The Dane County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday to adopt a $950 million budget for fiscal year 2027, making housing and homeless services the single largest capital investment in the county’s upcoming financial plan. Supervisors directed over $29 million in capital funds toward new housing initiatives and shelter facilities, signaling a firm commitment to confronting the region’s rising homelessness crisis.
Key Funding Highlights
The budget includes a $2.1 million allocation for an expanded facility operated by The Salvation Army of Dane County. The organization, which can currently shelter roughly 36 families each night, reports a waiting list that regularly ranges from 40 to 60 families. Major Kristina Sjogren, Dane County coordinator for The Salvation Army, emphasized that the need for emergency housing has surged over the past three years and that the new funding will help the agency meet growing demand.
Board leaders noted that the additional housing dollars were balanced by reductions in other areas, allowing the property tax levy to remain flat compared with the county executive’s initial proposal. This fiscal discipline ensures that taxpayers will not see a higher levy while the county invests in critical social infrastructure.
Community Context
Heidi Wegleitner, chair of the Dane County Health & Human Needs Committee, highlighted the stark contrast between the county’s overall wealth and the persistent housing instability faced by many residents. “We have a lot of wealth in this community and we have a high median income,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are suffering, who are not even able to access shelter.”
Wegleitner added that the 2027 budget builds on previous investments in overflow capacity, shelter additions, and support services. While construction of new facilities will take time, the capital funding is intended to address recurring seasonal shortages and to provide a more stable safety net for families in need.
How Residents Can Access Services
Residents experiencing housing instability or seeking shelter assistance are encouraged to call 2‑1‑1 to connect with Dane County resources. The county’s 2‑1‑1 system offers information on emergency housing, rental assistance, and other supportive services.
Local nonprofit leaders and county officials stressed the importance of public‑private partnerships in expanding shelter capacity. Sjogren noted, “The Salvation Army’s job is to reach out to people in need, in their time of need, regardless of how they got to where they got. Our job is to come in and to assist them to get back into a place that is safe.”
Looking Ahead
The board’s approval of the 2027 budget reflects a broader trend of local governments prioritizing affordable housing and homelessness solutions as essential components of community stability. By allocating significant capital resources while maintaining a flat tax levy, Dane County aims to demonstrate fiscal responsibility alongside compassionate service delivery.
As winter approaches, the county’s expanded shelter capacity and new construction projects will be closely watched by both advocates and policymakers seeking effective models for addressing homelessness across the Midwest.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
