Senate Bill 180 proposes significant modifications to three housing programs administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA): the Infrastructure Access Program, the Restore Main Street Program, and the Vacancy-to-Vitality Program. Key changes include increasing the maximum loan amounts for developers and governmental units, allowing tribal housing authorities to receive loans, and permitting projects on tribal lands. The bill also introduces new eligibility criteria, such as allowing mixed-use developments and requiring WHEDA to allocate funds regionally to ensure equitable distribution across the state.

Additionally, the bill amends existing requirements for governmental units applying for loans, including the need to demonstrate a reduction in housing costs and to update their comprehensive plans. It allows loans to be secured by corporate guarantees instead of personal guarantees, and it permits eligible projects to benefit from tax incremental districts and historic tax credits. The bill repeals certain outdated provisions and consolidates others to streamline the application process and enhance the effectiveness of the housing programs.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 234.66(1)(g)2, 234.66, 234.66(1)(g)3, 234.66(4)(a)7, 234.66(4)(c)2, 234.66(5)(c), 234.66(5m)(b), 234.661(1)(b), 234.661, 234.661(1)(c)5, 234.661(1)(c)6