Traditional economic development approaches such as
building industrial parks, constructing speculative buildings and
recruiting businesses through various incentive packages are not working
for small communities in Wisconsin. In
the new economy, more and more of the workforce select where they would
like to live and then find a job that enables them to live there. This is especially true for new college graduates and the baby boom generation – two highly critical market segments. This
workforce is looking for livable and walkable communities, where people
can feel safe as they enjoy attractive neighborhoods, vibrant downtowns
and popular gathering places. For Wisconsin
to grow and prosper in this new era of choice, we must find ways to
help communities understand these forces and to help them create
communities, neighborhoods and places where people can flourish. Small
communities are especially challenged in making needed changes due to
lack of resources (human and financial) and must be strategic in their
planning.
The
goal of this project is to identify components of successful “livable
communities”, test their applicability to small communities in Wisconsin
and then create a mapping and assessment tool as well as an educational
process to inform community decision-making.
Partners
University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension
University of Wisconsin–Barron County
University of Wisconsin–Marshfield/Wood County
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Continuing Education
USDA - Rural Development
Links
Can Rural America Support a Knowledge Economy?
Best Cities for Every Stage of Your Life
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters: Future of Farming and Rural Life in Wisconsin