About Wausau Community Development Authority

The Wausau Community Development Authority (PHA Code: WI031) is located in Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin. This authority manages approximately 648 assisted housing units, comprising 602 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 46 Public Housing units.

Currently, the Wausau Community Development Authority has open waitlists for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and its Subsidized Housing properties: Riverview Terrace and Riverview Towers. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed to new applications, as is Public Housing. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Wausau, WI MSA area is $49,400 per year.

Applicants interested in housing assistance should note the specific programs that are currently accepting applications. Program availability, such as for Public Housing, can change. It is advisable to monitor for updates on program status.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person, Mail, Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Riverview Terrace provides 36 one-bedroom handicapped accessible units for individuals 62 years of age and older who meet income qualifications. Rent is based on 30% of adjusted income with utilities included. Applications are available on the city of Wausau website and at the CDA office, or by contacting the WCDA office at 715-261-6687.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person or Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Riverview Terrace offers 36 one-bedroom, smoke-free apartments for income-qualifying individuals or couples, with at least one household member 62 years of age or older.

Subsidized Housing - Riverview Terrace Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Riverview Terrace consists of 36 one-bedroom handicapped accessible units for individuals 62 years of age and older. Rent is based on 30% of the household's adjusted income and includes utilities. Applications are available on the City of Wausau website and at the CDA office.

Subsidized Housing - Riverview Towers Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Riverview Towers offers 147 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units for eligible individuals who are at least 55 years of age or are disabled. Rent is based on 30% of the household's adjusted gross income and includes utilities. Applications are available on the City of Wausau website and at the CDA office.

Other Programs

5 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Eligibility is based on total annual gross income and family size, limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens, with income not exceeding 50% of the median income for Marathon County.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

Riverview Terrace provides 36 one-bedroom apartments for income-qualifying individuals or couples, with at least one household member 62 years of age or older.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Senior
Closed

The Riverview Terrace Affordable Assisted Living waiting list was open from January 20, 2025, until January 30, 2025.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Public Housing Opened 17 hours ago
Public Housing Closed 2 days ago
Public Housing Opened Mar 25, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 22, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 21, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 17, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 17, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 16, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 15, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 14, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 10, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 3, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 1, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 28, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 25, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Wausau Community Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 550 E Thomas St
City Wausau, WI 54403
PHA Code WI031
Section 8 Units 602
Public Housing Units 46

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Wausau Community Development Authority

1

Check Current Status

Wausau Community Development Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing, Subsidized Housing - Riverview Terrace, Subsidized Housing - Riverview Towers). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Wausau Community Development Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $49,400/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Wausau Community Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Wausau Community Development Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wausau Community Development Authority manages approximately 648 assisted housing units (602 Section 8, 46 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Wausau. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Wausau Community Development Authority

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Wausau Community Development Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Wausau. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Wausau Community Development Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Wausau Community Development Authority manages approximately 46 Public Housing units in Wausau. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Subsidized Housing - Riverview Terrace open

The Subsidized Housing - Riverview Terrace program at Wausau Community Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Wausau. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Subsidized Housing - Riverview Towers open

The Subsidized Housing - Riverview Towers program at Wausau Community Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Wausau. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Wausau Community Development Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Wausau. This program serves approximately 602 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other closed

The Other program at Wausau Community Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Wausau. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Senior closed

The Other Senior program at Wausau Community Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Wausau. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Wausau Community Development Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Wausau Community Development Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Wausau maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Wausau Community Development Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Wausau Community Development Authority administers 9 programs (PBV, Public Housing, Subsidized Housing - Riverview Terrace, Subsidized Housing - Riverview Towers, HCV, Other, Other Senior, Mainstream, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 550 E Thomas St, Wausau, WI.
How long is the wait at Wausau Community Development Authority?
Wait times at Wausau Community Development Authority depend on demand in Wausau, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 648 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 7, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Wausau Community Development Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Wausau Community Development Authority, including Merrill Housing Authority (16 mi), Antigo Housing Authority (27 mi), Stevens Point Housing Authority (29 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Wisconsin and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Wisconsin.
How do I contact Wausau Community Development Authority?
You can reach Wausau Community Development Authority by phone at (715) 261-6676. Their office is located at 550 E Thomas St, Wausau, WI 54403. You can also email them at juli.birkenmeier@ci.wausau.wi.us. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Wausau Community Development Authority?
Income limits for Wausau Community Development Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Wausau, WI MSA (currently $98,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $49,400. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Wausau Community Development Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Wausau Community Development Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Wausau, WI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,400. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $20,800 $34,600 $55,350
2 Persons $23,750 $39,550 $63,250
3 Persons $26,700 $44,500 $71,150
4 Persons $32,150 $49,400 $79,050
5 Persons $37,650 $53,400 $85,400
6 Persons $43,150 $57,350 $91,700
7 Persons $48,650 $61,300 $98,050
8 Persons $54,150 $65,250 $104,350
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $98,800 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.