SMALL COMMUNITY FORUMS 2023

Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.

The twelfth annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, bringing people together to address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.

These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.

Dates/locations:

  • Taylor County | October 11, 2023, 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    Gilman High School, 325 N. Fifth Ave. Gilman
    REGISTER HERE

  • Monroe County | November 1, 2023, 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    Scenic Bluffs Health Center, 200 W. North St., Norwalk
    REGISTER HERE

  • Washington County (TBA)

  • Marathon County (TBA)

Forums agenda (subject to change):

  • 7:30 am – registrations/coffee and rolls

  • 8 am – welcome and introductions

  • 8:45 am – Local Case Studies: Stories and examples of the good work going on in the community

  • 10 am – Wisconsin by the Numbers: data and stories on economic, workforce, and civic issues facing Wisconsin

  • 10:45 am – Roundtable Discussions

  • 11:45 am - wrap up

  • 12 noon – lunch with colleagues and resource leaders

Statewide organization and agency partners:

  • Create Wisconsin

  • League of Wisconsin Municipalities

  • UW-Madison, Division of Extension

  • USDA Rural Development Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin Downtown Action Council

  • WEDC Office of Rural Prosperity

  • WEDC Wisconsin Main Street Program

  • Wisconsin Rural Partners.

    Register here.