Calendar this! League's next Roundtable May 11, 2021, 12:00-1:00
Unless the US Treasury provides guidance on ARPA before May 11, then we will schedule a call earlier. Stay tuned to League newsletters for ARPA information. Subscribe here.
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We are excited for the League's 123rd Annual Conference
We are planning to hold the League's 123rd Annual Conference in person, in Green Bay October 20-22, 2021 (plus we are providing a bonus virtual Pre-Conference that will be priced and can be attended separately.)
Please help us source:
Workshop Proposals - the deadline for speakers to submit proposals is Monday, May 10. Proposal form.
Sponsors and Exhibitors - If you have a favorite service provider/vendor or ideas for sponsors and exhibitors, please contact Robin Powers.
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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Join the National League of Cities (NLC) weekly calls and learn more!
NLC Update Call #5: American Rescue Plan Act Implementation
Calls are archived and available on the NLC website. You do NOT need to be an NLC Member to access the resources.
Employer Requirements under ARPA
New COBRA Subsidy Requirements
One of the unexpected provisions of ARPA is a requirement that employers provide fully funded COBRA premiums for six months between April 1 and September 30, 2021. This subsidy requirement applies to all employer-sponsored plans covered by state and/or federal health insurance continuation laws. Learn more.
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Now is the Time to Take Action
Now is the critical window - the Legislature is working on the state budget right now!
Take action, adopt the shared revenue resolution and let Legislators know that a strong partnership in the form of increased shared revenue funding makes your community stronger and leads to a thriving state.
See the list of munis that have adopted the resolution - with many more scheduled for consideration. Are we missing you? Contact Gail Sumi.
We’ve put together the tools that you need to tell your story. We provide the sample resolution and an accompanying sample media release, plus sample social media posts. Or to make it easier, you can share the League’s Facebook post or Retweet the League’s tweet. If you have the time to personalize the resolution and the release, that would be a bonus. But don’t let that stop you! You can adopt the resolution as is and then reach out to the League for help with the media release if you need it.
Additional Advocacy Resources on that page:
Examples of Advocacy by League Members including:
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Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin Virtual Fly-In
Today! 10 -11:30 a.m. Friday, April 16
President Biden recently released his $2 trillion infrastructure plan. The emphasis on infrastructure will provide an excellent opportunity for Wisconsin to make progress on the documented backlog of transportation projects and needs.
The event will center around a panel discussion with representatives from three organizations deeply involved in federal transportation policy and moving an infrastructure package forward in the next several months.
TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson will also moderate a discussion of Wisconsin priorities. We will end the event with a call to action to our delegation.
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Today! Forum Friday - The Pandemic and its Aftermath
Shaping the Next State Budget
April 16 | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Policy Forum
We’ll focus on the 2021-23 state budget. Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, will join us to discuss our state budget brief and to share their views on the impending, high-stakes debate on the state’s next two-year spending plan. Registration required
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April 12 - Email Comments on State Budget using League Template
April 5 - Email your Comments to JFC using League Template
March 29 - American Rescue Plan Resources and Zoom Call
March 22 - More Resources, Information, and Zoom Calls on the American Rescue Plan
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Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association Resources
Check out these Google spreadsheets to see what other munis are doing and add your own information to the list.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced several State Park System operations updates.
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Coming up > League Cyber Security Workshop
Tuesday, April 20, 2PM-3:30PM via Zoom -
$25 (free to LWMMI Insured)
How Cyber Secure is Your Municipality?
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance are sponsoring a panel discussion with cyber industry experts from Tokio Marine HCC and Andy Pederson, Village Manager, Village of Bayside. They will discuss best practices in cyber security, ransomware, recent examples of attacks that have impacted or could impact municipalities, key insurance coverages provided in the LWMMI cyber policy, and claim scenarios.
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WI Rural Partners Virtual Summit
5 Weekly 2-Hour Sessions!
May 5 - June 2nd
WI Rural Partners - The League is a proud Sponsor!
