Vernon County Housing Task Force presents findings, recommendations to the Vernon County Board of Supervisors

Sept. 2, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon County needs dozens of new housing units each year, more diverse housing types and targeted investment to meet the needs of a growing population, according to a report presented to the Vernon County Board of Supervisors at the Aug. 21 meeting.

The Vernon County Housing Task Force, led by Dr. Kristen Runge of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, spent 10 months studying local housing conditions.

Task Force members included:

• Marie Barry-Director of Community Economic Development Rural WI Health Cooperative
• Steve Michaels-Superintendent Westby School District
• Karya Eitland-Mortgage Loan Officer Citizens First Bank
• Sonya Newenhouse-Ph.D., President, Prairie Wind LLC.-Viroqua Housing Advisory Committee
• Rebecca Giroux-Community and Economic Development Officer
• WI Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
• Amy Oliver-Community Development Director Vernon County
• Tim Hundt-Managing Editor VernonReporter.com
• Brenda Olson-Manager Vernon County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
• Shelby Janecek-Community Representative Hillsboro
• Nathaniel Slack-Board of Supervisors Vernon County
• Ashley Lacenski-Community Development Department Director Couleecap Inc.
• Peter Strachan-Zoning Coordinator Town of Harmony
• Wayde Lawler-Board of Supervisors Vernon County
• Jake Victor-Vice President of Development Northpointe Development Corporation
• Hannah McKeever-Community Development Extension Educator UW-Madison Division of Extension
• Michele Williams, Broker/Owner Century 21

The group reviewed U.S. Census and housing market data, surveyed more than 850 residents and held five community conversations before delivering its findings.

The Task Force met monthly from September through July, reviewed public data (US Census, HUD, Wisconsin Realtors Association), and conducted a county-wide survey with 850 respondents, as well as five community conversations.

Read the full report from the Housing Force here.

Major findings:

• Vernon County is one of the few counties in the state that is growing and as a result is projected to need 50–60 new housing units annually to accommodate growth.
• About 25% of households are cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing) or have at least one HUD-identified problem (cost burden, incomplete kitchen/plumbing, or overcrowding).
• 80% of homes are at least 45 years old, and the housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with few rentals or condos.
• There is a need for housing options across income levels and along commuter corridors.

Survey results showed strong community support for a variety of housing types, including smaller single-family homes, senior housing, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units.

Recommendations:

1. Increase housing production and rehabilitation of existing stock.
2. Implement funding strategies (community land trusts, public-private partnerships, dedicated funds).
3. Encourage local action (modernize zoning, understand short-term rentals, support affordable housing).
4. Build community awareness and education (share the study, offer workshops, partner with lenders and nonprofits).
5. Grow the economy through housing (workforce development, employer incentives, broadband).

The PowerPoint presentation was used to display data, survey results, and recommendations, making the information accessible and engaging for the board and public. The report and presentation emphasized that while housing challenges are significant, there is hope and strong community will to address them. The Vernon County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on August 21 to accept the report and move forward with the recommendations.