Partners
The Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, and the Wisconsin Bankers Association.
Challenge
In 2010, Wisconsin and the rest of the United States faced the toughest real estate market in history. Although the housing market had stabilized since 2008, it remained fragile, with credit in short supply.
Strategy
The annual Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference brings key stakeholders to the table to address important issues affecting Wisconsin real estate. In 2010, the conference focused on the impact of the credit crunch on real estate. David Altig, senior vice president and director of research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, was the keynote speaker.
The Grasskamp Center is part of the real estate program at the Wisconsin School of Business, which routinely ranks among top three programs in the nation. Its faculty are recognized leaders in research, teaching, and service to the real-estate industry.
Outcomes
More than 125 individuals representing 60 Wisconsin companies attended the conference in 2010.
Many of Wisconsin’s real estate markets had smaller percentage declines over the past two years than seen nationally. The ability to make informed decisions helps industry professionals in Wisconsin to make informed decisions.
Building on the success of the 2010 conference, the Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference in 2011 will focus on new partnerships between government and the real estate industry.