City Council member proposes housing task force to address citywide shortage 

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Ald. Amani Latimer Burris, 12th district, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting proposed a broad task force to study and offer solutions to the city’s affordable housing shortage in a year’s time or less.

The task force would include members of multiple city committees, four council members, and a UW–Madison Division of University Housing representative. It would examine how the city adds to housing costs with fees; identify where the city can streamline the approval process; and solicit input from developers of all housing types, neighborhood groups, and community-based organizations. The task force would also talk to major employers and other Madison entities about partnerships to provide workforce housing.

The resolution would go before the Plan Commission on Sept. 7 and then return to the council for a decision on Sept. 19.