Municipal Authority to adopt local mask mandates
As highlighted in the League's Feb. 8 Legislative Bulletin, the question of a Governor's ability to call multiple public health emergencies for the same pandemic is pending before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It is uncertain when a decision will be delivered and what action the Legislature will take regarding the Governor's new public health emergency.
The League's legal team has prepared an FAQ concluding that a municipality may impose a local mask order pursuant to an emergency declaration under Wis. Stat. secs. 323.11 and 323.14(4)(a). Read the League's FAQs.
What local governments have adopted mask mandates? The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is maintaining a list of counties and municipalities that have adopted local mask mandates. Read the list here.
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Calendar these! League Virtual Roundtables
Join your colleagues and peers for a regular check-in call via Zoom every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:00 to 1:00 pm
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Heads up! Two Cyber Security Alerts!
2) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has received important information about a cybersecurity incident at a municipal water system in the City of Oldsmar, Florida, that occurred earlier this week. You can find more information about this incident here.
The FBI, DHS, U.S. Secret Service and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have issued a joint situational report that concerns the entire water sector. The EPA has provided critical information from this report for awareness and recommends that all water systems implement the mitigation measures listed below where applicable.
- Restrict all remote connections to SCADA systems, specifically those that allow physical control and manipulation of devices within the SCADA network. One-way unidirectional monitoring devices are recommended to monitor SCADA systems remotely.
- Install a firewall software/hardware appliance with logging and ensure it is turned on. The firewall should be secluded and not permitted to communicate with unauthorized sources.
- Keep computers, devices and applications, including SCADA/industrial control systems (ICS) software, patched and up to date.
- Use two-factor authentication with strong passwords.
- Only use secure networks and consider installing a virtual private network (VPN).
- Implement an update and patch management cycle. Patch all systems for critical vulnerabilities, prioritizing timely patching of internet-connected systems for known vulnerabilities and software processing Internet data, such as web browsers, browser plugins and document readers.
Coming up > League Cyber Security Workshop
Tuesday, April 20, 2PM-3:30PM via Zoom
$25 (free to LWMMI Insured)
Registration coming soon!
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Upcoming League Workshops
Chief Executives Special Winter Workshop
February 25, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm via Zoom
Human Resources for Small Communities
March 16, 17 and 18 via Zoom from 10:00 to 11:00 am
Join us for three one-hour long webinars over three days focusing on Human Resources for Small Communities.
Cyber Security Workshop
April 20 2PM-3:30PM via Zoom
$25 (free to League Mutual aka LWMMI Insured)
Registration coming soon!
Local Government 101:
For New & Experienced Local Officials and Staff
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!
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Electronic Meetings in some form are here to stay.
Sign up for one or both of these workshops.
Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 1- The Basics
Tuesday, February 24, 2021 - 10:00- 11:00 a.m.
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 2- Advanced Issues
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Friday, March 5, 2021–10:00-11:00 a.m.
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The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) posted the following 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
Office of Technical and Assessment Services
State and Local Finance Division
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
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February 11 - Early Version of Federal COVID Relief Includes State and Local Aid
February 8 - Retroactive Adjustment to FEMA's Cost Share increased to 100 Percent
February 1 - Speaker Vos Gives Slight Nod to Increasing Shared Revenue
January 26 - Next Vaccine Phase Includes Utility Workers
January 25 - Bill Adjusts Date for Determining CPI for ERP Purposes
January 19 - Senate's COVID Relief Bill Removes Restrictions on Local Health Officers
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This Friday on Two Bald Guys: Community Informed Policing
Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service
Friday, February 12, 2021, 2:00 PM
Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg and Chief of Police Benjamin Bliven to discuss the Wausau Policing Task Force’s public listening process. What are your thoughts on this topic? Join us for this livestream Friday at noon on the WIPPS Facebook page.
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"It's All About the Water" Hydrologic Restoration Symposium and Wetland Science Conference
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Symposium Feb 16-17, 9AM-12:40PM. Registration includes the full science conference, which runs Feb 16-19 and offers workshops, virtual field trips, and discussion boards, and more.
