Filter: Downtown Development

As we look ahead to the new year, we’re also looking back on the completion of one of Wisconsin’s most successful small business development initiatives—the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program.

Main Street Bounceback Grants helped many of Wisconsin’s small brewers keep their footing, emerge from the crisis, and tap into success.

The Dodge County community of Mayville is leveraging the power of partnership to engineer a compelling remake of its downtown, an effort that earned a prestigious placemaking award from the Mid-America Economic Development Council.

Having properties officially listed as historic can afford local, state, and federal protections and incentives for their maintenance, repair, renovation, or restoration.

Determining what your event will be is just the beginning. There are many other factors to consider, such as the image you want to create for your event, how to publicize it, and how to gauge its impact.

As we wrap up our 35th year of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, we felt inspired to look back on some of the downtown redevelopment successes from that time period.

First impressions are important, and the face of your downtown has a huge impact on perceptions. If a district looks well cared for and active, people see it as vibrant and prosperous, encouraging customers to shop and businesses to invest.

Waukesha and West Bend are prime examples of the way communities can combine various economic development tools to multiply the impact on downtown redevelopment.

Your organization’s website is like a front door. Make it inviting and easy to use, and people will come inside and look around. Neglect it and, chances are, they’ll cruise along to the next place.

Historic buildings may need to meet building codes similar to those required in new construction when a change of occupancy occurs, or when substantial renovations are planned.

Providing a safe and comfortable place to walk increases the likelihood that downtown residents and visitors will explore more of the district and patronize new businesses.

Wisconsin cooperatives, serving very different industries, hope to put their members on a trajectory for success, with the help of grants from WEDC.