Michael Basford
@mikebasford.bsky.social
Director, State of Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness. Former chair Democratic Party of Dane County. Come for the reposts on housing policy. Stay for the cat pics. He/Him/His
Reposted by Michael Basford
NEWS: We were glad to award $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to 59 organizations to improve emergency shelters, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing for those in need.
🏠 Learn more ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
🏠 Learn more ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
Press Release: Gov. Evers, WHEDA Award $2 Million in Grant Funds for Housing Assistance to Wisconsin’s Most Vulnerable Populations
content.govdelivery.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
NEWS: We were glad to award $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to 59 organizations to improve emergency shelters, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing for those in need.
🏠 Learn more ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
🏠 Learn more ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
Reposted by Michael Basford
Jeff Bezos Donates $5 Million To Fight Milwaukee Homelessness by @jeramey.urbanmilwaukee.com
Jeff Bezos Donates $5 Million To Fight Milwaukee Homelessness
Support for United Way program will be given over 5 years.
urbanmilwaukee.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Jeff Bezos Donates $5 Million To Fight Milwaukee Homelessness by @jeramey.urbanmilwaukee.com
Reposted by Michael Basford
NEW: The Trump Administration is trying to slash funding for critical homelessness prevention programs, which will leave thousands of Wisconsinites homeless during the coldest months of the year. It's unconscionable. We're suing to stop them. ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
Press Release: NEW: Gov. Evers Slams Trump Administration Efforts to Slash Funding for Critical Homelessness Prevention Programs, Joins Multi-State Lawsuit
content.govdelivery.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:29 PM
NEW: The Trump Administration is trying to slash funding for critical homelessness prevention programs, which will leave thousands of Wisconsinites homeless during the coldest months of the year. It's unconscionable. We're suing to stop them. ⬇️
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIG...
Reposted by Michael Basford
There used to be benches at Union Station, but they removed them because homeless people had the audacity to sit on them. And now, nobody can sit unless they pay.
Anti-homeless policies hurt us all.
Why can the gov't find $$ to deploy the military to US cities but not to help people in need?
Anti-homeless policies hurt us all.
Why can the gov't find $$ to deploy the military to US cities but not to help people in need?
October 21, 2025 at 8:28 PM
There used to be benches at Union Station, but they removed them because homeless people had the audacity to sit on them. And now, nobody can sit unless they pay.
Anti-homeless policies hurt us all.
Why can the gov't find $$ to deploy the military to US cities but not to help people in need?
Anti-homeless policies hurt us all.
Why can the gov't find $$ to deploy the military to US cities but not to help people in need?
Reposted by Michael Basford
Wisconsin spends about as much on homeless services as Madison does, and far less than Dane County. Despite multibillion dollar budget surpluses, the Legislature rejected again, without discussion, Gov. Evers’ request for $24 million to increase funding for homeless services at the state level.
Madison mayor wants nearby cities to step up to help fund new homeless shelter
Alders and members of the press got their first look at the news men’s homeless shelter at 1902 Bartillon Drive on Sept. 22.
isthmus.com
October 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Wisconsin spends about as much on homeless services as Madison does, and far less than Dane County. Despite multibillion dollar budget surpluses, the Legislature rejected again, without discussion, Gov. Evers’ request for $24 million to increase funding for homeless services at the state level.
Reposted by Michael Basford
Madison is dedicating millions of dollars to support people experiencing homelessness and create affordable housing. We need the private sector, where historically the majority of homeless funding has come from – to
invest in the services our most vulnerable community members need.
invest in the services our most vulnerable community members need.
Mayor Rhodes-Conway Proposing Historic Commitment to Funding Homeless Services
Today, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced $1 million in new spending to fund services at the Bartillon Shelter as part of her 2026 Executive Operating Budget.
www.cityofmadison.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Madison is dedicating millions of dollars to support people experiencing homelessness and create affordable housing. We need the private sector, where historically the majority of homeless funding has come from – to
invest in the services our most vulnerable community members need.
invest in the services our most vulnerable community members need.
