Community & Economic Development Award Nominations
WEDA and its partner organizations created the Community & Economic Development Awards (CEDA) program to recognize economic development best practices of businesses and organizations that are making their community a better place to live and work. The CEDA Award program celebrates the dedicated efforts of local, county, regional, state, and private organizations that are advancing Wisconsin’s economy. The 2020 CEDA Awards Ceremony will be held on September 16th at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison, WI. A virtual ceremony is being considered.
Don’t miss a unique opportunity to highlight your community’s exciting economic and community development projects. Please consider nominating an innovative project or forward-thinking business for WEDA’s Community and Economic Development Awards.
Nominations close on July 20, 2020 at Noon
. Details
here
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Wisconsin Policy Forum Salute to Local Government Awards
Deadline for nominations is
August 31, 2020
.
"We are again accepting nominations for our 28th annual Salute to Local Government. The Salute is a unique event that highlights and celebrates the value of public sector performance and the benefits that public sector innovation and excellence bring to taxpayers and our community as a whole. We welcome nominations for local governments and school districts across Wisconsin.
The award categories recognize outstanding performance by local governments and school districts in the areas of effective problem-solving, innovative use of data or technology, intergovernmental cooperation, and private-public cooperation. In addition, our Norman N. Gill award and Jean B. Tyler Leader of the Future award recognize individual excellence.
We have also
added two new awards categories
– one for governments/school districts and the other for individuals – that will recognize outstanding performance in response to issues and challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic."
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ELGL's International
#CityHallSelfie
Day is August 14! (Yes, it's election week - And yes,
of course Villages can participate too!
)
Come on Wisconsin cities and villages! This is your chance to showcase your local gov love. Participation is easy:
- Take a picture of yourself in front of your local government building – any municipal building works!
- Post the picture on social media with the hashtag #CityHallSelfie. On Twitter, tag @LeagueWIMunis in your post and the League will retweet you, take a screenshot of your tweet and post it to Facebook. Tag us on Facebook and we’ll share your post to the League’s page.
The Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)will have trophies, recognition and prizes for the people and organizations that show the most pride and creativity on the big day.
This day is all about local government pride.
So it doesn't matter if you work for a city or village, town or county - just hop in front of a municipal building, snap a picture, and use the hashtag to share it with the world!
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To WRS participants and other stakeholders
As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, with its highly diversified strategy, is well positioned to weather the current market volatility. SWIB continues to actively monitor investments and seek out market opportunities to keep the trust funds well positioned for the long term. Learn more
here
.
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Access Additional Resources through UniverCity
"The state of local government is up in the air with all the uncertainty of COVID-19. Wouldn't it be nice to have a partner helping you think through how your locality will bounce back? It could mean a revised economic development plan, or an improved mechanism for communicating with citizens or localities, or rethinking how county services will be offered, or how to think differently about tourism in this uncertain time.
UniverCity Yea
r
is a flexible three-year partnership where local governments pitch ideas to UW-Madison, and they match you with courses and resources on campus that help you think through your approach to those issues. It could be COVID-19 response, or affordable housing, or water quality/nutrient management, or parks/recreation.
We are willing to be flexible to adapt to this new reality, so your projects don't have to be fully formed.
If you'd like to talk more about your options or questions, reach out to Gavin Luter,
gavin@cows.org
, Managing Director of the Program.
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August 11 Election - From the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association Newsletter:
"I have been contacted by fellow Clerks about staffing their polls and safety measures. Some communities are struggling to find pollworkers. If you are one of the communities fortunate enough to have more workers than you will be using, please reach out to the workers and see if they would be willing to go to a neighboring community within your County. Then call or email your neighbors or put a message out on the Clerklist that you have pollworkers and anyone needing help in your County should contact you. I know we are all stretched to the limit on time, and my request takes time, but imagine how stressed you would be if you could not get enough help at your polls. So please consider finding some time to do this task to help your neighbors."
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People’s Maps Commission
Governor Evers announced in his 2020 State of the State address that he would create by
Executive Order
a nonpartisan redistricting commission.
