Rural Resilience
Strengthening rural communities through reliable, local power
Energy resilience is a crucial factor in keeping rural communities strong, connected, and prepared for the future. When local leaders, utilities, and partner organizations work together, they can strengthen the systems that power homes, farms, schools, and small businesses—while still honoring the unique character of rural places. Investments in renewable energy, grid reliability, and local energy solutions help ensure that communities have dependable power while creating new opportunities for economic growth.
Across rural areas, energy resilience shows up in practical ways. Communities are exploring solar and wind projects, improving energy efficiency in homes and public buildings, and supporting infrastructure that keeps power reliable during storms or other disruptions. These efforts not only lower costs and strengthen local systems; they also create jobs and support local businesses.
Case Study
The Project Prosperity case study highlights a community-driven approach to strengthening rural economic resilience by building local capacity, aligning partners, and advancing priority development projects. It emphasizes how targeted support—such as leadership development, strategic planning, and access to technical and financial resources—can help rural communities overcome common barriers like limited staffing and funding complexity. Through collaboration between local leaders, regional organizations, and state programs, the initiative demonstrates how coordinated efforts can accelerate projects, attract investment, and create sustainable opportunities tailored to each community’s unique needs, reinforcing the broader goal of fostering vibrant and adaptable rural economies.
Looking to talk to someone?
Whether you’re looking to grow your business, improve local infrastructure, or strengthen your community’s leadership, our team is here to provide the guidance and resources needed to succeed. By working together, we can ensure that rural Wisconsin continues to thrive and remains a vibrant, dynamic place to live and work. Let’s collaborate to build a prosperous future for all.
Support Organizations
The Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy leads the State of Wisconsin in addressing the effects of climate change through programs and policies that support the use of clean energy resources and technology.
The Green Tier program empowers organizations to align their business objectives with environmental performance by providing a voluntary platform for collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which has partnered with high-performing organizations for more than 20 years, going beyond its traditional regulatory role to serve proactively as both a resource and a collaborator. Green Tier transforms environmental stewardship into a strategic advantage.
Focus on Energy’s work delivers real, measurable energy and financial savings for Wisconsin’s residents and businesses. Since 2011, Focus on Energy has delivered more than $1 billion worth of net economic benefits to Wisconsin. Focus on Energy is funded by Wisconsin’s investor-owned energy utilities, as required under Wis. Stat. §196.374(2)(a), and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. Together with partners around the Midwest, we work to expand renewable energy adoption through innovative programs, renewable energy training, and educational events. MREA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a nonprofit intertribal organization dedicated to supporting energy development, sustainability, and resource management initiatives for Tribal communities throughout the Midwest. Established to address energy-related challenges and opportunities on Tribal lands, MTERA works collaboratively with Indigenous nations to advance innovative energy solutions that promote economic development, environmental stewardship, and long-term energy resilience. The organization emphasizes respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and self-determination while fostering regional partnerships and shared resources to strengthen Indigenous communities.
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) drives U.S. leadership in the research, development, validation, and effective use of energy technologies and processes, ensuring an integrated energy system that is affordable, reliable, resilient, secure, and clean. From the launch of federal energy and research agencies in the 1970s to legislation dedicating resources to renewable energy research, EERE has a rich history that has shaped its mission.