Many Wisconsin communities have concerns about flooding, erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat. This symposium features six speakers from across the nation with experience assessing hydrology problems, designing restoration projects, and building programs to restore wetlands, streams, and floodplains to solve problems in the modern context. The symposium will conclude with a Wisconsin-specific panel discussion. Registration
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Municipal-Ag Watershed Partnerships at Work: Four Examples from Wisconsin
Hosted by Sand County Foundation
Feb 16, 2021 01:00 PM in
Virtual Field Day 1:00-2:15 PM (CST)
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Leafing Out: Basic Tree Pruning with Lisa Johnson
Provided in partnership by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grants Program
February 18, 12:00-1:00, FREE
Join 1000 Friends and Lisa Johnson, a Horticulture Educator with UW-Extension and member of the Dane County Tree Board, to learn pruning techniques everyone can use. Lisa teaches a variety of horticulture-related classes to Dane County residents, including the Green Thumb Gardening Series. During Lisa’s pruning webinar, we’ll learn the proper way to make pruning cuts on trees in your yard, and there’s more to it than you might think! Tune in to learn how to keep your trees healthy and strong with proper pruning techniques. This webinar has been produce in collaboration with the Dane County Tree Board.
The Leafing Out webinar series was funded in part by an urban forestry grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Program as authorized under s. 23.097, Wis. Stat. (The successful grant application was supported by the League.)
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US DOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Free Webinars
FHWA is hosting a series of Value Capture Strategies webinars beginning in March, 2021. The webinar series will detail the Value Capture techniques promoted in the Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts initiative. This year’s series focuses on the intersection of Innovative Finance and Innovative Project Delivery Tools. These webinars will detail more Value Capture best practices collected from throughout the nation. They will also highlight FHWA’s recently completed Value Capture Primer series of technical documents. See the full series and register.
Value Capture is a set of powerful techniques that recover a portion of land value created by public infrastructure investments, and can:
· Address funding gaps;
· leverage and optimize Federal and State resources;
· accelerate project delivery;
· meet and improve system performance goals;
· maintain transportation infrastructure assets in good repair; and,
· save time and money.
The program features subject matter experts and peers who successfully utilized Value Capture in tandem with innovative finance and project delivery techniques to advance new and modernized infrastructure projects. Registration is free but is limited. Certificates of Completion and Confirmation of Attendance are available! Register now!
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Planning for Road Construction
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The construction planning guide identifies some questions to ask and programs/strategies to pursue to make construction as painless as possible for your businesses and customers. Download the guide (PDF)
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Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods
AARP
Provides options for communities to consider as they identify and select small-scale, incremental policy changes that can be made without overhauling entire zoning codes and land use policies. Download the PDF or order your free copy here: https://bit.ly/3qVUFuz
ADU Model State Act and Local Ordinance
AARP
This new, AARP publication can be used by state and local legislators to establish policies that encourage the creation of accessory dwelling units. Download the PDF or order your free copy here: https://bit.ly/36hRvcr (Note - please check with your municipal attorney. Model ordinances may not conform to Wisconsin statutes.)
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Redistricting Training
The Wisconsin Legislative Technology Services Bureau (LTSB), Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB), and UW Applied Population Lab (APL) have organized training webinars to help Municipal Clerks and their staff prepare for the 2021 Local Redistricting process.
Information on trainings: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/local-redistricting/
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Financial assistance for property taxes
Local governments see a rise in property tax financial assistance questions at this time of year, and with the pandemic the need for answers is even more urgent. Here is information to help answer commonly asked questions. buff.ly/2K478MQ (Dept of Revenue Tweet.)
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Injury Illness Reporting and 2% Fire Dues Application for Department of Safety and Professional Services
The eSLA Portal is now LIVE! There are two things your municipality needs to complete for Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Both the Injury Illness Report/ OSHA 300A and 2% Fire Dues can be completed in the new online portal, eSLA. It is the same process as last year for both reports.
• Portal opened January 1, 2021.
• Injury Illness Report is due by March 1st.
• 2% Fire Dues is due March 31st and your fire chief(s) will also have to complete their side by this date as well.
Please visit to: https://esla.wi.gov/PortalCommunityLogin and log in using your existing username and password, or if you’re new to the portal, please create log in as a ‘New DSPS Customer’ and contact your district inspector.
If you have submitted the report in the past, you should have an email with directions on how to log in and submit both reports from your district inspector. If you have questions and need to contact your inspector, please find contact info here:
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Check out the updated Outdoors COVID-19 Toolkit developed by the Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Department of Health Services, the Department of Natural Resources and Travel Wisconsin. This continues to be a popular tool for land managers, communities and businesses that offer outdoor recreation and one you are encouraged to use and share.
NEW! Outdoor recreation is a top driver of Wisconsin’s economy generating $7.8 billion to Wisconsin’s gross domestic product and supporting 93,000 jobs. Read the full economic report outlining the significant contributions of outdoor recreation to Wisconsin produced by Headwaters Economics, a leading independent, bipartisan and nonprofit research firm.
