Oak Creek approves first affordable housing subdivision in Milwaukee County suburb

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced on Apr. 13 that the Oak Creek City Council has unanimously approved an affordable housing subdivision, marking the first such development in a suburban community within Milwaukee County.

The new project aims to address the ongoing need for affordable homeownership opportunities for working families in the region. Crowley said, “My administration remains committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis for working families across Milwaukee County. This first-of-its-kind project, an affordable subdivision in a suburban community, represents the continuation of our work to make critical investments that provide families with expanded access to becoming homeowners, improving their lives, strengthening our neighborhoods, and fostering a healthier community for all.”

The development will include up to 50 homes at 9050 S. Annette Place in Oak Creek and will be led by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Housing Services as developer. The homes are expected to be about 1,200 square feet each and priced between $225,000 and $250,000. Eligibility is set for buyers earning at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income—about $80,000 annually for a family of three.

Crowley worked with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to secure $7 million in federal funding for infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Additional federal HOME funds will support home construction costs. Baldwin said, “I’m committed to addressing the housing crisis head on so more Wisconsinites can live, work, and raise a family in the communities they love… I’m proud to partner with Milwaukee County and deliver this investment for Oak Creek.”

Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz highlighted benefits including job training opportunities: “This new subdivision will offer incredible on-the-job training to Oak Creek High School students who are exploring careers in the trades…” According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Oak Creek High School had the highest enrollment among county schools during 2023-24 with over 2,200 students.

County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor noted that student involvement would take place on land zoned specifically for this purpose while James Mathy from DHHS Housing Services pointed out challenges young people face buying homes where they grew up.

A development agreement between Milwaukee County and Oak Creek is expected soon; infrastructure proposals will open this summer followed by construction starting after contracts are awarded with home building planned for 2027.

Milwaukee County’s school population reflects significant diversity: Black students made up about one-third (33%) of county enrollment during 2023-24—roughly matching previous years—with white students comprising nearly another third (29%), according to the same source. Hispanic students were reported as making up almost one-quarter (24.5%) of local enrollment while multiracial students accounted for just over five percent; Pacific Islander representation was less than one percent.More information can be found here.

James Mathy concluded: “We continue to look for opportunities to secure funding for innovative projects to address homeownership. We are looking forward to serving as the lead developer on this historic project.”

Broader implications include not only increased access to affordable housing but also workforce training partnerships with local schools—a potential model other suburbs may follow.