Reposted by Michael Basford
ICYMI: Yesterday, ICE raided a homeless shelter in Chicago, and DC Police arrested a homeless veteran and destroyed his belongings.
Pay attention to attacks on homeless folks. They will spread to everybody that the admin does not like.
This is fascism, full stop.
Pay attention to attacks on homeless folks. They will spread to everybody that the admin does not like.
This is fascism, full stop.
October 3, 2025 at 7:11 PM
ICYMI: Yesterday, ICE raided a homeless shelter in Chicago, and DC Police arrested a homeless veteran and destroyed his belongings.
Pay attention to attacks on homeless folks. They will spread to everybody that the admin does not like.
This is fascism, full stop.
Pay attention to attacks on homeless folks. They will spread to everybody that the admin does not like.
This is fascism, full stop.
Reposted by Michael Basford
There is imminent (bad) news about homelessness from the Trump administration. Let's get a few things clear:
1) Homelessness is a housing problem. When rents go up, so does homelessness.
2) This move will force ~200,000 more ppl into homelessness
1) Homelessness is a housing problem. When rents go up, so does homelessness.
2) This move will force ~200,000 more ppl into homelessness
September 30, 2025 at 11:22 PM
There is imminent (bad) news about homelessness from the Trump administration. Let's get a few things clear:
1) Homelessness is a housing problem. When rents go up, so does homelessness.
2) This move will force ~200,000 more ppl into homelessness
1) Homelessness is a housing problem. When rents go up, so does homelessness.
2) This move will force ~200,000 more ppl into homelessness
Reposted by Michael Basford
Matt Tucker has a long history with the City of Madison.
Get to Know Matt Tucker, Madison’s Building Inspection Director - WORT-FM 89.9
“We don’t look to say no, we try to find a way to get to yes,” Tucker tells WORT.
www.wortfm.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Matt Tucker has a long history with the City of Madison.
Reposted by Michael Basford
"Gov't inaction & failure to solve homelessness is violence. A system that can find money to send the National Guard to take over D.C., but refuses to fund housing, is violent. Gutting healthcare is violent. Kidnapping migrants is violent. Poverty wages are violent."
We are horrified by the violent rhetoric and violence targeting homeless people seen in the past week. Still, it is not new. For years, politicians and the media have demonized and vilified homeless people. Their actions have devastating and fatal consequences.
Our statement: buff.ly/c8CZLyw
Our statement: buff.ly/c8CZLyw
National Homelessness Law Center Condemns Violence and Violent Rhetoric Targeting Homeless People - National Homelessness Law Center
National Homelessness Law Center Condemns Violence and Violent Rhetoric Targeting Homeless People (WASHINGTON, D.C - September 18th, 2025) Everybody needs a safe place to live. But instead of…
homelesslaw.org
September 18, 2025 at 11:29 PM
"Gov't inaction & failure to solve homelessness is violence. A system that can find money to send the National Guard to take over D.C., but refuses to fund housing, is violent. Gutting healthcare is violent. Kidnapping migrants is violent. Poverty wages are violent."
Reposted by Michael Basford
Elizabeth Brown’s Long Journey to Her Own Home
Elizabeth Brown’s Long Journey to Her Own Home
Acts Housing helps her overcome 5 years of housing troubles, homelessness.
urbanmilwaukee.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Elizabeth Brown’s Long Journey to Her Own Home
Reposted by Michael Basford
Laws like these are transparent trial balloons to give law enforcement sweeping powers to detain people for non crimes. We have to fight them in every little town. We gotta show up to do it!
I'm at a boro council meeting in Haddonfield NJ, where they are considering a Trump-supported law to make homelessness illegal. @njindivisible.bsky.social
WE NEED MORE TURNOUT AT EVENTS LIKE THIS.
WE NEED MORE TURNOUT AT EVENTS LIKE THIS.
