December 2014 SWWRPC e-Newsletter
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From the Executive Director
Season's Greetings! The Commissioners and Staff of your Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission wish you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and successful 2015. We hope that you enjoy this e-newsletter and reading about some of the work we have been doing. In addition to important economic development and community development work, the planning department, under the management of Troy Maggied, has been working with our many community partners on our "Grow Southwest Wisconsin: A Plan for Resiliency" initiative. This effort continues to build on the work that our communities have been doing for the past decade to reach a shared vision - a prosperous region that offers economic opportunity to our residents and protects our resources for future generations. It is terrific work and I commend the women and men involved in this important project for their commitment to this beautiful region of ours. Enjoy the read!
Health, Success and Happiness to you and yours in 2015!
Larry Ward, AICP
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Grow Southwest Wisconsin: A Plan for Regional Resiliency
After three years of dedicated work and great input from the communities of southwestern Wisconsin, we are excited to unveil the final planning document for the Grow Southwest Wisconsin project. This 20-year vision for regional resiliency is built on the input of hundreds of community members and professionals from our 5-county region and provides a vision for the future of our region. While the goals and vision of this plan are supported by actionable strategies that will be implemented in the coming years, implementation has already begun in the projects outlined below.
The Grow Southwest Wisconsin plan can be accessed here. For more information, contact Troy Maggied at 608-342-1636 or [email protected].
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Sinsinawa Mound Strategic Plan for Land Resources
In 2013, SWWRPC was fortunate to work with the Sinsinawa Dominicans in the role of facilitator for their land-based strategic planning initiative. With substantial land and physical facilities, and a strong social justice mission, the Sinsinawa Dominicans set out to identify how they could put these resources to use for those most in need in their local community. This plan is the basis for new projects and initiatives that are currently being explored, and which will be developed in partnership with local organizations and community members starting in 2015.
The Strategic Plan for Sinsinawa Mound Land Resources can be accessed here. For more information,
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Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Housing Study
The Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Housing Study analyses critical housing issues in southwestern Wisconsin and identifies its strengths and weaknesses through historic trends and projected demographic changes. The Study describes the current situation related to housing markets, home ownership, and affordability challenges. Nationally, changing demographics are shaping the housing market for years to come. Southwestern Wisconsin communities must realize the local demographic shift to prepare and accommodate for these changing housing markets. The emerging assisted housing, rental housing, more low- to moderate-income housing, and multi-family homes. Each county and municipality will experience different housing needs, which will determine new policies and programs offered.
The Regional Housing Study can be accessed here. For more information, contact Troy Maggied at 608- 342-1636 or [email protected].
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Fair Housing and Equity Assessment
The Fair Housing and Equity Assessment (FHEA) is an analysis of disadvantaged populations and their access to housing and opportunity in Southwestern Wisconsin. This assessment specifically examines issues concerning racial inequality as well as the disenfranchised populations unique to the region, such as the elderly and those in poverty. As a part of Grow Southwest Wisconsin, the FHEA informed the ongoing planning mission of SWWRPC as well as other community organizations and project partners. The Fair Housing and Equity Assessment can be accessed here. For more information, contact Troy Maggied at 608-342-1636 or [email protected].
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Strategic Plan for Haseltine Hills and Neighborhood Association Implementation Plan
SWWRPC partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services of Southwestern Wisconsin to facilitate and provide technical assistance to a new neighborhood association in Richland Center. This new neighborhood association, the Haseltine Hills Alliance, faced a variety of challenges in their community.
With the assistance of SWWRPC and NHSSW, the Association was able to organize and recruit their neighbors to improve their community. The Strategic Plan for Haseltine Hills is a document that captures the organizational process used in Haseltine Hills, guidance for how the organization can continue to work in their community, and a framework for repeating their success in other communities. The Neighborhood Association Regional Implementation Plan (NARIP) provides data, strategies, and recommendations for where and how to establish new neighborhood associations.
The Strategic Plan can be accessed here. The Implementation Plan can be accessed here. For more information, contact Troy Maggied at 608-342-1636 or [email protected].
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Our Partners
Health in Practice/Richland FIT
Health in Practice just released a report on how to build better health at the local level. This report highlights local health initiative, Richland Fit and their work made possible through a Transform Wisconsin grant. View the report and watch an informational video here. Learn more about Richland FIT here. Driftless Area Land ConservancyDriftless Area Land Conservancy released their Winter newsletter. Read the newsletter here. This edition features the Land Conservancy's ongoing conservation efforts as well as nature activities for families.
My Wisconsin Woods
In this edition of the My Wisconsin Woods newsletter, readers can gain information on firewood including strategies for gathering, burning, and safety tips. View the newsletter here.
Southwest Badger RC&D
See SW Badger RC&D's latest newsletter for information on fighting invasive species in Southwestern Wisconsin.
Southwest Community Action Program
Congratulations to SWCAP! SWCAP received a $25,000 USDA Local Food Promotion Program planning grant to partner with the Village of Mt. Horeb for researching the potential for developing a food enterprise facility in the Village. SWCAP does not normally work in Dane County but will be working together with the Village on identifying farmers and growers of food products in the Southwest Wisconsin region whose products will be processed in Mt. Horeb.
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SWWRPC's Mission
The Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission collaborates with communities and organizations to build capacity within southwestern Wisconsin, serving as advocates for its residents. We create opportunities and develop dynamic solutions to the challenges facing the region. We foster growth by supporting innovative endeavors that provide tangible benefits to those we serve. We believe in the bold vision of southwestern Wisconsin and work to build the region's future.
To learn more about us visit our website at
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