Think Differently about Housing | Becoming an Idea Friendly Town | Broadband in Your Backyard! | Community Building in Your Small Town | Top Rural Development Initiatives & Successes
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DATCP Releases 2021 Clean Sweep Collections, Announces Changes To Grant Application Timeline
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's (DATCP) Clean Sweep Program has released its 2021 Clean Sweep Collections list. The list includes local governments that have received a grant to host a site or event that collects household hazardous waste, agricultural hazardous waste and very small quantities of hazardous waste from businesses.
The Wisconsin Clean Sweep Program has also announced that the grant application timeline has been changed from previous years. The 2022 Clean Sweep Grant application period will be announced April 19, 2021 and will close by May 28, 2021. Learn more about the Wisconsin Clean Sweep Program.
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WISCONSIN CLEAN ENERGY TOOLKIT:
DEVELOPING A CLEAN ENERGY PLAN FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
A coalition effort led by Sierra Club, RENEW Wisconsin and Wisconsin Conservation Voters. Read it here.
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WisDOT Local Programs Statewide Local Program Symposium for the upcoming 2022-2027 funding cycle
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The symposium will be streamed live via YouTube. Representatives from the WisDOT Regions, WisDOT Central Office, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the University of Wisconsin Transportation Information Center (TIC) will be presenting information regarding Local Program updates.
Prior to and during the symposium, questions about Local Programs may be submitted to: DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov. WisDOT staff will be monitoring this inbox for your questions and will respond during the symposium.
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ELGL Diversity Dashboard
The first national data collection on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and prior education/work experience of local government leadership. ELGL is excited to launch our fourth full year of data collection!
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April 2021 is Creative Wisconsin Month!
Presented by Arts Wisconsin in partnership with people, organizations (including the League), and businesses throughout the state. The Creative Wisconsin Month schedule is chockfull and includes
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Click here to watch "Your community can do it too – creative community planning for the 21st century" on the League's Facebook page. (Recorded April 15. Waunakee, Waupaca, Milwaukee and Platteville all told their story.
- Monday, April 19, 7-8 pm CT: Civic Entertainment: Making Democracy a Little More Fun.
- Thursday, April 22, 1-2 pm CT: Artistry Meets Advocacy
- Wednesday, April 28, 11 am – 12 noon CT: State of Arts and Creative Sector Funding in Wisconsin, one year later, co-presented by Arts Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network.
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WI Newspaper Association Foundation launches editorial writing and cartoon contest celebrating First Amendment
The contest, will celebrate the rights established by the First Amendment. The contest is open to all Wisconsin middle and high school students. Click here to share this from the League's Facebook page to your own or your municipality's.
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Register Now for these Upcoming League Workshops
Cyber Security Workshop
April 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m. via Zoom
This workshop is Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association credit eligible.
Local Government 101
May 7, May 21 and June 4 via Zoom
Please thank our sponsors!
Clerks, Treasurers & Finance Officers Institute
June 9-11, 2021 via Zoom
Please thank our sponsors!
This workshop is Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association credit eligible.
Chief Executives Workshops
August 19 & 20, 2021 (Early arrival reception 5:30pm Aug 18)
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac
2021 Municipal Attorneys Institute
Monday -Wednesday!
August 30 – September 1, 2021
Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
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Local Government Records Management Workshop (Webinar)
April 23, 2021 | $10.00 - Registration deadline: 5:00PM, April, 21, 2020
9:00AM - 3:00PM
This webinar is intended to give local government officials the opportunity to learn about managing paper and electronic local government records.
Additional workshops are scheduled:
Friday, June 18, 2021
Friday, August 20, 2021
Friday, October 15, 2021
Click here to share this from the League's LinkedIn page to your own.
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My DOR Government Account (MyDORGov) Webinars
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
You can also visit the DOR training web page to view webinar opportunities and complete registration.