August 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Laws like these are transparent trial balloons to give law enforcement sweeping powers to detain people for non crimes. We have to fight them in every little town. We gotta show up to do it!
Reposted by Michael Basford
I used to think I'd be burned at the stake for thinking that residential areas in my city should be absolutely 25 MPH posted at the most and now I see Madison is making it only 20. That's a huge deal for pedestrian safety.
We are seeing progress because of Vision Zero and 20 is Plenty. There were 11 traffic fatalities on city-owned and controlled roads in 2020. And in 2024, there were only 5 traffic fatalities, which is a 55% decrease.
New 20 mph speed limit signs installed across Madison neighborhoods - Civic Media
The 20 is Plenty initiative lowers speed limits only on residential streets across Madison, not major thoroughfares.
civicmedia.us
August 14, 2025 at 12:55 AM
I used to think I'd be burned at the stake for thinking that residential areas in my city should be absolutely 25 MPH posted at the most and now I see Madison is making it only 20. That's a huge deal for pedestrian safety.
Reposted by Michael Basford
THERE ARE NO SHELTERS IN DC FOR PEOPLE TO GO TO. 900 ppl sleep outside each night. There are 40 open shelter beds. Ppl will be arrested for being unable to afford rent.
Every reporter needs to ask Trump and his cronies where he wants people to go.
Maybe his new ballroom?
Every reporter needs to ask Trump and his cronies where he wants people to go.
Maybe his new ballroom?
August 13, 2025 at 1:01 AM
THERE ARE NO SHELTERS IN DC FOR PEOPLE TO GO TO. 900 ppl sleep outside each night. There are 40 open shelter beds. Ppl will be arrested for being unable to afford rent.
Every reporter needs to ask Trump and his cronies where he wants people to go.
Maybe his new ballroom?
Every reporter needs to ask Trump and his cronies where he wants people to go.
Maybe his new ballroom?
Reposted by Michael Basford
Housing is one of the issues I hear most about everywhere I go.
It was great to celebrate this new affordable, supportive housing project that's going to connect the dots in the Brown Deer community.
urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/07/25/m...
urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/07/25/m...
MKE County: County Exec, Governor Celebrate New Affordable Housing Development
New facility provides supportive housing units for seniors with disabilities experiencing homelessness.
urbanmilwaukee.com
August 4, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Housing is one of the issues I hear most about everywhere I go.
It was great to celebrate this new affordable, supportive housing project that's going to connect the dots in the Brown Deer community.
urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/07/25/m...
urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/07/25/m...
Reposted by Michael Basford
I’m jazzed as hell to have @govevers.wisconsin.gov join me on my podcast! We had a great conversation, looking back on his accomplishments as Governor fighting for Wisconsinites.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKK6...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKK6...
With Liberty and Justice for Some Episode 26: Governor Evers Reflects on Wisconsin
YouTube video by repmarkpocan
www.youtube.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I’m jazzed as hell to have @govevers.wisconsin.gov join me on my podcast! We had a great conversation, looking back on his accomplishments as Governor fighting for Wisconsinites.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKK6...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKK6...
Reposted by Michael Basford
MKE County: County Exec, Governor Celebrate New Affordable Housing Development
MKE County: County Exec, Governor Celebrate New Affordable Housing Development
New facility provides supportive housing units for seniors with disabilities experiencing homelessness.
urbanmilwaukee.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
MKE County: County Exec, Governor Celebrate New Affordable Housing Development
Reposted by Michael Basford
Governor Evers just announced that he won’t be seeking a third term in 2026. Wisconsin owes him a profound debt of gratitude—one of the kindest, most decent, and most public-spirited people I've ever met, in or out of politics. 🧵
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0_4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0_4...
Gov. Evers: A love letter from me to Kathy and my family—and to you, Wisconsin.
YouTube video by Governor Tony Evers
www.youtube.com
July 24, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Governor Evers just announced that he won’t be seeking a third term in 2026. Wisconsin owes him a profound debt of gratitude—one of the kindest, most decent, and most public-spirited people I've ever met, in or out of politics. 🧵
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0_4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0_4...
