Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced on Mar. 25 that the county will sponsor a Comprehensive Housing Study and Needs Assessment to support the work of the Kenosha County Housing Task Force. The initiative, led jointly by the county and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), aims to develop recommendations for increasing housing availability across all income levels in Kenosha County.
The study is intended to provide data-driven insights for addressing housing shortages, which have been identified as a challenge by local leaders. “In doing this work, the Task Force has found it needs more data to inform its work,” Kerkman said. “By conducting this study, we aim to learn more about the strengths, weaknesses, and needs in our housing market, so we have a clearer picture of how our public and private partners can work together to grow our housing stock to meet our growing needs. I appreciate the ongoing support from our Task Force members, and from Chairman Monica Yuhas and the County Board.”
Tracy Cross & Associates of Schaumburg, Illinois was selected after interviews with several consulting firms. Nicole Ryf, president of KABA, said that Tracy Cross & Associates has experience with similar studies in Kenosha County as well as recent work in Racine County. “This study is an important step in aligning housing availability with the needs of our workforce and growing economy,” Ryf said. “It also directly supports the priorities identified by the Kenosha County Housing Task Force, which has brought together leaders from the business, government, nonprofit, and development communities to better understand our housing challenges and opportunities.” Ryf added: “By building a stronger data-driven foundation, we can move forward with strategies that expand housing options and support the long-term success of both our residents and our employers.”
The study will assess future market conditions over five to ten years; evaluate demand for different types of housing; provide design recommendations; suggest geographic strategies for new developments; offer rental rate guidance; and propose specific action items such as developer selection.
Savannah Meyers of Extension Kenosha County is helping facilitate task force efforts: “The Task Force was designed to develop tools and solutions that could be implemented locally to help address the housing shortage for all income levels,” Meyers said. She continued: “Our current research shows a need for a wide range of housing types, and this study will deliver new detailed data that we can act on… It will help us better understand local housing needs, educate the public and decision-makers, and clearly demonstrate our specific priorities to developers.” More information about ongoing efforts is available at the official task force website.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Indian Trail High School had 2,001 students enrolled during 2023-24—the highest among county schools—followed by Tremper High School with 1,458 students and Bradford High School with 1,448 students.
Demographic figures show that white students made up just over half (55.6%) or approximately 14,124 out of 25,402 total students attending Kenosha County schools during 2023-24 according to state education data. Hispanic students accounted for roughly one-quarter (25.7% or 6,528), while Black students represented about one-tenth (10.4% or 2,642) according to state reports. Multiracial students comprised another significant portion at 6.6%, while American Indian students were at just 0.2%, making them one of least represented groups alongside Pacific Islander students who accounted for only about 0.1% according to enrollment statistics.
As community demographics continue evolving alongside economic growth pressures in Kenosha County schools—and as diverse populations seek adequate affordable options—the outcomes from this comprehensive assessment are expected by officials like Kerkman “to help guide policy decisions moving forward.”
