HAYWARD, WI — U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited Trailview Cottages on March 30, 2026 to tour the workforce housing development and meet with local and regional partners involved in the project.
The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable housing in northwestern Wisconsin and support workforce development across the region.
Baldwin highlighted federal support for the project during her visit.
“Wherever I travel in Wisconsin, the challenge to find affordable housing and a good paying job go hand in hand. Investing in affordable housing and workforce training is a win-win for Wisconsin families and businesses,” said Sen. Baldwin. “That’s why I was proud to deliver $4 million to help make the project I visited in Hayward a reality.”
Representatives from Northwood Tech and partnering organizations also attended the visit, emphasizing the connection between housing availability and workforce training opportunities.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, center, poses with community and project partners during a visit to Trailview Cottages in Hayward on March 30, 2026, highlighting workforce housing and training initiatives.
“Workforce housing plays a critical role in supporting students, employers and the long-term vitality of our communities,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Technical College. “Trailview Cottages is an example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to regional growth.”
Trailview Cottages is designed to provide housing options while supporting economic growth in the Hayward area. The development is part of the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) initiative, a regional effort to address housing shortages affecting employers, workforce retention and community sustainability in northwest Wisconsin, and is one of three projects included in the more than $46 million investment across the Northwood Technical College district.
Supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and Cinnaire, the project combines affordable housing with access to workforce training opportunities through Northwood Technical College, helping expand access to education and career pathways in the region.
Rural communities in the region continue to face a shortage of affordable housing, limited access to education and job training, and workforce challenges tied to transportation barriers and long travel distances.
The Hayward site includes 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, creating housing options for families, seniors and workers, along with expanded access to workforce training connected to Northwood Technical College programs.
“Access to affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing rural communities today,” said Brett Gerber, president and CEO of Impact Seven. “Trailview Cottages helps meet that need while creating opportunities for residents to live and work in the communities they serve.”
Trailview Cottages broke ground on Sept. 11, 2025, and construction continues as residents begin moving in. Baldwin’s visit comes as the development nears completion, with a ribbon-cutting planned for spring 2026.
HOMES Grant Funding Statement
The three-year, $9.8 million Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Impact Seven will provide an additional $20 million for sustainable affordable housing options within the district. Northwood Technical College will provide an additional $1.25 million to conduct advanced manufacturing training for underemployed, unemployed, and special population individuals.
Last Update: Apr 03, 2026 10:30 am CDT
