Earlier this week, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced that Door County could participate in a pilot program that would speed up development for affordable housing in the area. Being able to apply more quickly is not the same thing as having guaranteed funding. Sturgeon Bay Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak discussed the issues that still need to be resolved at Wednesday's City Plan Commission meeting.

Sturgeon Bay knows first-hand the effects of a WHEDA rejection. Staff had to table development at the Westside School after affordable housing funding was denied for the project. Sister Bay is submitting a project to WHEDA for this year. Municipalities sign off on potential development in the fall with a decision made by the agency in April.