Southwest CAP

Summary: In 2004 the Partnership completed a market study to help Southwest CAP assess the potential market for a mixed-income home ownership project on a county-owned site in Dodgeville, Wis. The study demonstrated need for the housing, but additional sites are now being explored. In 2005 the Partnership also conducted a housing needs assessment for Grant County and the City of Lancaster. Follow these links to view or download either report in PDF: Market Study; Needs Assessment. Currently the Partnership is working with Southwest CAP on the design and implementation of a lease-purchase program.

Staff contacts: Kristin Silva, Joanna Balsamo-Lilien

Wisconsin Partnership's role: CHDO TA provider

Status of work: Initial market study completed in 2004; work toward project ongoing

The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (Southwest CAP) is a Community Action Agency serving five counties in the southwestern corner of the state. The rural nature of this target area presents a significant challenge because resources are severely limited.

Recently Southwest CAP decided to focus more directly on programs that help people get ahead. While crisis intervention programs are important, the agency wishes to offer more opportunities for people to move into the middle-income range by building assets.

In keeping with this vision, Southwest CAP decided to pursue an ambitious housing development venture, a mixed-income development of condominiums and single-family homes affordable to households between 60% and 120% of the median income of Iowa county. In spring 2004 the Wisconsin Partnership conducted a market study analyzing the potential market for such a project on a vacant county-owned site in downtown Dodgeville. The study demonstrated a clear need for the homes, as well as the ability of the market to absorb the units at the prices proposed. Although both the City of Dodgeville and residents living near the site were largely supportive, the county government was not prepared to sell the land in the near future.

The Partnership continues to work with Southwest CAP on other affordable housing issues. In 2005, staff conducted a housing needs assessment for Grant County and the City of Lancaster to assist in planning for possible development of elderly and low-income housing. Currently the Partnership is working with Southwest CAP on the design and implementation of a lease-purchase program. Plans include construction of seven new homes to be leased, then purchased, by program participants.