RDG in the Media: La Crosse, Wisconsin Addresses Housing Needs
Using insights from RDG's housing study, La Crosse is embracing accessory dwelling units as part of a broader strategy to address housing shortages and make efficient use of urban land.
Situated along the Mississippi River, the City of La Crosse, Wisconsin faces limited land for new housing developments. With a growing need for employees, a strong student housing market and several opportunities for infill development, the city hired RDG Planning & Design to assess housing needs and measure housing stock through a local study.
RDG found an average annual construction need of about 200 to 232 units through 2030, significantly more than the city had produced in the previous decade. The firm’s planning strategies heavily focused on updating zoning codes for housing growth and sustainability and provided guidance on the city’s strategic leadership approach, which partners to involve, and target households and housing types.
Noting that housing is necessary to attract more workers and students and stimulate the housing market, La Crosse passed an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, also known as “granny flats.” These units can be built on the same lot as a primary home, blending into the neighborhood while also addressing infill development.