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 […]
January 2021 — Small towns and rural communities across Wisconsin have markedly different experiences when it comes to their downtowns and main streets. Over the last decade, some Wisconsin communities have seen their downtown district become a lifeline to a rural renewal, while others have experienced decline defined by an exodus of businesses and disinvestment […]
INTRODUCTION As people are spending more time at home, the challenge of inadequate broadband in many parts of Wisconsin has gained attention. As employees work from home, students take their courses online, patients seek care through telehealth, and families entertain themselves with at-home streaming services, access to broadband has become more important than ever 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.
Summary October 2020 — We offer a journal article discussion for planners, downtown revitalization professionals, and local Extension educators. This webinar focuses on the journal article “Remote Work: An Example of How to Identify a Downtown-Related Trend Breeze that Will Probably Outlast the COVID-19 Crisis” by David Milder. The article explores the economic impacts of […]
An Innovative Response to COVID-19 October 2020 — If we have gained anything from the pandemic, one of the most important and hopefully long-lasting is the successful collaboration of public and private sectors. Place makers, community organizers, and city officials have all had to become more creative and think further outside the box than we […]
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.
INTRODUCTION September 2020 — There is a shift toward clean, reliable and affordable electricity in the United States, and local governments and tribal nations have an opportunity to position their communities well in the growing renewable energy economy. Local governments are installing solar systems on their own buildings and land and are working with partners […]
Summary September 2020 — Gail Huycke, Community Development Specialist, leads a panel of state broadband experts and practitioners, including Jaron McCallum, Wisconsin Public Service Commission, to talk about grant opportunities to improve broadband access across Wisconsin. Webinar Recording Explore Our Lunch-n-Learn Series
About September 2020 — This report provides a sample of how downtown buildings in small towns can be put to productive use in generating activity and community pride. It is intended to stimulate new ideas for reusing buildings for retail, food and beverage, services, and community spaces. Situation Small town downtowns (in municipalities with less […]
