MADISON Wis. -- A joint effort between the Community Development Block Grant Commission and the Housing Committee will create a trust fund to increase housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents.

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The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Workgroup elected their officers Friday, including Dane County Supervisor Patrick DePula, as chairman.

"We'll be finding funding sources over the next few weeks," DePula said. "Government grants, funds and land banking are some of the options we're considering to build the trust."

"Land banking" means the city would donate a chunk of land on which a developer would build affordable housing. The cost for the land, the most expensive aspect of building, could be somewhat eliminated through this process.

Other officers include Cindy Donais as vice chairwoman; alderpersons Cindy Thomas and Thomas Powell; Tom Hirsch, Mary Holland, and James Reeves.

"I am excited about the opportunity to help facilitate quality affordable housing options for those that need it most," DePula said. "We all share the desire to work hard and come up with real solutions."

At their first meeting, Hirsch suggested that a moment of silence be observed to remember a longtime Madison housing activist, Sol Levin, who recently died.

Levin was slated to be the eighth member of the group.

"His knowledge and experience will be sorely missed by all," De Pula said.

DePula proposed that the trust fund be named "The Sol Levin Housing Trust Fund" in honor of the man who worked so hard for so many people.

All members of the work group agreed that they would like to see real results from the new committee, not just more dialogue.

DePula said the group is in the process of identifying who the program will benefit the most.

"All we have right now is preliminary information," he said. "We are certainly looking for the public's input on this though.

If you have any comments or suggestions you'd like to share, you can contact Hickory Hurie at the CDBGC, (608) 267-0740 or DePula at (608) 223-0852.