Communities of every size are facing mounting housing shortages—from overall supply constraints to the lack of affordable options. This session explores practical strategies for expanding housing availability through the experiences of a mid-sized Wisconsin city (La Crosse) and a small Minnesota community (Wabasha).
As data center development expands across Wisconsin and the Midwest, communities are increasingly being approached by developers seeking land, electricity, and water. While these projects can bring significant investment, they also raise complex questions related to zoning, infrastructure capacity, public finance, and environmental impacts.
An Innovative Cities Lecture Local events play a powerful role in strengthening city economies, generating activity from day trips to overnight stays. This session highlights how two Wisconsin communities attract visitors, host more than 80 events annually, and measure both …
An Innovative Cities Lecture The Milwaukee Priority One Transportation Initiative is a bold, collaborative effort to improve regional mobility, connect workers to jobs, and ensure equitable access to opportunity across Milwaukee. This initiative prioritizes innovative transit solutions—such as on-demand workforce …
An Innovative Cities Lecture Explore how public marketplaces—from farmers markets to food halls, and many more in between, provide social, economic, and health benefits; they are so much more than just a market. Learn about the evolving ecosystem of market …
An Innovative Cities Lecture Creating vibrant and engaging communities helps communities recruit and retain residents, supports public gathering places in the heart of our communities, and fosters community connections. Learn about the WEDC Vibrant Communities grant and how projects create …
An Innovative Cities Lecture Columbus and Milwaukee are illustrating how innovative transit solutions can strengthen regional connectivity, expand access to opportunity, and serve as models for communities nationwide. Since 1992, MobiliSE has championed innovative ways to connect Southeast Wisconsin through …
The Innovative Cities Lecture Series Presentation by Mike Amsden, City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Multimodal Transportation Manager, and James Hannig, Community Planning Manager with Michael Baker International. Lecture Summary Both Milwaukee and Detroit have enacted Complete Streets policies …
The Innovative Cities Lecture Series “Renewable Energy and Clean Transportation for Sustainable Cities” presentation by Jodi Amble, Deputy Director of RENEW Wisconsin, and Ben Behlke, Clean Energy Manager for RENEW Wisconsin. Lecture Summary Renew Wisconsin has been advocating for clean energy …
“Community Engaged Art” presentation by Deshea Agee, Vice President of Emem Group, and Nathan Mattimoe, Art in Public Places Director for The Arts Commission in Toledo, OH. Lecture Summary Learn how the leaders in Toledo, Ohio, and the Bronzeville District in …