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DHS Covid Resources
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WI Exposure Notification App Use your phone to slow the spread of COVID-19. The WI Exposure Notification app is available to download for free from the Google Play Store or enable in Settings on your iPhone. The more people who use the app, the faster we can stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.
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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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Janesville's Covid-19 Positive Employee Process Map & Quarantine Timelines
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Covid-19 Social Media Resources
It’s a Pandemic. You need answers.
Welcome to Dear Pandemic, a website where bona fide nerdy girls post real info on COVID-19. We are committed to facts.
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So You Want To Be An Elected Official
Are you running for a local government office or are you considering becoming a candidate in the future? Do you know someone who is? The League's “So You Want To Be An Elected Official” provides insight on what it is like to be an elected official, can inform your campaign and prepare you to hold office. It’s a quick read, outlining roles and responsibilities, knowing the law and implementing policy. Order it here: https://lwm-info.org/763/Order-Handbooks-Annual-Publications
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Calendar these Upcoming League Member Virtual Roundtables
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Zoom information is posted here on the League's Covid-19 page.
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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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“Basic Management for Public Works Supervisors”
Thursday, February 18, Thursday, February 25, 2021
– Transportation Information Center. 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn the basic tasks of management, common public works service delivery methods, and how public works departments are structured to insure accountability and efficiency. Cost: $150. Registration:
DCHI Webinar for Developers, and Community Representatives - Let's do Business!
Build More Energy Efficient Workforce and Affordable Housing
Thursday, February 18, 2020 1:00-2:00 pm
Please join us! Learn about a new opportunity to use Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) in affordable and workforce housing developments in Dane County, and help reduce your community’s carbon footprint!
Developers and interested community representatives are invited to join us and hear directly from program partners including the National Equity Fund, Elevate Energy, Pace Wisconsin and Slipstream.
Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation
Wisconsin Arts Board and Arts Wisconsin
February 19, 2021 from 9:00 am – 9:45 am
The Wisconsin Arts Board and Arts Wisconsin invite you to a webinar entitled “Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation” – a session to introduce this newly published guide of the same name created by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.
WAA/DNR annual urban forestry conference
February 21, 22 and 23, 2021
The Wisconsin annual urban forestry conference will be held as a virtual event in 2021, with sessions on February 21, 22 and 23. DNR staff and the Wisconsin Arborist Association have developed a program to enrich arboriculture and urban forestry knowledge in the industry. This year, presentations include Wisconsin’s Insect Trends, Urban Wood Presentation, Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Trees and Legal Issues, Pruning for Performance and Prevention, How Trees Grow to Deal with Gravity and Wind, Tree Selection and Diversity, and Modeling Trees & Tree-Rings for Sustainable Urban Forests.
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Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 1- The Basics
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - 10:00- 11:00 a.m.
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Participants will receive an overview of DOJ’s guidance on the applicability of the open meetings law during the current pandemic, discuss the practicalities of how local governments can best follow the state guidelines for electronic meetings and review the importance of Electronic Meeting Rules and Policies. Cost: $20. Details and Registration: (Part 2 is March 5. Sign up for one or both.)
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Run for It- Designing a Winning Campaign
Local Government Education
Wednesday, February 24, 2021– 12:00- 1:30 p.m.
This program will help candidates with details and approaches they can use for their campaigns. This webinar is free and open to all. Details and Registration.
An Evening with Chuck Todd
The State of Journalism: Where we’ve been, where we’re going
Wednesday, February 24, 6 to 7 p.m. $20 for Milwaukee Press Club members and students and $25 for non-members. Zoom
The Milwaukee Press Club is pleased to announce that Chuck Todd, moderator of Meet the Press, NBC News political director and recipient of the club’s 2019 Sacred Cat Award, will be our honored guest February 24 for a virtual discussion about the unprecedented challenges facing journalists today. Details and Registration
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The League's Special Chief Executives Winter Workshop
February 25, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm via Zoom
- Crisis Leadership; a local perspective
- Alternative Revenue Sources
- Tips for high-performing legislative bodies
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Effective Electronic Public Meetings- Part 2- Advanced Issues
Local Government Education, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Friday, March 5, 2021–10:00-11:00 a.m.
Panelists will address specific electronic meeting issues through a question and answer approach. Cost: $20.
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Human Resources for Small Communities
March 16, 17 and 18 via Zoom from 10:00 to 11:00 am
Join us for three one-hour long webinars over three days focusing on Human Resources for Small Communities.
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Improving Communication Skills
Thursday, March 18, Tuesday, March 23, 2021,12:30-3:30 p.m.
