MadREP Report | June 8, 2021
The MadREP Board of Directors recently took the rare step of adopting two resolutions supporting increased State investment in Wisconsin workforce development through our state university system and our technical college system. In its history, the MadREP Board has taken a formal position on just four issues. Three of those related to workforce development and one addressed transportation. We encourage all Wisconsinites to contact your representatives and let them know you support investment in education because the quality of our workforce will determine how quickly we bounce back from the recent recession.

As for the ongoing pandemic, while we're encouraged by Wisconsin's vaccine rollout, we would be remiss if we didn't remind you how important our individual behavior is on the road to economic recovery. Please take care of yourselves. For the latest reopening and recovery resources, be sure to check the MadREP website often.
MadREP & CARPC Secure EDA Investment for Madison Region
The organizations will support redevelopment and revitalization in the Madison Region to address the economic development needs of communities adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) & Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) today announced a $200,000 initiative to support the Region’s economic recovery.

This EDA investment, a $160,000 award, supports the Madison Region Economic Partnership and Capital Area Regional Planning Commission with developing the region's Pandemic Recovery Sector Strategy. The work also supports Advance Now 2.0, the Madison Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which calls for the expansion of the regional planning commission in the region.

“We’re very excited to receive this CARES Act funding and looking forward towards the next round of federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),” said MadREP President & CEO Jason M. Fields.

The project will identify, document and map potential sites for key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, biosciences, and healthcare.

Larry Palm, Executive Chair of CARPC, said “this is a great opportunity for CARPC to work with MadREP on a regional approach to pandemic recovery. It’s important to take an integrated approach to pandemic recovery, looking at economic development along with housing, land use and transportation. CARPC brings this broad perspective, along with community partnerships, to this project.”

Once implemented, the strategy will ensure the Region recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with a clear vision for economic growth based on growing clusters and an action plan that builds the region’s resiliency.

The CARES Act provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

“MadREP really is the ‘one stop shop’ for communities in our Region,” added Fields. “We are currently building partnerships to help the Region move the needle on broadband, housing, and access to capital. Communities seeking these ARPA funds need to be actively preparing strategies and ‘shovel-ready’ projects and we’re here to support them.”


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MadREP Partner Spotlight
Support from partners like these make our work possible. Want to get involved? Email jmoore@madisonregion.org