Mayor David Bogdala has announced the Home Kenosha – Affordable Living, Neighborhood Revival Program, a transformative initiative designed to increase affordable homeownership opportunities and reinvigorate neighborhoods across the city.

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Due to the growing demand for affordable housing, the program will be administered by a locally approved financial institution. Home Kenosha aims to make homeownership more attainable by leveraging public-private partnerships and targeted investments.

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“Every family deserves the opportunity to own a home and build a future in Kenosha,” Bogdala said. “The Home Kenosha program is a bold step toward revitalizing our neighborhoods and expanding access to affordable homeownership. Thanks to Uline’s generous contribution we are providing opportunities for hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership while strengthening our city for generations to come.”

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When announcing the initiative, Elizabeth Uihlein stated: “Uline is proud to be a part of the Kenosha community. Many of our employees live here. Affordable home ownership is vital to those who want to live and work here.”
The program was made possible after Uline contributed $3 million to the city to help increase owner occupied single-family homes. The City will be extending certain tax incremental districts (TIDs) by one year to provide matching funds of $3 million to fund this affordable housing initiative.

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The program will allow the City to sell City-owned vacant parcels to homebuilders for $1 following the execution of a development agreement. There are currently 53 lots available for this program.

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The City will contract with the State Bank of the Lakes to administer the programs approved construction loans and second mortgages. The program will provide construction loans to homebuilders of up to 50% of eligible construction costs at an interest rate of 5.75% and provide eligible homebuyers with deferred second mortgage assistance of up to $50,000 at 0% interest. Upon sale of the home, the homebuilders eligible construction costs will be returned to the fund to continue the building program
Key Components of the Home Kenosha Program:

● $3 Million Investment from Uline: A generous contribution from Uline will help develop owner occupied single-family homes across Kenosha.
● City-Owned Vacant Lots for $1: The City will sell vacant parcels to homebuilders for $1, provided they meet program eligibility requirements.
● Affordable Home Sales: Newly constructed homes must be sold to owner-occupants for $325,000 or less and to households earning at or below 150% of the Kenosha County median income.
● Financial Assistance for Homebuyers: Eligible homebuyers will receive deferred second mortgage assistance of up to $50,000 at 0% interest.
● Support for Homebuilders: The City, in partnership with State Bank of the Lakes, will offer construction loans covering up to 50% of eligible costs at an interest rate of 5.75%. Which will be repaid upon the sale of the home and returned to the fund to continue the housing initiative.
● Extension of Tax Increment Districts (TIDs): The City will extend certain TIDs by one year to fund this affordable housing effort.

Housing Specifications:

● 1-story homes: Minimum 1,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms
● 1.5 to 2-story homes: Minimum 1,300 square feet, 3 bedrooms
● Additional Features: Partial or full basements, attached or detached garages (440 square feet minimum), covered stoops or porches, air conditioning, dishwasher and sump pumps.

Why a 50% Construction Loan at 5.75%?

Homebuilders face rising material costs and high interest rates, making affordable housing projects financially challenging.

● The cost of residential construction materials has increased 38% from 2020 to 2024.
● Many homebuilders are securing loans at interest rates far higher than 5.75%, making the City’s program an attractive alternative.

By reducing financial barriers for homebuilders and prospective homeowners, Home Kenosha is a critical step toward creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions that will benefit Kenosha for years to come.