Rural Economic Development News

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.

We know child care access and affordability are critical for Wisconsin’s workforce productivity and growth, particularly in rural Wisconsin.

One out of three Adams County residents are 65 years old and older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). “Adams County is known as a desirable place to retire with the beautiful lakes and vast activities like campgrounds, golf courses, and places to dine. Without reliable child care, parents and caregivers may be faced with having to leave the workforce to care for their children, young children left home alone, or sending children to unregulated child care providers,” said Tina Smith, Foster Care Social Worker.

Prairie du Sac, Sauk City, and Spring Green, Wis. – On Thursday, June 23, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld and Department of Tourism Secretary-designee Anne Sayers met with eight organizations in Southwest Wisconsin to discuss the role of creative organizations and businesses in Wisconsin’s economy and their impact on the pandemic recovery. Governor Tony Evers has made a historic investment for the tourism and entertainment industries totaling over $200 million, the latest of which invested over $20 million to support Tourism Capital Investment statewide.