Local Leaders Asked to Support AHCIA Legislation

The following appeal was sent today to local elected leaders throughout Wisconsin: 

As a local elected leader, we recognize that you are on the frontlines with your constituents as we face the growing and unique challenges of increasing and preserving housing stock in your community. That's why, as CEO and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), I am inviting you to join national cities, counties, and mayoral organizations to sign a letter in support of bipartisan housing legislation called the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA), S.1557 / H.R. 3238. 

This legislation will strengthen and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) program. The Housing Credit is the primary tool for developing and preserving quality affordable housing. Long overdue improvements and expansion to the program are necessary to better address the need for housing investment in your local communities. Passing provisions in the AHCIA will allow us to increase Wisconsin’s affordable housing stock by 33,000 units over ten years.  

Provisions in the bill include: 

• Expanding the 9% Housing Credit incrementally by 50%. 
• Increasing access of 4% Housing Credits, by lowering the “50% test” bond financing threshold. 
• Allowing for basis boosts to better serve rural and tribal areas, Difficult to Develop Areas (DDAs), and developments that serve veterans and extremely low-income tenants.  

Demonstrating strong support of the AHCIA will signal to Congressional leaders the importance of action to address our housing needs.  

The letter is written by the ACTION Campaign, a group of more than 2,500 organizations working to expand the Housing Credit in the United States. For more information on how to get involved, please visit The ACTION Campaign directly.  

Please click this link to add your name to the letter. A copy of the letter will be sent to members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation. More information on the AHCIA can be found on our website. Otherwise, feel free to direct any questions, comments, or concerns to our Policy Analyst, Samantha Linden, and Federal Policy Intern, Juliana Bennett.