Wisconsin Economic Development Academy Update: Kathy Heady, Academy Manger

I enjoyed seeing many of you at the Academy Financing Workforce Housing Program and Governor’s Conference in February.  As you all know, the world has changed significantly since that time.  As economic development professionals, you are on the front lines, helping local businesses and their employees and assisting struggling communities.  You will have a large role to play in helping Wisconsin recover from this unprecedented pandemic. Wisconsin is fortunate to have such a strong contingent of dedicated professionals.

At this time, WEDA is moving forward cautiously with our 2020 Academy programming as previously scheduled, but we are prepared reschedule as necessary. Also, where there is an opportunity, we will work to include information in Academy programming that incorporates COVID – 19 recovery topics. Please visit the Academy website to view the dates and topics. We will update the website if we need to make any changes to the schedule. 

Workforce Housing Series – On April 28 from 1:30-3:00 p.m., the Academy will hold its third session in a series of four programs on workforce housing.  The webinar, Spurring Single Family Residential Investment – Tools for Your Market, will introduce tools and techniques that communities can use to encourage more affordable single-family residential investment options and to assist their residents in attaining home ownership. