The City of Middleton's Workforce Housing Committee met on June 16, 2025, to address the ongoing housing crisis affecting the community. The meeting highlighted critical data regarding household income levels and the availability of affordable housing units in the area.

A key discussion point was the disparity between the number of households and the affordable housing units available. It was reported that nearly 20,000 households earn 30% or less of the area median income (AMI), yet only about 6,000 affordable units exist for this income bracket. Conversely, households earning significantly above the AMI, approximately 8,000, face a shortage of suitable housing, with only about 2,000 units available for them. This imbalance indicates that many families are competing for a limited number of affordable units, particularly those in the middle-income range.

The committee emphasized that Dane County is currently experiencing a housing crisis, with a vacancy rate of just 2%. This figure is significantly below the healthy range of 5% to 8%, making it difficult for residents to find housing. The low vacancy rate has led to increased competition for available units, exacerbating the challenges faced by lower-income households.

Additionally, the meeting revealed that 50% of renters in Dane County are paying more than 30% of their income on housing, categorizing them as cost-burdened. This situation limits their ability to afford other essential needs, such as food and healthcare. The committee noted that the rising demand for food assistance is linked to the financial strain caused by high housing costs.

The discussion underscored the urgent need for solutions to address the housing crisis in Middleton and the surrounding areas. The committee plans to continue exploring strategies to increase the availability of affordable housing and alleviate the financial burden on residents.