State awarded more than $150 million in federal grants
Wisconsin received more than $58 million in community development block grants as well as a combined $46 million in other grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development meant to bolster public services, support resident-led problemsolving and housing programs throughout the state.
Public housing authorities across the state also received nearly $30 million in capital fund grants, and 11 Indian Housing Block Grants totaling $25 million were allocated to Wisconsin tribes.
Here we break down what that means for the state.
What are community planning and development formula grants?
Community planning and development formula grants are federal monies used to provide safe and affordable housing, and expand economic opportunities for people with low-to-moderate incomes. The grants include community development block grants, HOME investment partnership grants, emergency solutions grants, housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS and housing trust fund grants.
Community Development Block Grants. These HUD-based grants are awarded to city and county agencies with initiatives focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, bolstering small-business opportunities, supporting community centers and improving public facilities and services. Specific grant-funded projects can include public library renovations, vacant building redevelopment, road improvement or updated water infrastructure.
HOME Investment Partnerships. States and municipalities typically partner with local nonprofits to assist in the construction, purchase and/or rehabilitation of affordable housing for renters and homeowners. The funds are typically intended to support low-income households and can also be used for direct rental assistance.
Emergency Solutions Grants. These grants are used to help fund emergency shelters, transitional shelters, rehome homeless households, prevent imminent homelessness and conduct street outreach to those currently homeless.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS. As the only federal program for housing people with HIV/AIDS, grants under this program are designated for projects that help provide housing and supportive services to low-income people in need.
Housing Trust Fund. These funds are specifically designated for acquiring, constructing, redeveloping or rehabilitating affordable housing for very-to-extremely low-income households. At least 80% of these funds must be used for rental housing, while 10% must go toward supporting homeownership and the other 10% to supporting administrative and planning costs. The units created from these funds must remain affordable for at least 30 years.
How much did Wisconsin receive?
Wisconsin received $58,438,232 in community development block grants, $26,982,266 in HOME Investment Partnerships grants, $5,414,179 in emergency solutions grants, $2,259,887 in grants for Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS and $12,144,277 in Housing Trust Fund grants.
The state of Wisconsin received an estimated $23 million in community development block grants, $12 million in HOME grants, $3.5 million in emergency solutions grants, nearly $1 million in housing for people with HIV/AIDS and $12 million in housing trust fund grants.
The city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County received roughly $17 million in community development block grants, $7 million in HOME grants, $1.5 million in emergency solutions grants and $1.2 million in housing for people with HIV/AIDS. In rough estimates, Racine received $1.8 million in community development block grants, Madison received $1.9 million, West Allis received $1.2 million and La Crosse received $850,000, while Appleton, Eau Claire and Wausau each received between $550,000 and $600,000.
What are capital fund grants?
Capital fund grants are specifically provided to county and local public housing authorities across the country. Those agencies can use the funds for developing, financing, modernizing, redesigning, updating and conducing the deferred maintenance of public housing. The funds can also be used to help residents relocate, improve safety, add technology such as on-site computers and provide homeownership education.
Under federal guidance, only 20% or less may be used for operating expenses by public housing authorities with less than 250 units. The state received a total of $29,541,775 in capital fund grants.
What are Indian Housing grants?
Indian Housing Block Grants are used to help finance affordable housing projects on Indian reservations and tribal areas. Such projects can include housing development, housing services and crime prevention and safety. Wisconsin received $25,877,650 in these grants for the 2022 fiscal year. Tribes that received the grants include:
● Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa: $1,735,232;
● Forest County Potawatomi Community: $438,740;
● Ho-Chunk Nation: $4,784,253;
● Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: $3,537,243;
● Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: $2,174,200;
● Menominee Indian Tribe: $3,134,283;
● Oneida Nation: $5,416,993;
● Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: $1,348,772;
● Saint Croix Chippewa Indians: $1,694,270;
● Sokaogon Chippewa Community: $1,026,767; and
● Stockbridge-Munsee Community: $586,987