This new initiative from the Office of Rural Prosperity is a way for rural and tribal communities to bring together local leadership, set common goals in a neutral and facilitated structure, and access resources that will help them act on those goals. Provided at no cost to communities, the Thrive Rural Wisconsin program brings project management, financial support, and technical assistance to advance housing, community economic development, community facilities, and sustainable energy projects and connects them to the resources they need to be successful. Communities participating in the program receive a variety of benefits, including:  

• A community assessment 

• Work plan development for priority projects 

• Project management support 

• Fundraising mapping and funding identification 

• Grant writing consulting (process guidance, review, etc.) 

• Creation of customized toolkits and resources to build capacity in grant writing, grant compliance, or Thrive Rural focus areas 

• Referrals to consultants, state agencies, and federal programs that help advance the projects identified in the work plan 

The 10 organizations and communities participating in the program include: 

• The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation is working with the Town of Phelps to redevelop the former hospital site overlooking North Twin Lake into a new commercial development that will help boost the economic vitality of the Town of Phelps and Vilas County by increasing the local tax base and employment.  

• InVenture North, located in Marinette County, is working with the Village of Wausaukee and the City of Peshtigo to increase housing inventory, create a blueprint for rural communities to follow, and establish a “housing trust fund” for the development of obtainable housing in Marinette County through all income demographics. The trust fund could be used by municipalities for purposes including but not limited to planning studies, consulting, infrastructure, and developer incentives. 

• The Village of Bonduel is working with Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. to make Bonduel a “Community of Choice.” They are doing this by supporting the creation of additional housing units within the village and reviving the downtown district with the creation of a redevelopment authority. 

• The Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles Economic Development Corporation (SCLCOEDC), a county and Tribal organization working in partnership with local and tribal educational institutions, seek to develop a business incubator to promote entrepreneurship in Sawyer County. In the first year, the EDC is developing training programs and curriculum around business planning with Thrive Rural grant funds, with plans to expand services in year two based on expressed need from incubator clients.    

• The Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) is attempting to create a transformative model for capacity building and sustainability for rural economic development organizations while delivering economic growth across Wisconsin through an innovative housing model/program called Project H.O.M.E.S.T.E.A.D. 

• The Bayfield County Housing Authority and UW-Extension are working with a community senior group in the Town of Bell (Cornucopia) to increase obtainable housing for independent senior citizens in Cornucopia, which supports the housing authority’s efforts to increase quality housing in Bayfield County. Cornucopia is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior, and residents are responding to a growing need for homes that can accommodate the unique needs of seniors living in the area. 

• The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe is working through execution of the Tribe’s economic diversification strategy. This includes strengthening its Business Development Corporation (BDC) and increasing its organizational capacity to support entrepreneurs, Tribal member business owners, and Tribal enterprises as well as improving the general business infrastructure for the community. Located along the picturesque Lake Superior Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Red Cliff is building on its unique strengths through a series of strategic and business planning initiatives in the hopes of attracting public and private investment. 

• Driftless Development Inc. is working with the Village of Gays Mills and Gays Mills Connect Communities to activate an existing public gathering space by considering the addition of enhancements such as a covered pavilion, a performing arts stage, restrooms, and kitchen facilities. With a focus on placemaking initiatives, the partners believe shovel-ready lots for residential housing will become sought-after sites for individuals and families to call home. 

• Wood County, the City of Pittsville, Pittsville School District, and a team of Pittsville community members are working to establish a nonprofit community development organization that furthers the area’s outdoor recreation, business development, and housing plans. This new organization seeks to develop a multipurpose building in Pittsville that anchors the downtown, providing community, incubator, and rental space to offer housing options and accommodate a variety of businesses. The Wood County Thrive Rural leadership team plans to use all proceeds from the nonprofit to support economic development, youth development, and charitable organizations within the Pittsville community.   

• The Vernon County Energy District provides one-on-one energy planning services and customized coaching to residents and businesses served by utilities in the region. The district is increasing its organizational capacity through strategic and business development to maximize opportunities for energy education and resource navigation for the community. The organization, the community, and local partners build upon community traditions and rural agricultural history while planning for and embracing future economic development. 

For more information, please contact:

Jim Cleveland
Rural Development Specialist
james.cleveland@wedc.org
608.210.6743

Paul O’Connor
Rural Development Specialist
paul.occonor@wedc.org
608.210.6729