MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee leaders unveiled a $6 million affordable housing project on Tuesday that will develop 120 homes in underserved areas.

It’s aimed at giving tenants a long-term path to homeownership and better access to safe housing.


What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee leaders unveiled a $6 million affordable housing project on Tuesday

  • It will build 120 homes in underserved areas, which tenants will have the opportunity to purchase after 15 years

  • They’ll receive financial counseling along the way. That will include 10 hours of one-on-one support and 25 hours of financial literacy workshops

  • Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was joined by other city leaders in the King Park neighborhood at the first completed house for the project

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was joined by other city leaders in the King Park neighborhood at the first completed house for the project.

“This project represents the kind of intentional investment Milwaukee County is proud to make — one that strengthens neighborhoods, expands opportunity and builds generational stability for families,” said Crowley. “We know housing is a foundation for health, safety and economic mobility. These homes are a step toward a stronger, more equitable future for our community.”

Milwaukee County Board Chairperson Marcelia Nicholson said this project will allow “more generations to thrive.”

“This investment in King Park isn’t charity; it’s long overdue,” said Nicholson.

(Spectrum News)

Emem Group and Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity helped develop the new investment. Tenants who rent the homes will be offered an opportunity to purchase after 15 years. They’ll receive financial counseling along the way. That will include 10 hours of one-on-one support and 25 hours of financial literacy workshops.

The development is just the latest attempt by Milwaukee to address the affordability crisis. It was made possible from state American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

A May 2025 Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors report found that many are being stretched financially to qualify for a loan or save enough for a down payment. It also found that the market currently needs at least 4,000 more homes to serve interested buyers.

While the housing market remains expensive for many, the rental market isn’t much better.

Rent.com data shows the average price of rent for a one-bedroom apartment to be $1,175 for 2025, with the most affordable neighborhood being Harambee and the most expensive being Juneau Town.

That’s part of why leaders are working to create more ways for people to afford a home of their own.

Milwaukee isn’t the only area of Wisconsin trying to do this. Madison last week unveiled three new proposals to address the city’s affordable housing shortage, including the addition of “backyard lots,” a concept where an additional home could be built in deep residential lots.