Wisconsin’s planning law requires that a local Comprehensive Plan include a Housing Element. The law defines the Housing Element as follows:
“A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps, and programs of the local governmental unit to provide an adequate housing supply that meets existing and forecasted housing demand in the local governmental unit. The element shall assess the age, structural value, and occupancy characteristics of the local governmental unit’s housing stock. The element shall also identify specific policies and programs that promote the development of housing for residents of the local governmental unit and provide a range of housing choices that meet the needs of persons of all income levels and of all age groups and persons with special needs, policies and programs that promote the availability of land for the development or redevelopment of low-income and moderate-income housing, and policies and programs to maintain or rehabilitate the local governmental unit’s existing housing stock.”

The Housing Element is one of nine elements that comprise a Comprehensive Plan. The other elements are: Issues and Opportunities; Transportation; Utilities and Community Facilities; Agricultural, Natural & Cultural Resources; Economic Development; Intergovernmental Cooperation; Land Use; and Implementation. Not surprisingly, each one of these elements may affect other elements and it is important to consider this during the planning process.