General Webinar Details
- After registering, you'll receive an email on how to access the webinar
- You'll need speakers to hear the presenter but will not need a microphone
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We'll answer your questions live during the webinar
We hope you can attend, but if you can't…visit our website on or after May 12 to watch a recorded version. Questions? Contact DOR: otas@wisconsin.gov.
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The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) 2021 Board of Review (BOR) and Open Book information.
BOR and Open Book Calendar
· Entering information
o Use MyDORGov to access the Open Book and Board of Review Calendar (BOR-C)
o You must be authorized to file on behalf of the municipal clerk to enter information
Note: This form requires email authorization – the first time you access the form, you are asked to enter your email address
BOR Training Affidavit
Complete this affidavit after you attend a BOR training session, but before the BOR's first meeting.
A. State law requires
- One voting member from the BOR to attend a training session within two years of the BOR's first meeting
- Municipal clerk to provide DOR with an affidavit showing the training requirement was met
B. To complete the affidavit
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Access the BOR Member Training Affidavit (Form PA-107) from our website
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Note: This form requires email authorization – the first time you access the form, you are asked to enter your email address
- Go to the email message with the subject "Login authorization link" and click the provided link
- Select the PA-107 under Municipal Clerk – complete the form, save and/or print a copy for your records
C. Training opportunities
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Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Call 844-684-1064 (toll-free).
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Vaccinator Enrollment Information The Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine program is enrolling entities that wish to vaccinate. By enrolling in the program, entities and their vaccinators will be approved to administer COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin.
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Have a job posting, RFP or an item for sale or an item that you want purchase? The League can help you with that!
How to send us a post is detailed here. There is no cost to League members.
Go directly to see what's posted:
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Workshops/Training
by date
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Providing Services to Affordable, Supportive Housing
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Tuesday, April 20, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. CST
Webinar
Supportive housing webinar will feature service provider insights, service delivery design examples. From helping people with physical and mental health needs to aiding in the search for employment, coordinated services are critical components of affordable, supportive housing for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents.
Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism
March 16, April 1, April 20 and May 6 - Virtual
Please register here. If you’re registering for the first time, the cost to participate is $60.00 for all four programs or $25.00 for each individual program. If you have a paid registration on file from WIGCOT 2020, it will be applied to WIGCOT 2022 and participation in our 2021 virtual events will be complimentary (you will receive a passcode to be entered upon registration).
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Register! League Cyber Security Workshop
Tuesday, April 20, 2PM-3:30PM via Zoom -
$25 (free to LWMMI Insured)
How Cyber Secure is Your Municipality?
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance are sponsoring a panel discussion with cyber industry experts from Tokio Marine HCC and Andy Pederson, Village Manager, Village of Bayside. They will discuss best practices in cyber security, ransomware, recent examples of attacks that have impacted or could impact municipalities, key insurance coverages provided in the LWMMI cyber policy, and claim scenarios.
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REGIONAL TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION FUNDAMENTALS
2021: Background, Purpose, Future
Wisconsin Public Utility Institute
April 20, 21, 23, 28, 30
Coordinating Federal Relief: Assessing Community Needs
National League of Cities
Apr 21st, 2021, 2:00pm - 3:00pm via webinar
Free
During this conference call, we’ll share best practices for assessing community needs and convening public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to plan for an effective and equitable deployment of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
New Lake District Commissioner Orientation
April 22, 2021 @ 4:00 PM (CDT) - Webinar
UW-Stevens Point
Presenter: Eric Olson, Director, Extension Lakes
Whether you've been recently appointed to a lake district board, or elected at the last annual meeting, you likely have questions about how lake districts operate and what your role is as a board member. This webinar will cover the basics of how lake district boards operate, their responsibilities under Chapter 33 of Wisconsin statutes, and the relationship between the board meetings and the annual meeting. We'll allow plenty of time for your questions!
Climate & Energy Series: Wisconsin Forests as Climate-Critical Lands
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
Wednesday, April 28th, 12pm - 1:15pm (CST).
