Municipalities Have Authority to Create Transportation Utilities
On June 16, 2020 the League issued a legal
opinion
concluding that a municipality may rely on its broad statutory and/or constitutional home rule powers to create a transportation utility and charge property owners transportation utility fees. Alternatively, a municipality may charge property owners a street maintenance user fee under Wis. Stat.
§ 66.0627. Any fee must be reasonably related to the cost of the services provided. A transportation utility fee is most defensible against challenge if the basis for the fee is closely related to property occupants’ use of the local street network. Transportation utility fees with such a basis are accurately characterized as fees and not taxes. Such fees should be segregated and used only for street maintenance and other transportation services. To avoid needing to reduce the community’s property tax levy under
§ 66.0602(2m)(b) of the levy limit law, municipalities should avoid using transportation utility fee revenue to pay for snow plowing or street sweeping.
This Legal Opinion will be published in the League's September
The Municipality
magazine.
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Wisconsin Connect Covid-19 Resource
Looking for a great public health supported Covid-19 resource to share with your community?
Wisconsin Connect
has information in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Chinese Mandarin. Information is updated frequently and is brought to you in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Tabs include:
- Let's Talk - Share your thoughts or ask a question.
- ALL ABOUT COVID-19 - Risks, symptoms, testing, isolation, recovery, and more
- Covid-19 Fact Checker - Don't know what to believe. Find the facts.
- Prevent and Protect - Up to date advice for keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe.
- Calming
- Resource Center
- Coping - Job loss, handling kids, worry, conflict, grief ... and more
Connect to these resources
here
.
Click
here
to share it from the League's Facebook page to your own or your municipality's page.
You can also download the photo and post it as a link on your municipality's Covid Resource page.
This is a project funded by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health from the Wisconsin Partnership Program.
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League COVID-19
Virtual Roundtable Conference Calls
This call is for City/Village Officials,
including mgrs./adm. & Staff Only
Tuesday, June 23 - 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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If you haven't already - Share this!
"We're All In" Small Business Grants Application Closes June 23!
Funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the
"We’re All In"
Small Business Grant Program will provide $2,500 grants to 30,000 Wisconsin small businesses to assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages and inventory. The application is only open through June 23.
Details of the program are
here
. Click
here
to share this opportunity from the League's Facebook page to your own or your municipality's Facebook page.
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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
[email protected]
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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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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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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”. We would like to encourage you to share this information with your membership at your earliest convenience. Details
here
.
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,
[email protected]
, Managing Director of the Program.
Join us! MAKE MUSIC WISCONSIN GOING VIRTUAL THIS YEAR
organizers and musicians statewide have developed new, creative, social distanced ways
for anyone and everyone to participate in the annual global celebration on Sunday, June 21. Brought to you by Make Music Wisconsin in partnership with Arts Wisconsin and the League. Go to
www.makemusicwi.org
for more information
Held annually on June 21, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in over
1,000 cities across 120 countries
. The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. Make Music Day is presented by the NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the non-profit Make Music Alliance.
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You don't want to miss!
The League's Local Gov 101
June 29
- 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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Customizable signs for your City or Village Hall
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Thanks to Mary Zimmerman,
Communications Manager,
City of River Falls
who made these resources available to all of us.
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Thanks to Michelle Tucker, Support Services Mgr.,
Village of Germantown
for making this available to everyone!
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Customizable signs that are also useful for your local businesses
(or your own use.)
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Thanks to Leslie Flynn, Communications Coordinator,
City of Oak Creek
for creating these and providing them for everyone's use.
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Revised League Handbook for Wisconsin Police and Fire Commissioners
These completely revised League Police and Fire Commission Handbooks have been flying off the shelves. If you have a Police and Fire Commission in your community, you will want at least one of these and maybe even one for each Commissioner.
You can order all League Handbooks
here
.
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Rural Arts Forum
Arts Wisconsin, The Wisconsin Arts Board and others
June 19 - 9:00- noon
(YES - TODAY!)
