Using the latest research and data specific to Wisconsin’s rural communities and regions, we discussed the Wisconsin rural economy with a focus on innovative strategies that foster economic opportunities and well-being. The summit included an overview of historical and current trends in the Wisconsin rural economy, a look at lessons learned from rural communities, and a focus on proactive strategies that Wisconsin’s smaller and rural communities can implement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY January 2021 — In this study we explore issues related to broadband coverage and importance of coverage to community well-being. Several key conclusions include: Fact Sheets Broadband Access and Affordability How Available is Broadband in Wisconsin? Disconnected: Households Without Any Internet Broadband Connectivity and Health Outcomes Increasing Broadband Adoption Broadband and […]
Childcare was a challenge for parents before the pandemic and has only become more difficult in recent months. During the pandemic, as much as 60% of childcare providers closed and stopped providing childcare (Bipartisan Policy Center, 2020). While many of those closures were temporary, a recent state-level study estimates that, in absence of additional aid, 30% of the childcare supply in Wisconsin could be permanently lost if providers are closed for more than two weeks without revenue due to COVID-19.
Restaurants have become a key element in the business mix of downtowns throughout Wisconsin and the U.S. Their growth has helped reestablish downtown as the central social district of our communities and they have been a major employer and a visible example of entrepreneurship at work.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Wisconsin’s economy. When the country reported the first case on January 20th, 2020, there was uncertainty as to how fast and far the virus would spread. On March 11th, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic and on March 16th all Wisconsin public schools were ordered to close while Governor Tony Evers instituted a Safer-at-Home order and closure of all non-essential businesses.
Recent analysis demonstrates that communities of color are disproportionately suffering the health impacts of COVID-19. In Milwaukee County, 29 percent of the population is Black or African American yet Black or African Americans represent 43 percent of COVID-19-related deaths1. Much like the poor health outcomes from COVID-19 are disproportionately suffered by people of color, the economic costs are likely also inequitably distributed across racial and ethnic groups.
Summary June 2020 — Matt Kures and Tessa Conroy discuss the industries and occupations that may be more affected by COVID-19 as the economy begins to reopen. Webinar Recording Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY May 2020 — Using 2019 county sales tax data, we examine the strength and weaknesses of Wisconsin retail and service markets through the application of the tools of Trade Area Analysis. Only those counties that have elected to collect the optional county sales tax are included in the analysis. Because sales tax data […]
Summary May 2020 — Tessa Conroy discusses what the 1918 flu can teach us about the economic impacts of pandemics. Webinar Recording Additional Materials What Does the 1918 Flu Reveal About the Economic Impacts of a Pandemic? PowerPoint Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
Summary Tessa Conroy discusses the role of broadband and Internet access in Economic Development across Wisconsin as part of UW-Extension’s Lunch n’ Learn series. Webinar Recording Additional Materials Broadband in Rural Economic Development PowerPoint Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
Summary Matt Kures discusses potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on Wisconsin’s tourism and service economy, including estimated loss of revenue and employment. Webinar Recording Additional Materials Exposed: The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism & Service Economy PowerPoint Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
Summary Steven Deller discusses the importance of a systems thinking approach – how the elements of a system are interconnected and influence each other – in community economic development. Webinar Recording Additional Materials Community Economic Development: A Systems Thinking Approach PowerPoint Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
