The Oshkosh Common Council meeting held on November 12, 2024, addressed critical issues surrounding the housing crisis in the city, with significant input from community members advocating for increased support and resources.

Tina Hafeman, a member of Esther's housing advocacy group, opened the discussion by highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing in Oshkosh. She noted that approximately 40% of Winnebago County's population earns under $50,000 annually, while rental costs have surged to nearly $1,000 per month—a 30% increase over the past four years. Hafeman emphasized the plight of seniors facing steep rent hikes, often outpacing their fixed income increases. She pointed out that local shelters are overwhelmed, with waitlists extending up to 30 individuals, and affordable housing applications taking anywhere from six weeks to two years to process.

Hafeman urged the council to support ongoing programs, particularly the pilot initiative run by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) funded by ARPA, which is set to expire soon. She also advocated for the establishment of a tenant resource center in Oshkosh, similar to successful models in Dane County, to help mitigate evictions and provide essential services to renters.

Deb Martin followed Hafeman, reinforcing the message about the housing crisis. She shared her experiences with poorly maintained rental properties and the challenges faced by tenants, including excessive application fees and inadequate landlord responses to repair requests. Martin called for a review of city policies regarding tenant discrimination and suggested implementing systematic inspections of rental units to ensure safety and compliance.

Both speakers underscored the necessity for a collaborative approach involving nonprofits, government entities, and private donors to address the housing crisis effectively. They expressed concern that relying solely on nonprofit organizations is unsustainable given the growing demand for affordable housing solutions.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to enhance investment in affordable housing and to explore innovative solutions to support both tenants and landlords in Oshkosh. The council's response to these pressing issues will be crucial in shaping the future of housing in the community.