Washburn County to Share Results of Housing Study This Month

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis (WLAK / WBZH / WHSM) – The Washburn County Economic Development Corporation is inviting residents to a presentation on the results of their recent housing survey.

County officials have spent months gathering and analyzing data, as well as considering input from the community. They will share the results of the housing survey in a public presentation at the Spooner Fire Hall on August 18th at 5:30 pm.

The housing study was conducted to put together a complete picture of needs in the community. Washburn County will use the results of the study to inform future policy decisions, including guiding investment strategies, addressing workforce challenges, and improving quality of life for local residents.

The results of the survey will include the input gathered from the community, an evaluation of current housing stock, ideas for addressing barriers to housing access, and detailed recommendations for how to address those issues. Residents who attend the presentation will also have a chance to ask questions and learn more about how the study will support efforts to improve the housing scene in Washburn County.

The Northwest Wisconsin region has faced a variety of housing challenges over recent years. A lack of housing stock in the City of Eau Claire has contributed to a growing unhoused population in the region. The City of Rice Lake has also aggressively pursued new housing projects to attract workers who can fill hundreds of open positions in the area. Officials hope increasing the overall housing stock could further lead to existing homes becoming more affordable as home prices across the state continue to increase each year.