Efforts to give new life to the Oconto Falls business district are getting a boost from the state of Wisconsin.
City Administrator Peter Wills announced Oct. 25 that the city of Oconto Falls will participate in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)’s Connect Communities Program, an initiative that works with communities to advance downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization efforts.
Oconto Falls is one of two new communities joining the program in the fall of 2024. The other is Downtown Green Bay, bringing the total number of Connect Communities participating to 96.
Launched in 2013, the Connect Communities Program provides access to tools, resources, and training to help communities pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts. In the past decade, participating communities have reported adding more than 870 net new businesses and more than 3,300 jobs, as well as $3.9 billion in private investment.
“Strong, thriving communities are what makes Wisconsin a great place for people to live, work, grow, and do business,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, in the news release making the announcement.
Mayor Clint Braun said the partnership with WEDC will help foster growth in the community.
“Our Main Street needs to hit the rewind button on decades of neglect and take the steps necessary to move toward a future of vibrant prosperity,” Braun said. “We’re excited to take yet another step in the right direction to bring our once-pulsing downtown Oconto Falls back to life.”
Hughes said Connect Communities gives the city access to a variety of program services, including:
• An online networking and discussion group to get new ideas from staff and other participating Connect Communities.
• Main Street workshops focused on popular downtown revitalization topics.
• An on-site visit from a member of WEDC’s community development staff to assist in identifying needs and helping develop a plan to achieve local goals.
• Training for the downtown director or program lead, board president, or municipal staff.
• Roundtable discussion groups, quarterly webinars and regional training sessions on pertinent topics.
• WEDC’s online downtown development library of resources and toolkits.
• Invitation to the annual Main Street Awards program, plus eligibility to nominate a project for a Connect Communities award.
• Businesses in participating districts are also eligible to access matching loan dollars through the Kiva crowdlending platform, have access to a statewide historic façade design library, and can apply for annual makeover and place-makeover contests.
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