Our Work
WIndicators Volume 4, Number 1: Taxes and Economic Growth & Development
When one thinks about the term “business climate”, factors such as taxes, regulations, and unionization come to mind. These items tend to be viewed as potential costs that businesses face when making investment decisions. Anything that is viewed as increasing the costs of business operations is considered bad for the business climate of a community or region. To foster economic growth and development the business climate of the community or region must be enhanced. The logic follows that strategies or policies that reduce tax burdens, limit or reduce regulations, or weaken the strength of labor unions (e.g. Right-to-Work laws) will enhance business climate and foster economic growth and development.
Shaping Downtown After COVID-19
Summary April 2021 — How did an isolated college town in the hills of Central New York assemble the economic development tools, talent, and relationships to shape its downtown as a treasured part of the community? What can economic development leaders from Appleton, Eau Claire, and La Crosse share about the outlook for their downtowns […]
Design Wisconsin: Forward Three Lakes
February 2021 — In 2019, Three Lakes lost two of its downtown landmarks when fire destroyed the Three Lakes Diner and the Oneida Village Inn. Dedicated and passionate community members organized to move the community forward, taking the name Forward Three Lakes. They worked with Oneida County Community Development Educator, Myles Alexander, and Land Use […]
2021 Wisconsin Rural Economic Summit
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.
Broadband and the Wisconsin Economy
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 […]
Latinx Immigration, Entrepreneurship, and Downtown Development (Issue 193, January 2021)
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 […]
Broadband 101
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 […]
WIndicators Volume 3, Number 5: Are the Kids Alright? Women, Work, & Childcare
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.
Remote Work: A Trend that Might Impact Downtowns
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 […]
How Artists and a Public Space Can Create Unique and Safe Seating for Restaurant Carryout (Issue 192, October 2020)
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 […]
Alternative Revenues for Downtown Restaurants during COVID-19 (Issue 191, September 2020)
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.
WIndicators Volume 3, Number 4: Impact of COVID-19 on the Wisconsin Economy
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.
