Ashland County from November 2024. Each event is customized to address local issues of concern, with formal presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and resource takeaways. It will cover critical issues affecting housing in rural areas, with a specific focus on Crawford, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon Counties. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with experts and peers, gaining valuable insights and resources to help guide future housing initiatives in their regions.