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"Our goal is to improve the content and spatial accuracy of the wetland layer as well as add lake, river and stream boundaries to the inventory through enhancements to the surface water hydrology layers.
What will change?
- The updated layer will no longer have point features. Every county in the state currently has point features representing ponds and wetlands that were too small to map with a boundary due to scale and traditional photographic mapping methodologies.
- LiDAR technology and high-resolution orthoimagery have replaced black-and-white stereo photography. This technology provides a better view of the landscape, which leads to better maps. We can now map ponds with a boundary. Small wetlands are now visible and wetland connectivity is clearer.
- Lakes, ponds, rivers and small streams will be polygon features within the wetland layer. We will be sharing our mapped water features with the DNR’s 24K hydro team.
- We have adopted the National Wetland Inventory data structure and standards, as well as the classification system used. For more information, click here.
- Instead of a PLSS town/range data structure, we will use the HUC 12 boundaries found here.
- More information will be coming via GovDelivery."
To access The Wisconsin Wetland Inventory online (It’s now free!):
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The Most Recent League Capitol Buzz Newsletters
July 13, 2020
- Sup. Ct. Invalidates Veto Changing $90 Million Supplemental LRIP Funding in State Budget
July 7, 2020
- DOT Urges Quick Action on Local Permits Necessary to Obtain Aggregate for Road Projects
July 1, 2020
- 2021 WRS Contribution Rates Stay the Same for Most Part
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League COVID-19
Virtual Roundtable Conference Calls
This call is for City/Village Officials,
including mgrs./adm. & Staff Only
Tuesday, July 21
- 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Or Dial 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 943 2945 2289 Password: 990365
If you aren't on the list -
Subscribe
to the League's Coronavirus Newsletter, which will be sent as needed going forward.
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WEDC report assesses ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic, outlines recovery priorities
Village of Richfield featured
A report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) assesses the complex ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin and identifies priorities for the state’s recovery efforts.
The 150-page report, “
Wisconsin Tomorrow – An Economy for All
,” (PDF) was submitted to lawmakers and Governor Tony Evers. The state’s COVID-19 relief legislation, 2019 Act 185, directed WEDC to submit a plan by June 30 “for providing support to the major industries in this state that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency, including tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, forest products, construction, retail and services.”
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We Are All In
We’re All In
is an initiative based on the idea that to move forward, we need to have each other’s backs. Adjusting our behavior isn’t just the surest way to slow the spread of COVID-19, but the smartest way to get our economy back on track.
You can share your images on your own Facebook or Instagram pages with the hashtag #WeAreAllIn and encourage your businesses and other community leaders to do so. When you do that, your photo will show up on the
#WeAreAllIn
website. Check for photos of several Wisconsin City and Village leaders right next to photos of the Brewers.
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Covering Wisconsin: Health Insurance Resources for you and your community
"Are your constituents losing healthcare coverage as a result of the pandemic? Covering Wisconsin has federally certified/State licensed navigators who provide free enrollment assistance for Badger Care and the federal Marketplace. Navigators also assist consumers with appeals, bills, and other issues relating to their healthcare coverage. We can be reached by calling (608) 261-1455 or (414) 270-4677."
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"We've seen the outreach of valuable information, programs, services, assistance, etc. being created and promoted to help aid everyone in this time of need."
Follow them on
Facebook.
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Examples of Mask Mandates
Public Health - Madison & Dane County
"On July 7, we put out a
new order
requiring face coverings being worn in Dane County.
- Per the order PDF , people five years of age and older must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in public, which includes in businesses, health care settings, waiting in line, and on public transportation. This order goes into effect on July 13, 2020 at 8:00am.
- Exceptions are made for certain activities such as eating at a restaurant, but during those activities, 6 feet distancing is required at all times. Some people are also exempted if they have a physical, mental, or developmental condition that prevents them from wearing a mask."