Transportation Information Center
Historic Preservation Tax Credit Workshop
Friday, 3/26/2021 9:00AM - 3:30PM (lunch break from 12:00PM to 1:00PM) Webinar
Registration deadline: Monday, 3/22/2021, 2:00PM
Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office workshop for those who plan, submit and execute income-producing tax credit projects in Wisconsin.
CommUNITY Growth Summit
March 30-April 1, 2021, presented by Wisconsin startup accelerator Gener8tor, and including keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities on startup ecosystems and innovation, up-skilling a community's workforce, and local arts and culture. Click here for full info.
Americans for the Arts 2021 National Arts Action Summit, April 5-9, 2021
Over these five days, advocates will gain a depth of knowledge from policy experts at Americans for the Arts and many organizational Partners in an all-virtual setting. Arts Wisconsin will participate as the Wisconsin state partner, and will organize and lead constituent meetings with members of Wisconsin's Congressional delegation. Details TBA. Click here for an in-depth list of opportunities, scholarship info, and important deadlines.
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Cyber Security Workshop
April 20 2PM-3:30PM via Zoom
$25 (free to League Mutual aka LWMMI Insured)
Registration coming soon!
Local Government 101:
For New & Experienced Local Officials and Staff
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!
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Wisconsin Public Utility Institute
March 3
March 16
April 20, 21, 23, 28, 30
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ONGOING
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
UW-Madison Continuing Studies LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS
Details of all programs including the Public Manager Program at UW-Madison, Continuing Studies which are Ongoing is here
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Celebrating Black History Month
Wisconsin Black Historical Society/ Museum
Based on the premise that a people who know their history will grow to love and appreciate themselves more, the Society is striving to create a bright future out of a heart-breaking past.
The mission of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum is to document and preserve the historical heritage of African descent in Wisconsin. The Museum exhibits, collects and disseminates materials depicting this heritage. Serving as a resource center for all people interested in Wisconsin’s rich African American heritage, the Museum’s purpose is to encourage and promote family community and cultural activities. Learn more
Wisconsin Historical Society's Celebration
African American history in Wisconsin
The Society is celebrating BIG moments in Wisconsin history, including the significant impact that African Americans have had on the history of the state. Learn about this impact through the articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell the story of African Americans in Wisconsin. Learn more.
Milwaukee's 28 Days of Black History
February is Black History Month, and in many ways, that history is still being written today. Throughout this month, several key Milwaukee Black History makers will be profiled on the City of Milwaukee website’s main page. The prominent online spot will give students and Milwaukeeans across the city a chance to learn about – and to honor – some of the city’s notable and unsung heroes. Learn more.
West Allis Proclamation
Click here to see Mayor Devine's Proclamation shared to the League's Facebook page.
21 WEEK EQUITY CHALLENGE
United Way of Wisconsin
The 21 Week Equity Challenge is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and communities.
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Participants will receive an email at the beginning of each week from Monday, February 1st through Monday, June 21st. (It is not too late to sign up.)
- Weekly topics take participants through a journey that starts with understanding internalized racism and explores how racism permeates person-to-person interactions, institutions and social structures.
- The experience is intended to deepen understanding, suggest ways to take action, and help launch what we hope will be a lifelong commitment to improving equity and inclusion in our communities.
Individuals are encouraged to take on the challenge themselves, or form groups for discussion and reflection.
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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NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative serves to strengthen local leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. Through training and online resources, REAL helps NLC members build safe places where people from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds thrive socially, economically, academically and physically. Resources are here
21st Century Policing Resources
Mayor's Innovation Project
Racial Equity at the National Civic League The National Civic League focuses much of its work on equity, and racial equity in particular. This work extends from our core mission: The mission of the National Civic League is to advance civic engagement to create equitable, thriving communities.
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Fall 2020 Dane County Housing Summit Sessions Recordings Now Available! Visit here
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
Introducing 7 Steps to Municipal Resilience & Recovery
Mayors Innovation Project
What can municipal governments (counties, cities and towns), still suffering from all the pain and disruption that COVID has brought to their communities and economies, do now to hasten their recovery and build resilience for the future, while also addressing past inequity? Here are seven essential steps to take, all proven, with real-world examples and implementation examples for each, that complement each other and can be done simultaneously.
All municipal governments have the power to start on them right now. So why not start today? Read the report.
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Reminder - The 2020 Engaging Local Government Leader (ELGL) Diversity Dashboard survey is live and ready for you to complete so your community’s data is logged into an interactive dashboard measuring the demographics of local government leaders. The survey is short and only takes a few minutes to complete. You can provide responses for yourself or for your organization.
