Mark your calendar for the 2026 Wisconsin Real Estate & Economic Outlook Conference, Friday, October 2, at the Fluno Center in Madison. This year’s theme, “Future-Ready Communities: Building Opportunity Through Housing, Infrastructure and Innovation,” will bring together industry leaders to explore the trends and solutions shaping the future of our communities. You’ll hear expert insights on the 2027 housing outlook, housing supply and affordability, manufactured housing and strategies for building community support for new development. Space is limited and this conference typically sells out so register early to secure your spot! View the conference webpage and register here. Registration link: https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/2026-wisconsin-real-estate-economic-outlook-conference/reg/Site/Register
CONFERENCE AGENDA — October 2, 2026 (8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.)
Keynote Presentations
- Morris Davis, Professor, Rutgers University; Former White House Chief Housing Economist
The 2027 Housing Outlook: The Economy, Housing Markets and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act - Lesli Gooch, CEO, Manufactured Housing Institute
Unlocking Housing Opportunity: The Power of Manufactured Housing to Build More Homes
Panels
- Panel Session 1: Innovative Housing Solutions: New Tools from Washington to Wisconsin
Moderator: Kurt Paulsen, Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Panelists:
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- Dave Armstrong, Wisconsin State Assembly Representative, District 67; Executive Director, Barron County Economic Development Corporation
- Amy Bliss, Executive Director, Wisconsin Housing Alliance
- Robert Procter, Attorney, Madison
- Jon Searles, Community & Economic Development Director, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
- Panel Session 2: From Opposition to Opportunity: Building Consensus for Better Communities
Moderator: Jerry Deschane, Former Executive Director, Wisconsin League of Municipalities
Panelists:
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- Nicole Solheim, Vice President, Development, Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC)
- John Garvin, Manager of State Governmental Relations, American Transmission Company (invited)
- Emily McFarland, Incoming Executive Director, League of Wisconsin Municipalities; Former Mayor of Watertown
Last year’s conference sold out so register soon! Questions? Contact Missy Clemens at melissa.clemens@wisc.edu.