The rising costs of housing in Dane County and beyond have become a hot topic of debate, particularly during the 2024 campaign between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. With Trump set to take office, concerns are mounting that his policies may not effectively address the root causes of the housing crisis. Harris had proposed various government interventions to boost housing supply and affordability, while Trump’s approach focused on deporting immigrants and spurring construction through interest rates and public land development.
There are fears that Trump’s administration may cut federal funding for housing issues, leaving cities like Madison to shoulder more of the burden to build affordable housing. Additionally, Trump’s plans to increase deportations could impact the construction labor force, exacerbating a projected shortage of workers in Wisconsin. Trump’s proposals to lower interest rates and build more housing on federal lands may have limited impact in the state.
The city of Madison relies on federal programs to support affordable housing development, which could be at risk under Trump’s administration. Changes in tax credits, interest rates, and homelessness policies are also expected. Concerns have been raised that Trump’s strategies for addressing homelessness may not be effective, as they focus on enforcement rather than housing first approaches.
As Trump takes office, the Madison area and local governments across Wisconsin are bracing for potential impacts on housing affordability and homelessness. With uncertainty surrounding federal funding and policy changes, the future of housing in the region remains a pressing concern for stakeholders and policymakers.
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