Bucking national trends, Milwaukee reduced homelessness in 2024 through Housing First policies and supportive services, but local advocates warn high housing costs will likely lead to an increase in the unhoused population in the coming year.
While homelessness rose sharply at the national level in 2024, Milwaukee County saw a decrease in the number of unhoused residents, reports Anna Marie Yanny for Wisconsin Public Radio.
In the 2024 point-in-time count, conducted every year in January, Milwaukee County counted 885 unhoused people, compared to 1,056 in 2023. This is a 16 percent decrease, a stark contrast to the 18 percent nationwide increase. The number of homeless people rose in other Wisconsin cities and counties, Yanny notes.
What makes Milwaukee different? According to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the county’s Housing First approach, coupled with wraparound services, has shown “encouraging results.” The county is also actively working with landlords to encourage them to rent to people who have been homeless through the 2024 “Landlord Incentives to Foster Tenancy” program.
However, local officials are warning that rising rents will likely lead to an increase in homelessness in the next count, scheduled for late January. “Milwaukee area organizers said they need more affordable housing, local investors and a slowed pace of rent increase.”
FULL STORY: Milwaukee resists national homelessness trend
More Cities, States Criminalizing Homelessness
As the number of unhoused Americans grows, some jurisdictions are going against the advice of advocates and imposing harsh penalties for sleeping in public spaces.
Indianapolis Falls Short of 2018 Goal to End Long-Term Homelessness
The city’s progress in building supportive housing units has not kept up with the rising numbers of residents experiencing homelessness.
Opinion: Unhoused People Need Housing, Not Law Enforcement
The sharp increase in the unhoused population calls for urgent action, not criminalization.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
E-diggers Pave Way for Cleaner, Greener, Quieter London
London power workers are trialing zero-emission electric diggers that remove more than 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 75% of noise pollution from their work in the capital.
While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging
Residents have already seen online listings skyrocketing in price—despite laws against such hikes. With fires still raging, LA and Pasadena tenants are demanding protections against rent raises and eviction.
San Diego Housing Assistance, Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts
Programs supported by federal and state programs are on the brink of losing funding, putting thousands of homeless and at-risk residents in jeopardy.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service