Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.
The eleventh annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, to allow residents in these communities to come together, address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.
These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.
Civic leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business leaders, educators, and local and regional economic development associations are encouraged to participate. Case study presentations and resource discussions will focus on infrastructure, partnership, innovation, inclusion in housing, creative economy, childcare, and workforce development, among other issues.
Other Forums are happening in Orfordville (October 28), Rosholt (November 1), and Washburn (November 3).
The fee for each Forum is $20, which includes materials, morning coffee and muffins, and lunch. Current public health guidelines in each community will be followed.
The 2022 Small Community Forums are made possible through a coalition of statewide agencies and organizations involved in rural community development: Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Office of Rural Prosperity and Wisconsin Main Street Program, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Rural Partners, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.
Contact Anne Katz at akatz@createwisconsin.org with question