The Rural Arts Forum is a chance to put our heads together, pick each other’s brains, and move our state towards transformative development and repair. Times like these require people and businesses to redesign programs, services, and strategies in a way that is nimble, flexible, and innovative.
Join us as we work together to move WI’s rural communities towards recovery, revitalization, and lasting resilience!
First-Time Home Buyer Webinar
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
June 20 - 1:00 p.m.
All WHEDA webinars, including an archived webinar on rental management during Covid-19, are
here
.
Instagram
by Facebook
June 22, 2020 - 3:00-4:00PM RSVP
HERE
June 30, 2020 - 2:00-3:00PM RSVP
HERE
Across the country, public figures, political movements and politicians are finding new ways to reach large new audiences on Instagram through photos, videos, stories and messages. Join us to learn how you can showcase the passion that drives your policies and the personality behind the politics.
FEMA Public Assistance Training Webinars
For the week of June 22-26
The week's schedule is
here
(PDF)
Facebook 101
by Facebook
June 23, 2020
Time: 11:00-12:00PM CST
Learn about the latest tools, products and resources that you can use to connect and engage with your community, constituents and followers.
RSVP
HERE
League COVID-19
Virtual Roundtable Conference Calls
This call is for City/Village Officials,
including mgrs./adm. & Staff Only
Tuesday, June 23 - 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Or Dial 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 943 2945 2289
Password: 990365
A Carbon Neutral Future for Cities: The Way Forward After COVID-19
Wednesday, June 24, 1:00 PM CST
National League of Cities
Join elected leaders from sister cities Ann Arbor, USA, County Durham, UK, and Tuebingen, Germany as they discuss their efforts to advance climate action and achieve a just transition to carbon neutrality. This webinar will feature short presentations from each of the communities, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.
Register
here
.
Keeping Families Housed: How Cities Can Help Renters Navigate the Eviction Cliff
National League of Cities
Thursday, June 25, 11:00 PM CST - Webinar
With COVID-19 forcing millions of Americans into unemployment and temporary eviction moratoria about to expire as emergency orders end, renter households are in jeopardy of evictions. This webinar will highlight how two different regions of the country are taking preventative action to help residents prepare for the eviction cliff and avoid housing displacement.
Register
here
.
Addressing Historic Inequities through Police Reform
by National Civic League
Thu, June 25, 2020 - 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT
Join us to learn about recent reforms police departments have been implementing to address equity and improve public safety and build trust. Register
here
League Local Government 101 Webinar is June 26 - Register today!
June 26 9:00-4:00 Webinar
September 11 - 9:00-4:00 Waupaca
The League’s 1-day workshop provides a basic framework for governing to both new city and village officials and those who want to brush up on their knowledge of local governance.
You’ll learn about city and village powers including municipal home rule, hear about how to recognize and avoid conflicts of interest, go home with a quick tutorial on municipal budgeting as well as how to run a meeting and finish with an overview on managing public works projects. In addition, you’ll have that age-old question answered: “what is a walking quorum anyway?”
The June 26 one-day workshop will be provided as a webinar.
Participants who opt for the webinar version have the option to
take the course all in one day or mix and match the four different modules
during any of our offered webinar dates over a 12 month period following their registration. (Additional webinars may be scheduled.) In addition to the online training, participants will have the option of receiving a hard copy workbook or a USB version.
The cost of the webinar program is $70 per person.
Details and Registration
Avoiding Common Mistakes
July 8 - 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. Breakfast and lunch are included.
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
Budgeting for Public Works
Transportation Information Center. Online
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
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
SAVE THE DATE for the League's Chief Executives Workshop
August 25, 26, 27 - 11:30 - 1:30 each day - Webinar
We'll be providing three engaging webinars. Each will include a panel discussion, time for questions and a roundtable.
Details to be announced soon!