City of Milton
Draft
Policy for Employees/Elected Officials
Purpose:
This policy
(PDF) outlines the work rule for City of Milton staff and elected officials to wear cloth face coverings when inside City of Milton facilities in public, shared, or common areas and when conducting business with the public.
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City of Milwaukee
"On July 13th, 2020, the Milwaukee Common Council adopted an ordinance requiring face coverings in public spaces, indoors and outdoors. The ordinance goes into effect July 16th and will be enforced throughout the duration of the Moving Milwaukee Forward health and safety order. The ordinance will remain in effect until the order is lifted."
MKE Cares
(PDF)
News Release: Milwaukee Cares Mask Ordinance to Go into Effect July 16
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Village of Shorewood
"The Village Board conducted a special meeting Wednesday, July 8 to discuss and consider an ordinance that would require community members to wear a mask. The Village Board adopted an ordinance that contains the following actions:"
Read more...
DISCLAIMER: Departments of Marathon County government are actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to its impact on our employees, clients and community. Marathon County administration reserves the right to adopt new policies and procedures affecting conditions of employment and benefits, or to modify, alter, change or cancel existing policies and procedures at any time due to changing circumstances. Federal, state and local authorities have and will continue to issue executive orders, guidance and pass legislation. When new or different policies and procedures related to this pandemic are required or recommended, including any modifications to the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act, Marathon County administration will make appropriate changes and keep employees notified of these changes to the best of its ability. However, all employees are expected to take personal responsibility and to use credible sources to keep informed of this changing situation.
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Examples of Wisconsin's Local Governments Innovating during Covid-19
Under the Streatery Program, Restaurants and Taverns may temporarily establish or expand outdoor seating in the following four ways as they recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Wauwatosa's
"
Common Council approved the "Tosa Restarts" program as a way to expedite review and approval processes for a variety of activities. The goal is to generate vibrancy within Wauwatosa’s commercial districts, as well as eliminate or reduce fees where allowed. Normally, these activities would require a board approval. Following the submission of an application, city staff will review and provide appropriate approvals within 72 hours or less."
Tosa Restarts Temporary Regulatory Relief Program
(PDF)
More resources will be posted to the League's Small Businesses and Downtowns Covid-19 page
here
. If you have a resource to share, please send a link to Gail Sumi at
gsumi@lwm-info.org
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New CDC Water Worker Website
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Adopt the Your "City/Village is Essential" Resolution
WEST SALEM IS ESSENTIAL
SUPPORT OF FAIR, DIRECT FEDERAL EMERGENCY SUPPORT TO REOPEN AND REBUILD LOCAL AMERICAN ECONOMIES
WHEREAS, America's cities, towns, and villages face unprecedented threats due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic emergency; and
WHEREAS, municipalities are essential to America's economic recovery and
without funding support for local governments, municipalities may go from being a critical
part of the economic solution, to becoming a major obstacle to long-term stabilization and
recovery; and....
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The Most Recent League Covid-19 Special Edition Newsletter
July 13, 2020
- Mask Mandates & Survey (Update - the survey is closed.)
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Legal FAQs on local authority, information on Emergency Orders and examples of municipal plans for reopening are available on the League's website
here
Wondering what to do if an employee contracts Covid-19? Questions and answers about employees on the League's website
here
.
Wondering about Financing Impacts? Questions and answers about CARES Act and FEMA funding on the League's website
here
.
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Workshops/Training
by date
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Budgeting for Public Works
Transportation Information Center. Online
Tuesday, July 21 from 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
You will learn how to use various budget formats to communicate your department’s operational costs, benefits, effectiveness, and changes over time, as well as work with your agency’s capital budgeting process to meet long range department needs. Registration fee is $150 and includes all course materials.
Details and Registration
Wisconsin Economic Development Association Academy Presents:
Workforce Housing: Identifying Local Needs, Municipal Tools, and Zoning Practices
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (1.5 hour break for lunch) Zoom Webinar
Chad Pelishek, Director of Planning & Development, City of Sheboygan
Olivia Parry, Senior Planner Dane County Planning and Development Michael Slavney, FAICP, Principal, Vandewalle & Associates Inc
Allen Davis, AICP, Community Development Director, City of Oshkosh
Frank Roman, Economic Development Advisor, Ehlers, Inc.
