As Janesville prepares for the next CivicCon event, The Affordable City, housing policy expert Shane Phillips joined WCLO radio to discuss the challenges—and opportunities—around housing affordability.

Register for our May 7 CivicCon here

The conversation reinforced just how complex (and important) this issue is, both nationally and right here in our community.

Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to Shane Phillips on WCLO here (the conversation starts around the 24:18 mark)

Here are a few key takeaways:

Housing Challenges Aren’t Just Big-City Problems Anymore

A decade ago, housing affordability was largely concentrated in major metros like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Today, those challenges are spreading to communities of all sizes.

As Phillips explained, many cities share similar zoning and land-use policies—and over time, those constraints have caught up everywhere.

It’s About More Than Just Supply—But Supply Matters

One of the core ideas Phillips will explore at CivicCon is the balance between supply, stability, and subsidy.

Increasing housing supply is a critical piece of the puzzle—but it’s not the only one. Communities also need policies that support renters and ensure long-term affordability.

The “Missing Middle” Could Make a Big Difference

For communities like Janesville, the solution isn’t skyscrapers—it’s options.

Phillips emphasized the importance of “middle” housing types like:

• Duplexes
• Townhomes
• Small apartment buildings

These options can increase supply while still fitting the scale and character of a community.

“It’s really about giving people more choices—not requiring anyone to live a certain way.”

Why Housing Feels So Expensive

Housing costs aren’t just about construction—they’re driven by multiple factors, including:

• Land costs
• Regulations and zoning
• Construction labor and materials
• Policy decisions at every level

Understanding these components is key to identifying real solutions.

Be Part of the Conversation

These are exactly the kinds of ideas we’ll explore at the next CivicCon event:

The Affordable City: A Presentation by Shane Phillips
📅 Thursday, May 7
🕔 5–7 p.m.
📍 Janesville Performing Arts Center

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Register here

Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to Shane Phillips on WCLO here (the conversation starts around the 24:18 mark)