Events
2026 Central Wisconsin Housing Summit
April 15 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
$10 – $20
The 2026 Central Wisconsin Housing Summit is focused on the builder’s perspective, addressing the real challenges contractors, developers, and partners face in housing today. Learn best practices, explore resources, and connect with peers to find solutions that move projects forward.
Opening Keynote:
Join us for an inspiring keynote by Kurt Paulsen, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
About Kurt Paulsen:
Kurt Paulsen is a professor in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture at UW–Madison. His teaching and research focus on housing, affordable housing finance and policy, land use, and municipal finance. He has authored two Dane County housing needs assessments, chaired the City of Middleton Workforce Housing Committee, and conducted economic impact research for WHEDA. He is the author of “Falling Behind: Addressing Wisconsin’s Workforce Housing Shortage to Strengthen Families, Communities, and Our Economy”, published by the Wisconsin Realtors Association, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Full Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 AM Fueling the Foundation Registration, breakfast refreshments, and networking
8:30 – 9:00 AM Welcome to the Worksite! Opening remarks; emcee introduction, sponsor introductions, and general details.
9:00 – 9:30 AM The State of Housing in Central Wisconsin: Data‑Driven Insights to Reimagine Central Wisconsin’s Housing Market
Kurt Paulsen – Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at UW-Madison
A native of Wausau, Paulsen returns to Central Wisconsin to provide us with data
and observations regarding Central Wisconsin’s housing market that will inform our
approach to rehabilitating housing and reinvesting in our communities.
9:35 – 9:55 AM Partner Power Tools: Quick Builds From Key Partners
Updates from: Associated Bank and USDA Rural Development
10:00 – 10:45 AM From Dreamer to Developer: Tools for Taking Action
Featuring panelists: Sherri Stempa – Villas of Vesper, Chris and Erin Howard – Howard Properties & Development, and Brian Adamson – ICAP Development
What if you didn’t need to wait for a big developer to transform your neighborhood? This session empowers everyday people to take the leap into small-scale development.
10:45 – 11:00 AM 15 Minute Break & Resource Tables
11:00-11:45 AM Financing the Future: Funding Small-Scale Projects
Featuring panelists: Lydia Van Thiel – WHEDA, Jamie Lutton – Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and Chris Pfender – Intercity State Bank
Learn how to unlock capital for community-driven housing, from local lenders to state and federal incentives, plus DIY financing strategies for first-time developers.
11:45 AM- 12:30 PM Boxed Lunch & Resource Tables
12:30 – 1:15 PM Conversations That Construct
Engage in facilitated table discussions on key housing topics
● Employer-Supported Housing featuring Ann Micholic, VP of Human Resources at Kolbe & Kolbe.
Explore innovative partnerships for workforce stability
● Older Adult Housing & Aging in Place featuring Sam Wessel, North Central WI Regional Planning Commission.
Explore how homes are designed for longevity, accessibility, and dignity.
● Creative Housing Models featuring Chris Klesmith, City of Stevens Point.
Explore Co-housing, shared equity, and beyond
1:15-2:00 PM Building the Builders: Expanding the Contractor Workforce
Featuring panelists: Mid-State Technical College, Findorff, and Jim Cleveland, Office of Rural Prosperity at WEDC
Discover how training programs, educational institutions, and workforce initiatives are addressing the skilled labor shortage and preparing the next generation of housing professionals.
2:00 – 2:15 PM 15-Minute Break, Afternoon Snack, & Resource Tables
2:15 – 3:00 PM Creative Solutions, Real Housing Units
Moderated by Randy Fifrick, City of Wausau. Featuring panelists: Ted Matkom, WI Market President with Gorman & Company, and Tiffany Arnold, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Wausau
As communities face rising costs, limited land, and evolving housing needs, creativity has become essential, not optional. This panel brings together local leaders to explore how innovative thinking can unlock real housing solutions.
3:00 – 3:45 PM Choose from:
From Property to Proforma: A Real Owner’s Playbook
Featuring presenters: Carly Harder, Founder and Owner of CANA Connect LLC, Troy Durkee, Center Director of Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point, and Andi Gretzinger, Business Consultant at SBDC at UWSP
or
Building your Local Housing Incentive Program
Featuring presenters: Shelley Young, Bank First, Amber Grubba, Members Advantage Credit Union, and Brian Spranger, NextHome Partners
3:45 – 4:00 PM Closing Remarks: Next Steps from the Ground Up
Reflect on the day’s insights and outline actionable next steps. Let’s keep the momentum going, together.
Planning Committee
- Kayla Rombalski, UW-Extension Wood County
- Katie Livernash, UW-Extension Portage County
- Melinda Osterberg, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp
- Kayleigh Mengel, Wood County
- Daric Smith, Adams County Economic Development Corp
- Sam Wessel, North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
- Randy Fifrick, City of Wausau
- Sara Guild, Lincoln County Economic Development Corp.
- Angel Laidlaw, Centergy