Joyce Frey, Economic Development Specialist, City of Fitchburg
Matt Fisher, Vice President, Affordable Housing – Debt Originations, U.S. Bank
WEDA Members $95
Non-Members $145
Shaping the Endless Frontier:
How the Midwest Can Spark the U.S. Economy
A two-part series hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the Wisconsin Technology Council, Michael Best Strategies and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Part One: Why Midwest Assets Are Vital for Growth
Tuesday, August 11 | 11 a.m. CDT | Webinar
Join us for a 60-minute discussion with regional thought leaders on why Midwest states are uniquely equipped to spark the nation’s economy and drive meaningful innovation. The session will explore recent research on how place-based investments in emerging growth centers across the country can remedy regional gaps in capital investment, maintain U.S. leadership in innovation and attract the tech stars of the future to the nation’s heartland.
Details and Registration
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The League's Chief Executives Workshop
August 25, 26, 27 - 11:30 - 1:30 each day - Webinar
The League’s Chief Executives Workshop is coming to you!
The 2020 Chief Executives Workshop will be held in your office this year. Due to the pandemic, the League’s annual municipal leadership event will be held virtually. Join us August 25-27 for three lunch and learn programs from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Each day’s workshop will consist of a guest presenter or moderated panel discussion followed by a question and answer period with the speaker or panel, which will then lead into an open-ended roundtable discussion.
Agenda
Tuesday, August 25:
Never Waste a Crisis: Silver Linings within the Pandemic
-- Scott Botcher, Fox Point Village Manager; Scot Simpson, River Falls City Administrator
Wednesday, August 26:
State Finances, Shared Revenue, & the November Election
-- Jason Stein, Research Director, Wisconsin Policy Forum; Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette Law School Poll
Thursday, August 27:
Leading Amid Conflict
– Mayor Mike Palm, Baraboo; Mayor Dan Devine, West Allis. Moderated by Eric Giordano, Executive Director, Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service.
$50 for all three lunch and learns. Join us for one or join us for all – the price is the same. One lunch is included. Your registration includes a $10 certificate for either Culver’s or Kwik Trip.
Registration deadline is close of business August 24, 2020. Refunds minus $10 administrative fee will be granted for cancellations received by five business days prior to event (Aug 18.)
Thanks to our sponsor
MPIC
!
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July 30 | Neighborhood Revitalization Through Food Systems Finance
Sept 29 | Financing Food Systems Entrepreneurs
Council of Development Finance Agency (CDFA) is providing a free online series to advance opportunities and leverage capital financing that scale local and regional food systems, increase access to better food, and create new living wage jobs in communities across the country.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes
September 10 - 9:00 - 4:00 with an hour break for lunch - Webinar
Attendance is
free
for League members insured by LWMMI; for League members not insured by LWMMI, the League has reduced its usual one-day training registration fee to $50.
What will you learn?
These sessions will focus on scenarios inspired by real-life examples to illustrate how controversial decisions, compounded by poor municipal governance, can quickly spin out of control.
League attorneys, Claire Silverman and Maria Davis, will provide an overview of the legal framework governing body members must use when making decisions and explore how deviating from that framework can expose municipalities to liability, damage the municipality’s reputation, and hijack the municipal agenda.
On the HR side of things, Lisa Bergersen of EngageHR Law, LLC will help attendees navigate a number of human resources and employment law compliance issues that come up with some frequency including wage and hour, harassment/discrimination/bullying, family and medical leave laws, and social media. Lisa will also cover best practices in areas such as handbooks, workplace safety, counseling/discipline/terminations, and documentation.
Details and registration
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You don't want to miss!
The League's Local Gov 101
September 11 - Webinar
Agenda:
• Organization & Powers of Cities and Villages
• Recognizing and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight
• Procedures for Local Government Meetings
• Managing Public Works Activities
Thanks to our sponsors!
