Local Leaders Seek Support For Efforts To Grow Affordable Housing

Northern Wisconsin communities are joining forces on a study of housing needs in Ashland and Bayfield counties. Northern leaders met with state housing officials during the 35th annual Superior Days in Madison to seek support for efforts to grow affordable housing in rural areas.

The city of Bayfield was recently awarded a roughly $84,000 grant from the state Department of Administration for a housing study of Ashland and Bayfield counties, which would likely begin April 1. The study is set for completion by January.

Bayfield Mayor Gordon Ringberg said there`s a clear need for affordable workforce housing, especially for those working in the city`s hotels and restaurants. He said Bayfield is losing rentals regularly to owners who would rather list properties for short-term rental...