MONROE — Cooperative Housing Models were presented as a solution for increasing housing inventory and affordability in Green County at a Jan. 18 meeting in Monroe.  

Speakers, Kelly Maynard, Cooperative Development Specialist with the UW Center for Cooperatives, and William Oemichen, Professor of Practice at UW-Madison, explained the benefits of this model as an innovative and sustainable approach to housing and one that puts community at the forefront of home ownership. 

Cooperative housing offers a unique housing arrangement for residents, who own and manage their housing community, which can be single-family homes to units in complexes. The cooperative ownership model gives residents a say in decision-making processes, creates a sense of shared responsibility and community as “shareholders” in the housing corporation, and provides more affordable homeownership than traditional homes purchases.

With demand for sustainable housing solutions growing, cooperative housing models are gaining traction. Federal and state financial programs exist to increase the affordability and building quality. In Green County, a housing cooperative is a viable option for increased home ownership.  

Another meeting specific to this housing model approach for Green County is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Justice Center, lower level, in Monroe. This program is offered in partnership with Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), UW-Extension Green County, and the Green County Health Community Coalition. 

For more information, contact GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, or call 608-328-9452.