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Water Affordability Academy
Mayor's Innovation Project
A Digital Workshop for Public Water Utility Leaders
Thursday, September 17, 24; October 1, 8, and 15
2-3:30 EST, 1-2:30 CST
This 5-part series will help city and public utility leaders identify, assess, and establish a path forward on water affordability in your community. Spots are limited - priority will be given to member cities.
September 8
Emerging Technologies – Web conference
September/October
Energy Utility Basics 2020 – Multi-day web conference
October 21
Water Affordability – Web conference
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The League’s 122nd Annual Conference
will be a series of Small In-Person Regional and Virtual Events.
October 6-8 & 13-15
We are busy working out all the details -- including locations for the small, in-person events, valuable workshops, drawings for prizes and a virtual walk/run. (Yes, you read that right.) We will be updating our website soon! Check back.
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ONGOING
Board of Review - Updated to Reflect Changes due to Covid-19
UW-Extension Local Government Center
The 2020 BOR training video will provide the opportunity to select one of two BOR training courses which are:
Conducting the First-Meeting of Board of Review, or Conducting a Board of Review Hearing
Each video comes with information materials, including the exam and affidavit that must be filed with the clerk to meet the certified training required by Wisconsin law. Only one video training course is required, but you may choose to use both.
Because each course contains updated and revised content, prior BOR videos or materials may not be used to meet the 2020 Board of Review training requirement.
Reviewers and past participants agree: seeing how to do it is better than just lecturing about it.
Again, watching and completing the exam for only one video course is required for certification.
For information, visit the
website
Claire Silverman, Legal Counsel, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Published in the May 2020
The Municipality
magazine.
DOR FAQs on TID Joint Review Boards holding virtual meetings
are
here
.
UW-Madison Continuing Studies LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS
July 22–23 & 29–30 New! A Coach Approach to Work Performance Feedback
August 13 Leading Out Loud: Using Story in Communication
August 19 Professional Writing: Elements of Effective Workplace Communication
Details of all programs including the
Public Manager Program at UW-Madison, Continuing Studies which are Ongoing is
here
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Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award
If you are a community of 5,000 or under, your chief elected official can nominate a local volunteer for the award. The top 100 nominees will receive 12 months of complimentary web services and a new website, and three winners will receive cash for their communities ($5-$10k). The deadline for nominations is August 15th. Please consider nominating someone locally using the form
here
Boost your connections on LinkedIn!
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.
Survey! Building New Foundations: Prenatal to Five
Covid-19 Crisis to Opportunity
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, early childhood systems, policy, funding, services, providers and families adapted and innovated to meet the needs of young children, their families and communities. These positive changes might inform future efforts to build a more effective, accessible, and equitable early childhood system.
To shed light on the important ways that early care and education, family support, and maternal and infant/child health systems and services are supporting our communities and responding to the current health and economic crises, the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers is conducting a scan of public sector leaders, policy analysts and advocates, service providers and other key informants working in states, communities and nationally to 1) understand bright spots of reform during the pandemic, and 2) to capture new ideas to strengthen and build new foundations for systems of care. Our focus is on the prenatal-to-age five population (young children and families) with a special interest in systems, services and practices for infants and toddlers.
What efforts to build better early childhood systems have you heard of or seen? What changes have you seen in the prenatal to age three space, related to pre-kindergarten aged children, and across the birth to age five span?
If you
click here
, you can see some examples of positive changes that may help stimulate your thinking.
The brief
survey
will be open until July 31, 2020.
“This project aims to draw upon ideas and build relationships across every region, industry, economic sector, and demographic category in Wisconsin. To help guide that process, we identified four broad themes through preliminary conversations with a number of thought leaders around the state.
With this survey, we’re looking to discover how these four themes resonate with you and, if so, how each of them relates to concerns in your own life and within your community.
