The 2026 Central Wisconsin Housing Summit is focused on the builder’s perspective, addressing the real challenges contractors, developers, and partners face in housing today. Learn best practices, explore resources, and connect with peers to find solutions that move projects forward.
Opening Keynote:
Join us for an inspiring keynote by Kurt Paulsen, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
About Kurt Paulsen: Kurt Paulsen is a professor in the Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture at UW–Madison. His teaching and research focus on housing, affordable housing finance and policy, land use, and municipal finance. He has authored two Dane County housing needs assessments, chaired the City of Middleton Workforce Housing Committee, and conducted economic impact research for WHEDA. He is the author of “Falling Behind: Addressing Wisconsin’s Workforce Housing Shortage to Strengthen Families, Communities, and Our Economy”, published by the Wisconsin Realtors Association, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Full Agenda
8:00 - 8:30 AM Fueling the Foundation Registration, breakfast refreshments, and networking
8:30 - 9:00 AM Welcome to the Worksite! Opening remarks; emcee introduction, sponsor introductions, and general details.
9:00 - 9:30 AM The State of Housing in Central Wisconsin: Data‑Driven Insights to Reimagine Central Wisconsin’s Housing Market Kurt Paulsen - Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at UW-Madison A native of Wausau, Paulsen returns to Central Wisconsin to provide us with data and observations regarding Central Wisconsin’s housing market that will inform our approach to rehabilitating housing and reinvesting in our communities.
9:35 - 9:55 AM Partner Power Tools: Quick Builds From Key Partners Updates from: Associated Bank and USDA Rural Development
10:00 - 10:45 AM From Dreamer to Developer: Tools for Taking Action Featuring panelists: Sherri Stempa - Villas of Vesper, Chris and Erin Howard - Howard Properties & Development, and Brian Adamson - ICAP Development What if you didn’t need to wait for a big developer to transform your neighborhood? This session empowers everyday people to take the leap into small-scale development.
10:45 - 11:00 AM 15 Minute Break & Resource Tables
11:00-11:45 AM Financing the Future: Funding Small-Scale Projects Featuring panelists: Lydia Van Thiel - WHEDA, Jamie Lutton - Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and Chris Pfender - Intercity State Bank Learn how to unlock capital for community-driven housing, from local lenders to state and federal incentives, plus DIY financing strategies for first-time developers.
11:45 AM- 12:30 PM Boxed Lunch & Resource Tables
12:30 - 1:15 PM Conversations That Construct Engage in facilitated table discussions on key housing topics ● Employer-Supported Housing featuring Ann Micholic, VP of Human Resources at Kolbe & Kolbe. Explore innovative partnerships for workforce stability ● Older Adult Housing & Aging in Place featuring Sam Wessel, North Central WI Regional Planning Commission. Explore how homes are designed for longevity, accessibility, and dignity. ● Creative Housing Models featuring Chris Klesmith, City of Stevens Point. Explore Co-housing, shared equity, and beyond
1:15-2:00 PM Building the Builders: Expanding the Contractor Workforce Featuring panelists: Mid-State Technical College, Findorff, and Jim Cleveland, Office of Rural Prosperity at WEDC Discover how training programs, educational institutions, and workforce initiatives are addressing the skilled labor shortage and preparing the next generation of housing professionals.
2:15 - 3:00 PM Creative Solutions, Real Housing Units Moderated by Randy Fifrick, City of Wausau. Featuring panelists: Ted Matkom, WI Market President with Gorman & Company, and Tiffany Arnold, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Wausau As communities face rising costs, limited land, and evolving housing needs, creativity has become essential, not optional. This panel brings together local leaders to explore how innovative thinking can unlock real housing solutions.
3:00 - 3:45 PM Choose from: From Property to Proforma: A Real Owner's Playbook Featuring presenters: Carly Harder, Founder and Owner of CANA Connect LLC, Troy Durkee, Center Director of Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point, and Andi Gretzinger, Business Consultant at SBDC at UWSP or Building your Local Housing Incentive Program Featuring presenters: Shelley Young, Bank First, Amber Grubba, Members Advantage Credit Union, and Brian Spranger, NextHome Partners
3:45 - 4:00 PM Closing Remarks: Next Steps from the Ground Up Reflect on the day’s insights and outline actionable next steps. Let’s keep the momentum going, together.
Planning Committee
Kayla Rombalski, UW-Extension Wood County
Katie Livernash, UW-Extension Portage County
Melinda Osterberg, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp
Kayleigh Mengel, Wood County
Jami Gebert, Village of Weston
Daric Smith, Adams County Economic Development Corp
Sam Wessel, North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Randy Fifrick, City of Wausau
Sara Guild, Lincoln County Economic Development Corp.
Angel Laidlaw, Centergy
This event is open to all. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language and/or format, and/or other services to make this event more accessible. Contact oaic@extension.wisc.edu. Make your request 25 days before the event. There is no added cost to you for these services.
Date & Time
Wed, Apr 15, 2026 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venue Details
Dreyfus University Center - UWSP
1015 Reserve Street Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Centergy
Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)4 nonprofit regional marketing and economic development organization. Our purpose is to foster collaboration among private and public-sector leaders throughout the five counties of central Wisconsin that make up the Centergy Region: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.
The Centergy brand provides an effective way to leverage the collective economic power of the region’s five counties. It allows us to unite the region’s efforts in talent attraction and development, regional brand development, business development, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the business community.
