On Demand Wisconsin Portal image
 
header graphic 
State Programs Links
Commerce Resources

Link to Governor Doyle's web site

Link to Commerce's Employment webpage

Link to wisconsin.gov web site
   

Wisconsin Neighborhood Stabilization (WNS) Program

The new Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide emergency assistance to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. The program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. HUD is treating Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds as a special allocation of Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 CDBG funding. Neighborhood Stabilization funds can be used to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of property values of neighboring homes.

Subscribe for Updates
Enter your email address and click "Subscribe" to receive information and updates regarding WNS in your inbox.
Email address:
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION ACTION PLAN

We would like your comment on the Neighborhood Stabilization Substantial Amendment.  The Substantial Amendment describes the process that will be used to determine the areas of greatest need, the distribution and eligible uses of NSP funds, the state and federal regulations and policies applicable to funded activities, and the expected outcomes and benefits to low-, moderate-, and middle- income families.

To download the draft Substantial Amendment in English click here, Spanish click here, and  Hmong click here.

The 15-day public comment period on the draft Substantial Amendment begins November 8, 2008.  Written, faxed, or email comments to the draft Amendment must be received by 9 AM on November 24, 2008.

To submit your comment please write, fax, or email your comments to:

Jeanne Storm
Division of Housing & Community Development
WI Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 7970
Madison, WI  53707-7970
Phone: (608) 264-6110
Fax: (608) 266-5381
Email: jeanne.storm@wi.gov
Recently the Department of Commerce, WHEDA, and HUD staff held a WNS Program Information Webcast on Monday, October 20, 2008
 
To view the webcast please click here.

To download the agenda for the WNS Program Information Webcast please click here. (.pdf)

WNS Program Information Webcast - PowerPoint Handout
WNS Program - Timeframe
ELIGIBILITY

 Eligible applicants for funding under the WNS program are:
  • Local units of government, including CDBG Entitlements and HOME Participating Jurisdictions;
  • Federally-recognized American Indian tribe or band in the state of Wisconsin;
  • Nonprofit corporations organized under Chapter 181;
  • Housing Authority.
Eligible applicants will have experience in property acquisition and/or rehabilitation/redevelopment utilizing federal funding.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

All activities funded under the WNS program must be CDBG-eligible and must meet the CDBG low- and moderate-income national objective. Certain CDBG rules have been superseded to allow the eligible uses described under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA). This provision redefines and supersedes the definition of "low- and moderate-income" effectively allowing households with incomes up to 120% CMI (moderate income) to qualify.

The categories of eligible activities include:

  • Applicant purchase and rehabilitation of homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, in order to sell, rent, or redevelop such homes and properties for eligible households;
  • Direct down payment/gap financing assistance to eligible homebuyers purchasing a foreclosed property;
  • Establishment of land banks for foreclosed homes in neighborhoods where property stabilization is required;
  • Demolition of blighted structures;
  • Redevelopment of sites;
  • Delivery costs, including: establishing financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of eligible properties.
FUNDING

The State of Wisconsin will be applying to HUD for $38,779,123.00 in funding. The application will be submitted to HUD by December 1, 2008.
CONTACT INFORMATION

Information regarding WNS program will be posted to this website as it becomes available.
 
LINKS

 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants website

Wisconsin foreclosure data
If you are an eligible applicant considering participation in the WNS program, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. This information is for Plan purposes only and will not be used as part of the RFP process.

Problems with this page?