Bicentennial Innovation Challenges is designed to identify the biggest concerns facing Wisconsin between now and 2048. It is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), WiSys Technology Foundation (WiSys) and the UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation (UWMRF). Together our three organizations support technology commercialization and innovation across the 15 four-year campuses of the UW System." Find out more here:
www.warf.org/innovationchallenges
Applications are now being accepted for the next
Wisconsin Poet Laureate
The Wisconsin Academy, in partnership with the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, seeks applications for the 2021–2022 Wisconsin Poet Laureate. Beginning July 1, 2020, applications are welcome from individual poets who are seeking the position. Applications may also be submitted by a person who is nominating a poet for the position of Poet Laureate. For either, a complete application package must be sent via e-mail to the
Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission
as one e-mail attachment no later than September 1, 2020. Details
here
.
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
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.
Rural Realities
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Podcast
Given the ongoing challenges facing the agriculture industry – low prices, uncertain markets, trade uncertainty, and inclement weather - it’s no surprise that farmers and farm families are experiencing more stress. “Rural Realities” focuses on helping farmers tap into their resilient nature by presenting advice from experts that can help reduce stress, improve a farm’s financial situation, implement good farm family communication skills, and more. Listen
here
.
Got Swifts? Survey Seeks To Identify Chimneys Providing Bird Habitat
Pilot Project Aims To Help Owners Pay For Repairs To Preserve Habitat
DNR
Brick chimneys may be a key component to conserving acrobatic, fast-flying chimney swifts, so Wisconsin residential and commercial property owners are being asked to report if their chimneys are currently being used by swifts through a survey which can be found
here
.
Answers to the online survey conducted by the
Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group
will help shape a pilot project aimed at helping owners pay for chimney repairs, so they are more likely to keep the structures. DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program biologists are part of the working group.
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The state of the economy and municipal finance considerations in the age of Covid-19 are the articles that anchor the magazine - authored by experts at the Center for Community and Economic Development Dept of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin--Madison and by Ehlers. The 6 steps of project prioritization by MSA and cybersecurity by Incrediblebank round out the articles. Curt Witynski also provides a review of the legislative session to date and Claire Silverman provides an overview of recreational immunity
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
league@lwm-info.org
There is no additional cost.
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Funding
by date & many ongoing
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DRAFT Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) State Fiscal Year 2021 Intended Use Plan.
Please click on either of the following links to see the DRAFT Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) State Fiscal Year 2021 Intended Use Plan.
Public comments will be accepted through July 27, 2020.
FY2021 State & Private Forestry Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Competitive Grant guidance
, recently received from the USDA Forest Service.
This grant initiative is a partnership between states and the Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry (S&PF). Its goal is to focus federal investments on issues, challenges, opportunities and landscapes of state importance that also address national and regional themes.
The LSR grant requires a one to one match, and the minimum amount of Federal funds is $25,000. Units of local government, Tribes, non-profit organizations (defined as a 501c3), and universities are eligible to submit applications.
More Information and Resources
Prospective applicants should use the
2020 Wisconsin Forest Action Plan
to align project proposals with state and regional strategies and goals. Additionally, refer to the
USDA Forest Service S&PF National Guidance
for eligibility, proposal requirements, necessary criteria for competitive proposals, changes in this year’s process, and the FY2021 focus achieving on-the-ground outcomes on rural forest land.
The
USFS Northeastern Area S&PF LSR Grants web page
includes the application form, information on the submission process, and links to useful resources.
This page also includes a link to register for the FY2021 LSR webinar on July 9 hosted by the USFS
. Note: USFS requires proposals be endorsed by the DNR Division of Forestry before being submitted.
Timeline and How to Apply
- To facilitate the development of proposals, the Division of Forestry can provide applicants with a liaison to help guide them. To request a liaison, please contact Paul Fricken by July 31.
- Submit draft proposal and supplemental materials to Paul Fricken by 5 p.m. August 14. From August 17 – 28 the Division of Forestry will review and work with applicants to improve and enhance proposals.
- On August 31 Division of Forestry will notify applicants of successful proposals it endorses, or proposals it will not endorse for FY2021.
