Status of Housing at Dept. of Commerce

At this time, it's looking very definite that the Department of Commerce will be transformed into Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), according to Essie Kammer, with the regulatory functions moved into "likely a revamped Department of Regulation and Licensing." 

Obviously the current housing activities at the Department of Commerce are not regulatory functions, and although advocates regularly argue that housing development is job & economic development, many people don't view  it that way, making its move into WEDC unlikely.  In my opinion, the housing programs will be moved into WHEDA, where the new Director is Wyman Winston.

From WHEDA's website:

Wyman B. Winston, Executive Director


Governor Scott Walker appointed Wyman B. Winston as the Authority's Executive Director effective January 3, 2011. Wyman spent 14 years at WHEDA as a Senior Manager, first in Multifamily and later heading the Emerging Markets Group. He launched the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program at its inception, worked on solving challenges to preserve WHEDA's oldest housing portfolio and prepared the initial proposal for WHEDA to participate in the federal New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program.

Outside of WHEDA, Mr. Winston spent 10 years at other redevelopment authorities and accomplished the following: Operated the first retail and job creation Tax Increment Financing in Atlanta, Georgia; launched the City of Atlanta's NMTC programs; managed a big city redevelopment agency with an annual budget of over $250 million; established major NMTC programs in Portland, Oregon; and headed a city housing finance department.

Mr. Winston is committed to leveraging WHEDA's resources, including its professional staff of highly motivated individuals, to expand economic opportunities for Wisconsin. He will help Governor Walker achieve his goal of creating 250,000 jobs for Wisconsin with: a clear vision that incorporates staff contributions; a Transformational Strategy built on WHEDA's mission; and a more participatory work environment.

I'm told Mr. Winston has experience with responding to an earlier foreclosure crisis in Milwaukee, and reportedly is a bright and competent executive.  Although I'm not familiar with him, he seems to be a good pick for WHEDA; someone familiar with Wisconsin, but away long enough to have a fresh look.  A positive factor is that Mr. Winston apparently has experience with multiple programs, seemingly making him a good choice if, indeed, Commerce's housing programs are moved into WHEDA.

The former Director of WHEDA, Antonio Riley, is now at HUD.  Directors are appointed by the Governor, so with each new Governor, we have a new Director.