“We’re investing in Habitat [for Humanity]’s Town Hall Crossing neighborhood, the largest Habitat neighborhood in the state of Wisconsin, which is pretty cool that it’s located in Sun Prairie.” In addition to supporting homeownership through the Habitat partnership, the city is utilizing tax increment financing (TIF) to facilitate the development of LowIncome Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) rental properties. Binz explains that by combining TIF with federal funding, the city can help offset rising construction costs and encourage development. “We’re focusing on tools we can control, like zoning regulations, to allow a greater variety of housing and accelerate the development process.” Sun Prairie’s city council has also extended TIF districts by an additional year, generating $5.9 million for the city’s Affordable Housing Fund.This fund supports a comprehensive range of programs, including renter and owner-occupied rehabilitation loans, down payment assistance, housing development loans, and services such as case management and housing outreach. The goal, Binz emphasizes, is to support households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). In 2025, that threshold is $103,850 for a family of four in Dane County. “It’s a lot higher than people expect; that’s considered low-income in our region.” REIMAGINING ZONING FOR HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS Much of the city’s housing strategy is based on its updated 2019 Comprehensive Plan. “We created a vision of what we call healthy neighborhoods,” Binz says. “That means a mix of housing types, singlefamily, duplexes, ADUs [accessory dwelling units], townhomes, apartments, at a variety of price points.” However, there’s a disconnect between the vision and the regulation. “Our zoning code was last updated in 1989,” she points out. “It’s not in alignment with our current vision, so most developments require a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.” Updating the zoning code is now a key priority to make it easier for developers to create diverse and affordable housing options. EQUITABLE ACCESS AND REGIONAL GROWTH Improved infrastructure is central to Sun Prairie’s growth.“The most exciting thing for us is the launch of our local transit service in 2023,” says David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator. “It’s the first time Sun Prairie has had its dedicated bus routes.” Previously served only by a single Madison Metro line to a park and ride facility, the city now has two routes that circulate locally and connect to Madison’s 197 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 SUN PRAIRIE, WI
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