February 2021 — 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.
General Historic Economic Trends with Dr. Steven Deller, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension & Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics
We will take a look at historical (1970-2018) trends in employment and income across metro and nonmetro regions of Wisconsin relative to the U.S. and Great Lakes states. Presentation Slides Here>>
Migration Patterns with Dr. Richelle Winkler, Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University
A presentation on rural migration patterns with particular attention to notions of brain-drain and boomerang migration. Presentation Slides Here>>
Commuting Patterns with Matt Kures, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension
Learn how the growth of the “relevant economic region” (labor market sheds) are leading rural communities to be more interconnect with each other and urban centers. Presentation Slides Here>>
COVID and the Economy with Dr. Tessa Conroy, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension
A brief overview of the impact of COVID on the larger Wisconsin economy. Presentation Slides Here>>
Lessons from Rural Iowa with Dr. Deb Tootle, Department of Community and Regional Planning, Iowa State University
Hear about “lessons learned” from the Iowa Small Towns Project. This project has been tracking 99 towns in Iowa since 1994 through repeated surveys, focus groups, personal interviews and analysis of secondary data. Some of these towns have struggled, others have become more vibrant. The project has identified a series of patterns that can inform policy. Presentation Slides Here>>
Insights from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity with Tom Landgraf, Principal, Dimension Development, LLC, Madison, and Susan Townsley, Clinical Social Worker, Stonehouse Counseling, Viroqua
Highlights about rural Wisconsin and ideas to enhance rural prosperity drawn from Rural Voices for Prosperity: A Report of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity
Willingness to Pay for Broadband Internet
Broadband Planning: Tools for Community Engagement Part 1 - Surveys and Conversations
A Trade Area Analysis of Wisconsin Retail and Service Markets: Updated for 2022