- Complete applications, including Division of Forestry letter of endorsement, are due to the USDA Forest Service by 5 p.m. CST on September 17, 2020. Applicants will submit their own applications through Grants.gov.
Housing Grant Program competition
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and the WHEDA Foundation, Inc.
make available annually grant funds through the Housing Grant Program competition. The Program's mission is to assist in the improvement of the state's housing for special needs populations such as veterans, physically impaired or disabled persons, domestic abuse victims, runaways, homeless persons, and more.
A total of $1,040,000 will be awarded for the 2020 cycle with awards to be announced in December. The grants are for physical improvements such as rehabilitation, accessibility features and new construction. Since the inception of the Housing Grant Program in 1985, the Foundation has awarded close to $25 million dollars to help communities improve housing for those in need.
For application materials and to apply, visit:
https://www.wheda.com/Housing-Grant-Program/
On this page you will also find a list of past award winners and a list of projects that were completed with funds granted. Applications are due
by August 21
st
, 2020
with announcements being made in late December.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission provides funding to bring high-speed, fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack access. Application Deadline: October 22, 2020
EPA Funding for Water Projects
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
This year’s notice of funding availability prioritizes construction-ready projects in three areas: updating aging infrastructure; reducing exposure to lead and addressing emerging contaminants; and water reuse and recycling. The 2020 notice of funding availability builds upon the existing, active pipeline of WIFIA projects, which includes 49 projects in 19 states and D.C. For the first time, the agency will evaluate submitted projects using
additional criteria
that were developed to help clarify project and federal budgetary considerations. EPA will accept letters of interest from prospective WIFIA borrowers for 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA)
This new program, which was authorized by Congress as part of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, offers low-interest loans to state water infrastructure programs (e.g., the State Revolving Funds) that then help finance needed water infrastructure projects in local communities. This round of funding will provide SWIFIA borrowers up to $1 billion to support $2 billion in water infrastructure projects. EPA will accept letters of interest from state water infrastructure programs for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. More information
here
.
USDA
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. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission provides funding to bring high-speed, fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack access. Application Deadline: October 22, 2020
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
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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The
DNR's
Wisconsin Natural Resources
Summer 2020 magazine
is online
here
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Census
National League of Cities
Census Toolkit
with information including posters that you can download and customize for your community.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Live and recorded video Q&A with Sec. Hughes, guidelines, podcasts and more for you to share with your business community.
WIDNR Business Support Services
for you to share with your Businesses
Enviro-Check
– a proactive program enables participants to assess their operation’s environmental impact while also limiting their liability.
Green Tier
– recognizes businesses that go above and beyond environmental regulations and helps them get even better.
Want to share these resources for small businesses on your website, social media or in a newsletter? The DNR has created the resources for you to do that
here
.
Wisconsin’s Local Redistricting Group
These recorded presentations and workshops provide information about the US Census and the relevant laws, processes, and principles of local redistricting in Wisconsin. You will also find training materials on the use of the local redistricting software that will be used in Wisconsin in 2021 called: “WISE-LR”. Details
here
.
Women Mayors’ Network
Mayor's Innovation Project
We started the Women Mayors’ Network, in partnership with
Equity Agenda
, to create a space for women mayors to support each other and address issues of sexism affecting their leadership. Are you a woman-identified mayor interested in joining?
Contact us
.
DNR Reminder - ATV and UTV Laws
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to stay safe and to be courteous to others by following the new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) laws passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature.
The new laws affect passenger requirements, headlamps, operational requirements, vehicle legal definitions and more. The new laws took effect on March 4, 2020.
Learn more about the ATV/UTV safety regulations
here
.
Quick Links to COVID-19 Resources Related to Rural Infrastructure:
Covid-19: WE CAN GO THE DISTANCE TOGETHER: 10 WAYS YOU CAN DO YOUR PART
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Communication Collaborative for COVID-19 Response has developed 10 essential steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. They reflect the overall need for maintaining a physical distance from each other, washing you hands and staying home, among others:
Read the article...
