Green Bay Reporter

The City of Green Bay has formed a partnership with CityWise Software LLC to launch a searchable online database for available rental housing units. The initiative is designed to connect residents with local rental opportunities and give property owners greater visibility for their listings, all at no cost to the city.

"This partnership is an example of our commitment to using innovative solutions and partnerships to do everything we can to provide housing options to our residents, and, in this case, better connect our residents with the housing they’re seeking," said Mayor Eric Genrich. "By working with CityWise, we're creating a local housing platform that is likely to have over 90% of available units listed. This is another way the City of Green Bay is taking action to address our housing shortage and make it easier for our residents to find their next home."

CityWise Software LLC, based in Milwaukee and founded by Jeremy Schmidt and Dominic Anzalone, specializes in municipal rental platforms. Since its launch in October 2024, CityWise has partnered with twelve municipalities across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. Their business model relies on monthly fees from landlords with buildings containing 20 or more units; smaller landlords and those offering affordable housing can list properties for free.

The company has implemented similar platforms in other Wisconsin cities such as Kenosha (https://apartments.kenosha.org), South Milwaukee (https://apartments.southmilwaukee.gov), Oak Creek (https://apartments.oakcreekwi.gov), Greenfield (https://apartments.greenfieldwi.gov), Mount Pleasant (https://apartments.mtpleasantwi.gov), Racine (https://apartments.cityofracine.org), as well as partnering with Milwaukee County.

“We believe every renter deserves a clear, accessible way to find housing,” said Jeremy Schmidt, chief operating officer at City Wise. “This platform helps remove some of the barriers renters face—especially in tight or confusing markets—by creating a straightforward path to available homes.”

Green Bay’s Common Council Protection and Policy Committee unanimously approved the partnership proposal on July 28, 2025. The full council followed suit on August 5 with approval of a three-year agreement.

According to a 2020 Housing Market Study cited by city officials, Green Bay needs between 3,314 and 7,441 new rental units by 2040 due to ongoing demand pressures. Current market conditions remain tight because of low vacancy rates.

The new platform offers comprehensive listings—including many not found on major commercial sites—and will verify posts through CityWise’s system. It also includes search filters for price, amenities, availability and highlights both market-rate and affordable options. Smaller property owners are able to post listings without charge; larger landlords pay modest monthly fees.

In addition to helping renters and landlords connect directly through the city-endorsed site apartments.greenbaywi.gov (https://apartments.greenbaywi.gov/), the city expects the data collected will help guide future policy decisions about local housing needs.

CityWise plans outreach efforts aimed at encouraging landlord participation following approval of the agreement. In previous partnerships elsewhere in Wisconsin, CityWise reports achieving landlord participation rates between 80-90%.

Listings for Green Bay rentals are now live on apartments.greenbaywi.gov (https://apartments.greenbaywi.gov/). The city encourages both renters seeking homes and property owners wishing to list vacancies to use this resource.

For further information about this initiative or how property owners can participate in the program, contact Michael Bergman at the City of Green Bay Communications Office.