Table of Contents

Comprehensive Planning

This guide, created to help Wisconsin municipalities meet state planning requirements, covers how to develop the housing element of a comprehensive plan. It provides background information on the benefits of planning for housing, describes the format of the housing element, and provides step-by-step instructions on developing and organizing the planning team, visioning, creating the housing needs assessment, setting goals and actions, and implementation strategies. Appendices focus on affordable housing needs and housing condition assessment.

Housing Needs Assessment

This guide explains how to develop the housing element of a comprehensive plan in compliance with Wisconsin state law. It organizes the process into seven steps, from developing the planning team to evaluation and updates. The guide also shares housing element scenarios, which describe how communities with different capacities might approach the process differently. Appendix A helps local officials make the case for affordable housing to the public and Appendix B includes a sample survey.