Speakers Fred Clark and Don Waller will discuss how to leverage nature-based solutions in forests to foster continuous growth for maximum carbon storage and ecological complexity. Register to receive the link to this virtual presentation.
Webinar: Foundations for (Personal) Financial Wellness
Dept. of Employee Trust Funds
Did you know that stress from finances can affect your health? Tune in to this free webinar, Foundations for Financial Wellness, presented by our Wisconsin Strong partner, Summit Credit Union, to learn more. Find out what it means to be financially well and how to begin to take action toward achieving your financial wellness. Register for one of the following sessions:
WI Rural Partners Virtual Summit
5 Weekly 2-Hour Sessions!
May 5 - June 2nd
WI Rural Partners - The League is a proud Sponsor!
Think Differently about Housing | Becoming an Idea Friendly Town | Broadband in Your Backyard! | Community Building in Your Small Town | Top Rural Development Initiatives & Successes
Liability and Insurance: For Lake Districts and Lake Associations
May 6, 2021 @ 4:00 PM (CDT)
UW-Stevens Point
Presenter: Mike Engleson, Executive Director, Wisconsin Lakes
Board members from lake associations and lake districts often have questions about liability and insurance for their organization. For some groups, the cost of insurance represents a significant portion of the budget. This webinar will cover the basics of liability and insurance for lake groups; we'll be joined by a professional from the insurance industry and allow ample time to field your questions.
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The League's Local Government 101:
For New & Experienced Local Officials and Staff
May 7, May 21 and June 4 via Zoom
Please thank our sponsors!
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Virtual Fair Housing Seminar
Wisconsin Council for Affordable & Rural Housing (WI-CARH) Spring Training
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM CDT
WisDOT Local Programs Statewide Local Program Symposium for the upcoming 2022-2027 funding cycle
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The symposium will be streamed live via YouTube. Representatives from the WisDOT Regions, WisDOT Central Office, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the University of Wisconsin Transportation Information Center (TIC) will be presenting information regarding Local Program updates.
Prior to and during the symposium, questions about Local Programs may be submitted to: DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov. WisDOT staff will be monitoring this inbox for your questions and will respond during the symposium.
Health Equity for Municipal Government
Friday, May 21, 1-2:30 p.m. CT.
From sidewalks to zoning, municipal governments have a huge impact on health and well-being. This virtual training will discuss how municipalities can center health in decision making and highlight strategies to support healthy, sustainable, and economically resilient communities. The training will offer examples from Wisconsin communities working on this topic with clear, actionable lessons learned. This training was developed and is being offered by the UW-Population Health Institute, COWS and the League.
Property Management in Supportive Housing
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Tuesday, May 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m. CST
Webinar
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Clerks, Treasurers & Finance Officers Institute
June 9-11, 2021 via Zoom
Please thank our sponsors!
Chief Executives Workshops
August 19 & 20, 2021 (Early arrival reception 5:30pm Aug 18)
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac
2021 Municipal Attorneys Institute
Monday -Wednesday!
August 30 – September 1, 2021
Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
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Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 1- The Basics
$20.00
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 2- Advanced Issues
$20.00
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Show Me the Money – Getting Started with Grants
$25.00
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
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DNR Green Tier Legacy Communities - (29 Wisconsin Communities)
2020 Webinars include:
Salt Reduction Champions Share their Stories
The Importance of Net Zero Energy Buildings in Wisconsin’s Carbon-free Communities
Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Public Portal
Electric Vehicle Readiness in Wisconsin
Dane County Housing Summit Sessions Recordings Now Available!
Session 1 - Building Racial Equity and Inclusion, City of Sun Prairie
Session 2 - Developing Local Government Strategies and Missing Middle Market Housing
Session 3 - Small Format Single Family Housing and Using TIF for Workforce and Affordable Housing
Session 4 - Racial Discrimination in Housing
The Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program has been transferred to the UW–Madison Division of Extension’s Local Government Education Program
CPM is a nationally accredited management development program that prepares managers in federal, state, and local government and in tribal and nonprofit organizations for the challenges and unique demands of the public management profession. Learn more and register for classes.