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
June 24 & July 8 Leading Teams Across Silos: The Advanced Skill of Boundary Spanning
July 9 New! Teaching Live Online: Keys to Virtual Classroom Instruction
July 16 Strengths Discovery: Coach Yourself to Success
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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Black Lives Matter Communications
"At
Mueller Communications, we recognize that persistent and systemic racism is a deep wound in our country and our community. We believe we can use our voices, our influence, and our power to empower those who have been oppressed for decades, in our beloved Milwaukee and beyond. At Mueller, we encourage our team members to be engaged and informed on issues of racial injustice. As part of this effort, we started to compile and will continue to update and refine
a list of resources
designed to educate and inform on the issue of systemic racism. This list is far from exhaustive. Help us expand it by sharing your suggested resources; just reply to this email.
It is featured in the resources we've compiled, but we want to call out FUEL Milwaukee's discussion
Experiencing Racism: A Candid Conversation
, featuring our own Sorrina Beecher. You can watch video of the discussion
here"
(Mueller Communications is based in Milwaukee.)
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.
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
.
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The June 2020 League's
The Municipality
magazine
is focused on New Officials and includes articles on leadership, dealing with "The Outlier" on your governing body, additional costs associated with the pandemic, important legal distinctions that make governing different from running a business and much more.
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Wisconsin Historical Society Webinars
Conversations About Immigration
Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service
Tuesday, June 30 - 7-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 14 - 7-8:30 p.m.
Community members are invited to the final two events in our Public Issues Series on immigration. Because of COVID-19, the event, which had been scheduled for March 30, will now be presented as a free, online event on these two dates
.
Registration
EV 101 & Testimonials Webinar
Wed, Jul 8, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & RENEW Wisconsin for the EV 101 & Testimonials Webinar! This online event is the first in the Wisconsin Virtual Electric Vehicle Series presented in partnership with RENEW Wisconsin & Wisconsin Clean Cities. Hear from industry experts including Wisconsin Clean Cities Executive Director Lorrie Lisek and RENEW Wisconsin Program Manager Jane McCurry on the latest in EV trends and opportunities for personal vehicle ownership. Then hear firsthand from Wisconsin electric vehicle owners about their experiences as they show off their rides in our virtual vehicle testimonials. Save travel time and reduce emissions by attending this event online! The virtual event is free, but registration is required.
Details and registration
ONGOING
Two Bald Guys
Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS)
Interviews by Eric Giordano, WIPPS executive director, and Dave Anderson, WIPPS senior fellow with interesting guests.
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Funding
by date & many ongoing
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FEMA Public Assistance Training Webinars
For the week of June 22-26
The week's schedule is
here
(PDF)
Housing, Hazards and Health Grant Opportunity
National League of Cities
Thursday, June 25, 2:00 PM CST - Webinar
Local leaders can take action against environmental hazards that may worsen the impact of the coronavirus by helping ensure that homes in their communities are free of toxic substances, especially lead and those that trigger respiratory diseases. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help. Learn more about their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program from HUD Lead and Healthy Homes Program Division Director, Yolanda Brown.
Register
here
USDA Rural Development
is making grants available to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Application Deadline: July 13, 2020 via
Grants.gov
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.
CREATING SAFE WORKSPACES IN A COVID-19 WORLD
Cartegraph
On-Demand Webinar
7 CONCERNS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS
As doors reopen, organizations across the country are asking two big questions: how can we accommodate health and safety guidelines in our buildings and where do we begin? During this on-demand webinar, explore the top 7 space planning and facility operations concerns and uncover tips and tools to help you prep for success. Watch the
webinar
now to:
- Better prepare your facilities, campuses, and office buildings for the new normal.
- Leverage location-centric facility data to maintain social distancing, and protect staff and visitors.
- Learn how to inventory supplies, coordinate disinfection tasks, and track costs.
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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www.lwm-info.org
SUBSCRIBE to the League’s Legislative Bulletin, Capitol Buzz and E-Newsletter – sign up
here
.
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