The Neenah City Council meeting on March 19, 2025, spotlighted a pressing issue: the urgent need for affordable housing in the community. Residents and local leaders voiced their concerns and suggestions, emphasizing the importance of addressing homelessness and housing instability.

Deb Lanaker, a resident of Winnebago Heights, praised a recent housing study that highlighted the necessity for diverse housing options across all economic levels. She pointed out the alarming statistic that 115 children in the Neenah school district were classified as homeless last year, underscoring the critical need for shelters and affordable housing solutions. Lanaker urged the council to significantly increase funding for community development block grants (CDBG) aimed at housing and economic development.

Susan Garcia Franz, a community health strategist, echoed these sentiments, stressing that unstable housing directly impacts children's academic performance and overall community health. She called for a collaborative action plan to implement the housing study's findings, advocating for more affordable housing options, including duplexes and townhouses.

Christine Jernalista, representing the Fox Cities Housing Alliance, encouraged Neenah to work with neighboring communities to tackle housing challenges collectively. She highlighted the importance of a regional approach to housing strategy, suggesting that collaboration could lead to more effective solutions.

Lisa Strandberg, executive director of Pillars, expressed gratitude for the inclusion of her organization in the proposed CDBG investments, which support residents facing homelessness. She urged the council to not only accept the housing study but to actively implement its recommendations in partnership with other local entities.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from Stantec Consulting, which provided an in-depth analysis of Neenah's housing market. The study revealed a significant gap between housing demand and supply, with a projected need for approximately 960 new housing units over the next decade. The findings emphasized the necessity for diverse housing types and affordability, particularly for low-income households.

As Neenah grapples with these housing challenges, the discussions from the council meeting signal a community ready to take action. The emphasis on collaboration, increased funding, and strategic planning could pave the way for a more inclusive housing landscape in the city.