Reposted by Michael Basford
Reposted by Michael Basford
It was a pleasure to visit Our Neighbors' Place last week to hear more about their crucial work in providing support, shelter, and housing services in Pierce and St. Croix counties. They offer multiple critical services to assist with basic needs for families and individuals. Thank you!
July 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM
It was a pleasure to visit Our Neighbors' Place last week to hear more about their crucial work in providing support, shelter, and housing services in Pierce and St. Croix counties. They offer multiple critical services to assist with basic needs for families and individuals. Thank you!
Reposted by Michael Basford
Rents in Spokane are down 12% as a result of pro-housing legislation, like removing parking minimums, incentivizing housing on former parking lots, and upzoning all residential parcels.
reason.com/2025/07/22/r...
reason.com/2025/07/22/r...
Rent prices are falling fast in America’s most pro-housing cities
Rental prices in some of the country's largest cities are falling—some by almost 45 percent, according to new data.
reason.com
July 22, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Rents in Spokane are down 12% as a result of pro-housing legislation, like removing parking minimums, incentivizing housing on former parking lots, and upzoning all residential parcels.
reason.com/2025/07/22/r...
reason.com/2025/07/22/r...
Reposted by Michael Basford
I want to thank my colleagues on the Common Council for collaborating on these sensible efforts to provide more housing options for Madison residents and for the community support for these proposals.
Madison Common Council Approves Housing Proposals
Immediate Release July 15, 2025 Tonight, the Madison Common Council unanimously approved three proposals designed to make it easier to build a range of homes, increase flexibility for homeownership, a...
www.cityofmadison.com
July 16, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I want to thank my colleagues on the Common Council for collaborating on these sensible efforts to provide more housing options for Madison residents and for the community support for these proposals.
Reposted by Michael Basford
"I'm encouraging people to support these proposals because we need more affordable options," said Dr. Ruben Anthony, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. "Homeownership is a critical source of intergenerational wealth."
Madison Mayor proposes zoning changes to meet the city’s housing needs
On Wednesday, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway proposed three new ordinances aimed at creating more housing in the City of Madison.
www.wmtv15news.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:15 PM
"I'm encouraging people to support these proposals because we need more affordable options," said Dr. Ruben Anthony, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. "Homeownership is a critical source of intergenerational wealth."
Reposted by Michael Basford
Almost a year ago, I joined the Chippewa Falls community for the groundbreaking of Hope Village's new affordable housing site. Yesterday, I joined them again to officially open the new units! It was a pleasure to celebrate this community achievement and feel the passion for more affordable housing.
July 9, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Almost a year ago, I joined the Chippewa Falls community for the groundbreaking of Hope Village's new affordable housing site. Yesterday, I joined them again to officially open the new units! It was a pleasure to celebrate this community achievement and feel the passion for more affordable housing.
Reposted by Michael Basford
I spent the last several months working with legislative leaders to ensure Wisconsin had a bipartisan budget that invested in our kids, families, and communities.
Here are 5️⃣ reasons our bipartisan budget is a win for Wisconsin. ⬇️
youtube.com/shorts/bvb92...
Here are 5️⃣ reasons our bipartisan budget is a win for Wisconsin. ⬇️
youtube.com/shorts/bvb92...
5 Things to Know About Gov. Evers’ Bipartisan Pro-Kid Budget
YouTube video by Governor Tony Evers
youtube.com
July 4, 2025 at 2:17 AM
I spent the last several months working with legislative leaders to ensure Wisconsin had a bipartisan budget that invested in our kids, families, and communities.
Here are 5️⃣ reasons our bipartisan budget is a win for Wisconsin. ⬇️
youtube.com/shorts/bvb92...
Here are 5️⃣ reasons our bipartisan budget is a win for Wisconsin. ⬇️
youtube.com/shorts/bvb92...