The city of Sheboygan released a housing study June 19 showing a critical need for affordable housing that is expected to become more dire as local businesses add staff.
The study, which was conducted by Redevelopment Resources, provides an in depth analysis of current conditions and the expected needs through 2032.
“This detailed housing assessment is a critical tool that will guide our strategies to address Sheboygan’s housing challenges over the next decade,” said Mayor Ryan Sorenson. “The data-driven insights will allow us to make informed decisions on policies, resource allocation, and development priorities to meet our community’s evolving housing needs.”
Key findings from the 2023-2032 Housing Study include:
- Sheboygan’s housing market has significantly tightened due to supply not keeping pace with household and employment growth. All housing types are impacted.
- The number of households in the city is projected to grow by 1,320 to 2,740 by 2032, driving increased demand.
- There is a critical need for more affordable rental units, with only 34 available units for rent as of January 2024 according to the study.
- Major local employers like Sargento Foods, Nemak, and Acuity anticipate adding hundreds of new jobs, further straining housing availability for workers.
The study provides specific recommendations on housing development goals, including a range of 1,300 to 1,850 new housing units needed by 2030 across rental and owner-occupied properties at various income levels. Several of the recommendations focus on increasing housing density in and around Sheboygan’s downtown.
“Affordable housing is essential for our community’s growth and economic vitality,” said City Administrator Casey Bradley. “This study gives us a comprehensive roadmap to create housing opportunities for current and future residents of all income levels.”
The full 2023-2032 Housing Study report is available on the city of Sheboygan’s website at Sheboyganwi.gov. Residents are encouraged to review the findings and recommendations.
