Wauwatosa development department highlights ADU incentives, housing rehab loans and small‑business aid; CDBG award still pending

City development staff on April 21 presented the department’s annual report and an update on housing, code enforcement and business-assistance initiatives to the Wauwatosa Common Council.

Key points - Comprehensive Plan: The Tulsa Tomorrow 2045 comprehensive plan was adopted in February 2025 and will guide future zoning-code updates; staff said zoning amendments, especially for housing, will follow the plan’s recommendations. - ADU financial incentive: The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) incentive program offers up to $25,000 for utility connection costs to up to four applicants who submit building permits and meet program criteria. Staff said they had contacted more than 70 interested property owners; roughly 25 follow‑up consultations occurred and staff identified about two currently viable projects (many inquiries fail feasibility checks or face construction-cost barriers). - Housing rehabilitation program: The in‑house loan program (now using a mix of Community Development Block Grant and ARPA funds) targets owner‑occupied 1- and 2-family homes for health/safety fixes, accessibility improvements and energy-efficiency work. Staff reported approximately $500,000 in construction loans issued for 30 projects to date, with common needs including foundation repair, roofing and window replacement. - CDBG funding: Wauwatosa has not yet received its 2025 CDBG award; staff said an award announcement from HUD was expected within roughly 30 days. - Small-business assistance: The city offers low-interest loans up to $100,000, smaller forgivable loans for signage/facades/code work, and new ARPA‑funded forgivable assistance for equipment and outdoor spaces; the Community Development Authority has approved several projects, including the Pipsqueak Wine patio referenced earlier. - Future work and priorities: Staff outlined targets to issue residential permits within 10 business days, advance zoning-code updates to align with the comp plan, transition housing rehab funding from ARPA to CDBG where possible, partner with the CDA on blight elimination, and develop a master plan for the research park in partnership with Ergens.

Council discussion Alder Arnie and Alder Phillips thanked staff; Alder Ernie asked for clearer, measurable housing goals and metrics. Staff said they are working with consultants (SB Friedman referenced as engaged for housing analysis) to refine definitions and targets and that the CDA is drafting an affordable-housing fund policy for approximately $600,000 currently available, with another $500,000 expected when a Mandel project closes. Carl Schreiber (housing rehabilitation and CDBG programs manager) repeated that the city is operating under the assumption it will receive an award but is awaiting HUD’s formal notice.

Executive summary quote Mark, the development director, said the department aims to “remove outdated barriers and streamline the process” to encourage development while keeping neighborhood character. Staff emphasized that construction costs and utility-connection expenses remain primary impediments to wider ADU uptake.

Ending Staff invited councilors and the public to the State of the City presentation the following evening. Councilors directed staff to continue work on zoning updates and affordable-housing policy development and to return with clearer metrics for housing goals.