Economic Development District
In March 1980, the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission was designated as an Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This designation allows WCWRPC to receive EDA funding to conduct economic development activities throughout the region. As part of this function, staff annually updates the Comprehensive Economic DevelopmentStrategy (CEDS). This document analyzes the “state of the region” and recommends programs and projects to improve the economic development of the region.
The 2020 CEDS Update is available for download below, along with the 2021 and 2022 CEDS Annual Reports.
Funding from EDA is also used to assist municipalities in project consultation, preparing grant applications, and administering awarded contracts. Over the past 30 years, WCWRPC has helped its partners leverage over $17 million in EDA funding, resulting in the creation of an estimated 7,700 jobs and securing private investment of over $200 million.
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For current economic snapshots of counties in the region, see the latest Lightcast (labor market analytics) reports prepared by WCWRPC staff. Click the links below to download reports for Quarter 4 of 2022.
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The contact for this service area is:
Craig Johnson
Associate Planner
Tel:715-836-2918 Ext. 21
E-mail: cjohnson@wcwrpc.org
Economic Development Video Series
WCWRPC is excited to announce the release of a new informational video series, which highlights four tools commonly used in economic development in the West Central Wisconsin region. The videos explain what the tools are, ways in which they are used, and how they can help accelerate development efforts in your community. These videos will provide powerful insights into how the tools can help bring the visions you have for your community into reality.
Below is a summary of each video with direct links to view them at the end of each description. The videos can also be accessed at the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission YouTube Channel.
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Volunteerism & Community Champions – This informational video was developed as a resource to help nurture volunteerism to build healthy, active and vibrant communities in West Central Wisconsin. There are several examples provided, along with five key strategy areas to help focus your efforts as you work to build your own successful volunteer program. Click Here to Watch
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Downtown Revitalization: Tackling Deteriorating Buildings – Serves as a resource for communities to understand the importance of maintaining downtown buildings to promote and sustain community economic development goals and strategies. A vibrant, connected downtown with a strong sense of place not only fosters community pride and is an important gathering place, but it can also be a destination that attracts visitors and additional investment to the community. Click Here to Watch
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Federal & State Grants and Loans for Infrastructure Projects – Cities, villages and towns across West Central Wisconsin frequently carry out infrastructure projects for those communities to be places where people want to live, work and play. These projects are important to allow communities to meet their economic development goals, but often, funds from outside sources are necessary to help pay for project costs. This video provides information about several programs to assist with infrastructure funding in your community. Click Here to Watch
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Tax Increment Financing: A Case Study of TIF at Work - Provides an overview of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) using an actual case study in the City of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Through this video communities can enhance their understanding of the purpose and use of TIF to nurture their own development. Click Here to Watch
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For more information on WCWRPC’s Economic Development Video Series, please contact us at (715) 836-2918 or wcwrpc@wcwrpc.org.
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This video series was funded, in part, by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA).