by GCDC | Mar 10, 2025 | Programs, Projects
Green County Development Corporation Launches $2.8 Million Housing Development Fund to Boost Local Housing
Monroe, WI – Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is excited to announce the launch of the Housing Development Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the county’s housing needs by incentivizing new residential development. Backed by $2.8 million in funding from six local partners, this program will provide low-interest loans to developers, encouraging the construction of new homes across Green County.
Fueled by the 2024 Housing Study conducted by Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and multiple community housing forums hosted by GCDC and Green County Healthy Community Coalition (GCHCC), efforts were targeted to bring affordable, single and multi-family homes to the county. The 2024 study indicated a need for over 1,700 homes to be built before 2030 to support growth in the area.
“The Housing Development Fund is a momentum builder designed to create a thriving, sustainable, and diverse housing market that supports workforce growth, enhances community well-being, and fosters long-term economic stability. By bridging funding gaps, engaging local developers and financial institutions, and promoting strategic housing investments, we are not just building homes—we are building a future that says Green County is a great place to grow, invest, and call home,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director at GCDC. “This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It takes a strong, collaborative team to drive economic growth, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our partners in making this vision a reality.”
The Housing Development Fund represents a unique collaboration between public and private stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for more residential options. With a matching funds pledge, the Colony Brands Foundation led the way for additional funders to commit to this program. Other supporters include Klondike Cheese, The Bank of New Glarus, Woodford State Bank, Lakeridge Bank, Green County Healthy Communities Coalition, and SSM Health. All have united in the efforts to make financing more accessible for developers ready to invest in Green County’s future.
Colony Brands Foundation President, John Baumann addressed their commitment to the project with this statement, “Strong communities take a long-term view in addressing the needs of their people and the schools, businesses and infrastructure they support. They understand the best interests of their people and businesses, and work hand in hand towards common goals. To support their families, people want to pursue viable careers and establish homes in neighborhoods near where they work. New housing development is crucial for addressing the growing demand for affordable and sustainable living options in Green County. The Housing Development Fund will provide sound gap financing for residential developers. The Colony Brands Foundation sees this program as a key incentive to drive smart growth across Green County. We are proud to support it.”
Through this initiative, GCDC aims to accelerate housing construction in Green County, providing opportunities for developers to build a variety of housing types, from single-family homes to multi-unit developments. This revolving loan fund will help alleviate financial barriers and promote sustainable growth in communities throughout the county.
Developers interested in learning more about the Housing Development Fund and how to apply for financing are encouraged to contact GCDC at 608-328-9452 or email Olivia Otte at [email protected]
About Green County Development Corporation
The mission of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is to catalyze economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in Green County, Wisconsin, WI. By working with local businesses, government entities, and community stakeholders, GCDC promotes initiatives that support a strong and sustainable local economy.
For more information on the housing studies reference in the article, visit https://greencountydevelopment.com/live-work/#education
by GCDC | Oct 10, 2024 | News, Projects
Monroe – Green County will see increased workforce development in skilled trades with a $2M grant awarded to Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), and a partnership with Monroe High School.
GCDC will work with the School District of Monroe to expand the current plans for the new Monroe High School trades area to help address workforce skills challenges in Green County. The center will create an environment that fosters hands-on learning, cultivating essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in high-demand industries.
“This trade center is an innovative solution to pressing community challenges throughout the county, specifically in relation to skilled metal, construction, and automotive workers. While this facility will be housed in Monroe High School, we are working to ensure that it is accessible to all Green County students and our industry partners. Through this collaboration, we envision a comprehensive strategy that combines educational excellence with economic development to create a thriving and sustainable future for Green County” stated GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte.
Monroe High School Principal, Jeriamy Jackson had this to say about the funds, “We are very excited to hear the news of this grant approval! We have been working hard to design and build spaces within the new Monroe High School that house our metals manufacturing, welding, automotive and construction trades programs and this grant will help to improve these spaces and give our students even better opportunities. This increased space allows us to develop even more hands-on, real-world experiences to spark student interest and increase student skill levels to meet industry standards.”
GCDC was one of 50 Non-State Grant Program projects awarded and will receive $2M to support a trades center to be housed in the new Monroe High School. These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services, including economic and workforce development.
“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide. I’m incredibly excited about these projects and the investments we’re making in communities in every corner of Wisconsin—this is great news for our state,” said Gov. Evers.
GCDC is a non-profit public/private partnership organization fostering economic growth that maintains the quality of life that makes Green County Wisconsin a great place to live and work. For more information on this and other projects of GCDC, please contact them at [email protected], call 608-328-9452 or visit their website at www.greencountydevelopment.com
State grant recipients can be found at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3babcdd
by GCDC | Oct 1, 2024 | Projects
Green County Home Construction Cooperative Wins Coveted Community and Economic Development Award
Achievements in Economic Development Recognized at 2024 CEDA Awards
Eau Claire, WI – The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) is excited to announce Green County Home Construction Cooperative has won a 2024 Community and Economic Development Award (CEDA) in the Community Impact category. The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize economic development projects, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Wisconsin economy. Winners were recognized at the annual CEDA Awards ceremony, which was held September 26, 2024, in Eau Claire, WI.
