City of Oak Creek officials have approved a development proposal from Milwaukee County to build an affordable housing subdivision — the first-of-its kind in a suburban community in the county. The subdivision will include up to 50 homes at 9050 S. Annette Place in Oak Creek.

Each home will be approximately 1,200 square feet with a price point between $225,000 and $250,000. Eligible homebuyers must be at or below 80% in the Area Median Income bracket, equating to roughly $80,000 in annual household income for a family of three.

Officials said the development will be built on a previously tax foreclosed parcel that was believed to be contaminated. After environmental testing, it was concluded that the land was viable for development.

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services will serve as the lead developer for the project, which is part of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s broader mission to advance affordable housing in suburban communities, as housing affordability is increasingly a challenge nationwide.

“We’ve been quite intentional about bringing these investments to Milwaukee County suburbs — where disparities in housing, access and homeownership opportunities continue preventing people from living in the neighborhood of their choice,” Crowley said at a press conference Monday to highlight the project.

Crowley said his office worked with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin to secure $7 million in federal funds for the infrastructure for the project including roads, sewer, power and landscaping. Federal HOME funds, which are provided to states and local governments to create and support affordable housing for low-income households, will also be used to finance the construction of the homes.

The county is partnering with several organizations on the project, including Habitat for Humanity and Knights Construction, and will allow high school students to partake in the building of the homes. Additional partnerships will be announced in the coming weeks.

A development agreement with the City of Oak Creek will be signed soon to begin construction, with plans to break ground in 2027.

A request for proposals for infrastructure work will be released this summer.

Rendering of the affordable housing subdivision planned by Milwaukee County in Oak Creek.