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Learning for Justice - From the National Civic League
Go beyond trauma and struggle to examine the liberation, civic engagement, creativity and intersecting identities of Black people during Black History Month. Teaching Tolerance shared this article by Coshandra Dillard, which offers resources on teaching a more complete, accurate, and humanizing account of Black experiences in the U.S. and beyond. Read more.
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Land use shapes our communities. From Comprehensive Plan requirements to age-friendly design, the magazine covers it all. Readers are challenged to #TakeYourLeggieToWork and MSA details "Parks & Recreation When You’re Running Out of Space" and McMAHON contributes the cover photo.
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Thanks to the Green Tier Legacy Communities staff at the WDNR for putting these lists together. Learn more about how your municipality can benefit from the popular and growing Green Tier program for local governments founded by the League and others in 2010.
July
August
September
Grants
Loans
Year-Round Opportunities
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Thanks to the Daniel Foth, Local Government Education Specialist at Local Government Education for this list.
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USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA B&I CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Webinar for Lenders and Webinar for Businesses and Producers. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
EPA Funding for Water Projects
USDA
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Ongoing.
ReConnect Pilot Program Application
USDA
The application window for the second round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program opened January 31, 2020.
These funds will enable the federal government to continue to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second download and 1 megabit per second upload. ReConnect funding applications can be submitted at www.usda.gov/reconnect.
Dam removal grant applications are being accepted and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding is depleted. This grant program provides 100% reimbursement up to a maximum award of $50,000. Eligible applicants include any Wisconsin City, Town, Village, County, Tribe, public inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation district or any other dam owner. Grant application materials are available on the DNR's Dam Removal Grant Program web page: https://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/DamRemoval.html
Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program
Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America
To fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development and improved community assets for rural areas in Compeer’s 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through this grant program we are helping to ensure a strong future in rural America. Eligible feasibility studies may include:
- Market research
- Cost analysis
- Financial projections
- Assessment of suitable facilities, equipment, etc.
- Development of a business plan
Location – project must be located in Compeer’s 144-county territory in Minnesota, Illinois or Wisconsin.
Eligible Applicants - Non-profit organizations serving rural areas, educational institutions, and state, county, local or tribal governments are eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted until all funds are awarded. Learn more
Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.
Location: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
U.S. Economic Development Administration assistance helps communities/regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Wisconsin Dept of Tourism Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding and guidance to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin non-profit organizations for qualified advertising costs. There are five categories of JEM grants with various deadlines. More information here.
USDA Rural Development offers direct home loans for very-low- and low-income applicants. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Funds available to nonprofit organizations to help very-low- and low-income families build their own rural homes. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Loans help very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes. Grants help elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports development in economically distressed areas by fostering job creation and attracting private investments under their Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Programs which have included past funding awards for water/wastewater projects and road infrastructure projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Services offers this program to provide financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides loans to intermediaries to establish revolving loan funds and to provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs. Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Have a job posting, RFP or an item for sale or an item that you want purchase? The League can help you with that!
How to send us a post is detailed here. There is no cost to League members.
Go directly to see what's posted:
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League Handbooks
The following Handbooks are now available as a PDF at a reduced price for email delivery.
- Handbook for Wisconsin Municipal Officials - PDF Available!
- Handbook for Wisconsin Police and Fire Commissioners - Completely updated in Jan. 2019. PDF Available!
- Municipal Licensing and Regulation of Alcohol Beverages - Completely updated in Sept. 2019. PDF Available!
Physical PRINT copies of ALL Handbooks are also still available but on a delayed weekly shipping basis. You can order Handbooks online here
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Gail Sumi | League of Wisconsin Municipalities | 608.267.2380 | gsumi@lwm-info.org
www.lwm-info.org
SUBSCRIBE to the League’s Legislative Bulletin, Capitol Buzz and E-Newsletter – sign up here.
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