This Aspen Institute summarizes how Rural Development Hubs, build a stronger rural economy and using economic development practices that advance equity, health and prosperity. (11/2019)
The Government Accountability Office provides an overview of five alternative drinking water systems used by communities with fewer than 500 people. It examines the barriers to implementing new systems and technologies. It also identifies four federal funding systems that support technical assistance and training for small drinking water systems serving communities of fewer than 10,000. (1/2020)
e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems resource on the current state of economic development funding to build and retain an effective entrepreneurial ecosystem. (1/2020)
From Seed to Root
Early-Stage Strategies for Community Wealth Building
Mayors Innovation Project
Cities across the country, varying in size, economic health, and demographics are all contending with the problem of the growing wealth gap. One way that cities can make a difference is by shifting their economic growth models to center on building community wealth. This brief profiles three cities, Nashville, Detroit, and Lafayette, LA, on the unique ways that leaders in these cities are building community wealth and their local democratic systems. In addition to the detailed narratives of projects in each city, the brief offers actionable ways to consider community wealth building in your own city.
City leaders, including mayors, are this brief’s intended audience. However, as highlighted in each example, this work requires multiple actors, including community organizers and developers. This brief is useful to anyone committed to equitable economic development in their community.
Read it here...
Saltwise
Once salt is in the environment it doesn’t go away. It ends up in our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, putting our aquatic life at risk and endangering our freshwater resources. Our local lakes, waterways, groundwater and soil have been absorbing virtually all of the salt spread in the city for more than six decades. Chloride from salt is toxic to small aquatic life and degrades the natural eco-system of our lakes. Once salt is in our waterways, it does not break down – it’s here to stay. It only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water to a level that is toxic to freshwater ecosystems.
More information...
USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program offers a resource guide highlighting opportunities to support the modernization of transportation infrastructure elements in rural communities--the very bedrock from which growth springs in America’s rural towns and communities.
Alternative Fuels Data Center
The U.S. Department of Energy's
Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)
provides a wealth of information and data on alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, fuel-saving strategies and emerging transportation technologies. The site features a number of interactive tools, calculators and mapping applications to aid in the implementation of these fuels, vehicles and strategies. The AFDC functions as a dynamic online hub, enabling thousands of stakeholders in the transportation system to interact with one another. The U.S. DOE released a fact sheet with details on the AFDC.
Click here to learn more!
Aging water infrastructure systems, climate change, and the general rising cost of urban living mean that access to clean and affordable water is becoming a greater challenge.
Interactive Climate and Health Toolkits
WI Dept. of Health Services
DHS created toolkits to help local governments, local health departments, and citizens in Wisconsin prepare for and respond to different weather-related emergencies. DHS also created one-page fact sheets to accompany each toolkit, which are intended for a general audience.
These toolkits and fact sheets include background information, practical response strategies, and communication tools (such as media releases, talking points, definitions, and useful reference materials). General information
here
.
Nelson Issue Brief
The Nelson Institute Issue Brief summarizes the latest scholarship from UW-Madison on key environmental issues.
Read it here.
Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loan Program
Guidebook for Applicants
USDA Rural Development released a new guidebook to help applicants apply for a Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loan Program. This guide outlines the application process, financial feasibility requirements, construction and closing of an essential community facility for small towns and rural areas. General Information
here
.
Resources for Storm-Damaged Trees
Did your community experience damage from the storms that went through the state recently? You may find these resources handy:
More information here.
View the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America's counties. View indicators about people, jobs, income, veterans, and county types. The atlas has been updated to include American Community Survey data for 2013-17 and poverty rates from the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for 2017.
NTIA has developed a new
searchable database
of 50 federal broadband programs, spanning a dozen federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans and other resources.
Be prepared! FEMA offers publication filled with excellent resources and offers guidance to best secure and manage funding.
If you have staff with expertise that would benefit other municipalities, please contact League Member Engagement and Communications Director to propose additional topics:
email Gail Sumi
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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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