Please take the survey online here: https://publicinput.com/diversity2020. ELGL collects this information because “what gets measured gets improved.” If we can first understand the diversity of local government leaders, we can be more effective at finding ways to increase and encourage diversity and inclusion in the local government field.
Each week, ELGL uploads the completed survey responses to the live DiversityDashboard.org site, so data can be analyzed. Your personal information will not be included, and data will not be used for any purpose other than this project analysis.
Please take the survey today so your local government is included in this year’s Diversity Dashboard! If you want more information about ELGL, a professional association focused on all levels of government, you can check out their website here: www.elgl.org.
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Preparing for Your Retirement
Department of Employee Trust Funds - Wisconsin Retirement System
Planning to retire in the next 1-10 years? Then this webinar is for you.
We’ll discuss:
- The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account.
- How your retirement account grows through investments.
- When you can retire.
- Options for receiving your retirement benefit.
- Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring.
- What happens to your account after you die.
- Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement.
Learn in a way that fits your schedule. Attend this presentation in a live webinar!
Mon, Feb 22, 2021 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Fri, Mar 12, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Mar 25, 2021 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Apr 8, 2021 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wed, Apr 21, 2021 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Boost your municipal connections on the League's LinkedIn page!
Comment on this post on the League's LinkedIn page to connect with people working in municipalities or interested in municipal issues. Once you've commented, take a look at the other people that have commented and reach out to connect with them.
The League's strength is the community we've created and since LinkedIn is a great way to connect, we can use LinkedIn as a tool to enhance those connections.
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Leafing Out – Tree Appreciation with Dr. Bruce Allison
Provided in partnership by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grants Program
Dr. Allison is a nationally renowned presenter and urban forestry expert, and he will kick-off our webinar series by sharing why trees have such a fascinating story. Learn about their unique connection to humans, and understand why they're an important component to a healthy planet.
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The Leafing Out webinar series was funded in part by an urban forestry grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Program as authorized under s. 23.097, Wis. Stat. (The successful grant application was supported by the League.)
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Economic Development is in the spotlight for February with an article by Sturgeon Bay Mayor Ward and one on all the aspects of forward thinking comprehensive plan by MSA's Jason Valerius. In addition, you can read about the WEDA legislative agenda and return to the West Allis pedlet. The Wisconsin Policy Forum "Dollar for Dollar" report on local government spending is also detailed.
Note - if you work for a League member municipality and previously shared a magazine with colleagues but would now like your own, please send an email with your mailing address to
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Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program Information Webinar
Webinar attendees will learn about the new Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program. The $10,000 grants provide start-up funding to resident-led groups in small cities and towns to support implementation of Community Heart & Soul. Mark Sherman, Executive Director, will provide opening remarks. This webinar will be recorded for later viewing.
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Eligibility Webinar
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM CST
Learn about WIFIA's different project type eligibilities to help determine if your project is a good fit for financing. There will be a short question and answer period at the end of this webinar. Details and registration
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant
Application Deadline extended to March 18
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 Rural Emergency Medical Services Training grants (Short Title: EMS Training). The purpose of this program is to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. SAMHSA recognizes the great need for emergency services in rural areas and the critical role EMS personnel serve across the country.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are rural emergency medical service agencies operated by a local or tribal government (fire-based and non-fire based) and non-profit emergency medical service agencies.
Emergency medical services are resources used by a public or private non-profit licensed entity to deliver medical care outside of a medical facility under emergency conditions that occur as a result of the condition or the patient. This includes services delivered by an emergency medical services provider or other provider that is licensed or certified by the State involved as an emergency medical technician, a paramedic or an equivalent profession (as determined by the State). Information and application details.
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Reminder - DNR's Private Lead Service Line Replacement Funding Program
If your water system has private lead service lines, WI DNR has funding resources available to remove and replace them! There is no deadline for submitting the LSL application form, other than the end of the state fiscal year (June 30, 2021), but we encourage everyone to apply no later than February 2021 so that an award can be made prior to the start of the construction season.
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Thanks to the Green Tier Legacy Communities staff at the WDNR for putting these lists together. Learn more about the popular and growing Green Tier program for local governments founded by the League and others in 2010.
January
February
March
WEDC Grants
Rolling applications - communities are encouraged to connect/apply by January 2021.
Year-Round Opportunities
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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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www.lwm-info.org
SUBSCRIBE to the League’s Legislative Bulletin, Capitol Buzz and E-Newsletter – sign up here.
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