The State of Historic Preservation Today
Today across Wisconsin, we see tiny rural villages, small quaint towns, and larger cities all with thriving downtowns. Even the smallest of our communities have murals, public art, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, breweries, wineries, boutiques, B&Bs and more. Read More
WEDC grants power downtown development, community investment
CDI Grants provide up to $250,000, or 25% of eligible project costs, for construction, renovation and other physical improvements for projects that incorporate a commercial element. Read More
Building stronger communities through brownfield redevelopment
Communities may experience many environmental, social and economic benefits from brownfield redevelopment by removing health hazards, removing blight through renovating abandoned buildings and removal of derelict structures, and preserving historical landmarks. Read More
Eventful: Tips and trends help power downtown event planning
The COVID-19 pandemic foisted many dizzying changes on locally owned businesses, including temporary and permanent closures, changing entrepreneur demographics, labor market shifts and a switch to online sales. One benefit of coordinating a long-standing program such as Wisconsin Main Street (celebrating its 35th year in 2022) is the ability to explore trends over time. Read More
Tapping into trends in downtown entrepreneurship
The COVID-19 pandemic foisted many dizzying changes on locally owned businesses, including temporary and permanent closures, changing entrepreneur demographics, labor market shifts and a switch to online sales. One benefit of coordinating a long-standing program such as Wisconsin Main Street (celebrating its 35th year in 2022) is the ability to explore trends over time. Read More
Fighting cabin fever by creating winter fun downtown
Wisconsin winters can seem long, dark and cold. The temptation is strong to hunker down and wait it out. But just because the days are short and frigid, there’s no reason your customers need to be prisoners in their own homes. You can ward off cabin fever by uncovering the fun side of winter right in your own downtown. Read More
Financial incentives for code improvements
Just like any vehicle, all buildings—whether they are residential or commercial, new or existing—require regular maintenance. Read More
Three types of funding your organization may be missing out on
Community organizations are adept at being creative when it comes to doing more with less. By leveraging their extensive network of partners, Main Street and Connect Communities organizations can attract in-kind support to cover many expenses while programs and events generate revenue and attract sponsor dollars to help achieve the mission. Read More
Best practices, resources help wipe out contaminants to keep buildings safe
The potential for contaminants in the buildings where we live and work has always been a concern, whether it’s mold in our walls or foundations, lead in our paint or drinking water or asbestos in our insulation or floor tiles. This concern has become even more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of us have been working from home and spending more time indoors. Read More
Improving building codes for Main Street
Many common building renovations in our Main Street communities have become too complicated and expensive for property owners to tackle—in no small part because of the past 100 years of layered building codes. Read More
Reports evaluate community events, unlock improvements
An enormous amount of planning and effort goes into staging a successful community event, and the Wisconsin Main Street staff is available to help evaluate an event’s effectiveness and point the way toward improvements. Read More
Entrepreneur perspectives
Wisconsin Main Street hosted its first Downtown Pitch Contest in June, inviting entrepreneurs from more than 100 Main Street and Connect Communities districts to share ideas for business concepts or expansions to meet the needs of local customers, enhance their district, and support and sustain local businesses. Read More