Three CEDA finalists were selected in each of the four following CEDA categories: Business Retention and Expansion; Community Impact; Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse; and Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention. The winners in each category were announced and celebrated at the awards ceremony that was attended by over 200 economic development professionals from across the state.
“Economic development drives growth and prosperity throughout Wisconsin, attracting capital investment, creating new jobs, and providing an improved quality of life for residents. However, the hard work of economic development professionals is usually underappreciated and often unrecognized,” said WEDA Interim President and CEO Kathryn Berger. “The CEDA Awards provides a much-needed opportunity to celebrate economic development and the accomplishments of so many hard-working industry professionals. I am thrilled to congratulate each CEDA finalist and winner.”
Green County Home Construction Cooperative won their CEDA Award in the Community Impact category, which recognizes innovation in community development that promotes and advances health and economic prosperity in Wisconsin communities. Finalist projects in this category demonstrated at least one of the following: Development or expansion of the community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; development of quality placemaking or place keeping initiatives; redevelopment of blighted buildings into a project that has revitalized the community; or development of downtown or main street workforce housing.
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) Home Construction Cooperative was created to address two critical issues in the Green County area – the shortage of skilled trades workers and the lack of affordable family housing. The program, kick-started through the donation of a vacant home from SSM Health Monroe, engaged 16 students from Monroe High School in the renovation of the donated home. Working together with local contractors in one-hour blocks three days per week, students gained trades skills experience that will last a lifetime, including exposure to general construction, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry, and landscaping. The Home Construction Cooperative, which is boosting affordable housing stock and developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals one house at a time, is positioned to make an impact well into the future.
“We are honored to be recognized alongside the other worthy projects and thank WEDA for this honor,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director of Green County Development Corporation. “The Home Construction Cooperative is a very special program for Green County and illustrates how rural communities work to solve problems. This program has truly been a community effort, from the school district and the City of Monroe to local businesses and other partners. We wouldn’t be successful without their support.”
CEDA finalists were screened and selected by an impartial panel of judges comprised of key WEDA members and partners. The independent panel reviewed many projects that were submitted for consideration, but the 12 finalists and ultimately the winners were selected based on the significant economic impact each project has had on its respective community or region. The 2024 CEDA Awards would not have been possible without the support of WEDA’s generous partners and sponsors, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; Alliant Energy; Dairyland Power Cooperative; First Ring Industrial Redevelopment Enterprise; Madison Gas & Electric; US Bank; the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute; and Xcel Energy.
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About WEDA
The Wisconsin Economic Development Association, founded in 1975, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to growing Wisconsin’s economy. Driven by the needs of our 400-plus members, we represent the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors through advocacy, education, and leadership on statewide initiatives.
by GCDC | Aug 9, 2023 | Projects
Press Release August 9, 2023
Home Construction Cooperative
Building New Solutions to Community Housing and Workforce Challenges
Cooperation is the key for the Home Construction Cooperative, a program of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), that addresses housing and workforce issues in our community.
Limited housing options and the lack of skilled trades workers in the area led to the creation of this program. Both SSM Health and Monroe High School became fast partners with GCDC in the program, the goal of which is to teach skills needed in our county and in turn provide a renovated home in a tight market.
Safe, affordable housing is imperative to the health of an individual and for a thriving community, making SSM Health a key player in this project. SSM Health has historically owned homes within Green County to assist new hires and providers with housing until long-term housing is found. As a community partner and supporter of these efforts, SSM Health will be donating one of the homes to the Home Construction Cooperative Program.
“SSM Health is excited to donate this home for the Home Construction Cooperative Project in Monroe,” said Jane Curran-Meuli, President of SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group. “This project’s creative approach will address local housing challenges and ultimately help this area to attract and retain prospective employees for local businesses.”
Monroe High School in turn created a new Launch Skilled Building Trades strand with education planning assistance from Blackhawk Technical College. Over the 2023-2024 school year, students will learn essential safety, building and math skills for use in renovating the home. A skilled project manager will work with these students to ensure safety and quality work throughout the project.
“We thank GCDC and SSM Health for their visionary leadership. The Home Construction Cooperative will empower our LAUNCH Skilled Building Trades students to develop a wide range of essential skills while making a significant impact on a larger scale. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and contribute to something greater than themselves,” said MHS Principal Jeriamy Jackson.
By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the renovated home will be sold by GCDC who will use the proceeds from the sale to reinvest and continue the program the following school year. The intent is to continue the annual cycle and to grow the program throughout the county.
“This is a true community effort,” stated GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte. “Beyond the incredible donation of a home by SSM Health, many local partners have come forth offering funds to support the Home Construction Cooperative. Others have offered skills, materials, and support in ways we didn’t even consider. We are thrilled to make this program a reality, and to invest in the future of the trades by developing the next generation of industry professionals while also tackling the housing shortage in our county.”
GCDC continues to actively seek support to grow this program and secure future projects. Cash donations are welcome, as are other contributions to support the goals of the program. Please contact GCDC at 608-328-9452 or email [email protected].
Green County Development Corporation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization investing in the economic future of Green County.
