Rural Economic Development News

From the shores of Lake Superior to the Driftless area in southwest Wisconsin, rural communities are creating opportunities that promote the well-being of their residents and visitors alike.

Placemaking is a strategy that utilizes a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.

These resources are available to rural Wisconsin communities as they explore their best opportunities to meet the transportation needs of their residents.

The programs listed here are just a few of the resources available to rural Wisconsin communities as they explore their best opportunities to meet the housing needs of their residents.

The Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Program, with grant rounds announced in January and June 2022, aims to help communities throughout Wisconsin solve their most pressing workforce challenges by financially supporting collaborative, sustainable and innovative plans developed by regional organizations.

As a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, David has always experienced nature as a dominant force in his life. The reservation lies in the center of Sawyer County, which is known for its abundance of lakes, hardwood forests and wildlife, and roads dotted with signs that caution motorists to watch for “elk crossing” or “Bigfoot crossing.”

Along the way to her job at the Office of Rural Prosperity, Beth picked up a wealth of experience working with people and advocating for community development—in Wisconsin, around the U.S. and overseas.

Danielle is completely enamored with Wisconsin’s small towns—a revelation that has come about as she has traveled around rural Wisconsin for her job with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

The costs involved with decarbonization upgrades in homes challenge homeowners, program managers, and policy leaders alike. An inclusive model would allow homeowners to install energy upgrades without taking on consumer debt.

Kietra Olson hopes to help rural communities define what makes them special and come up with ways to display those traits, to give residents a sense of pride and to provide reasons for tourists to visit.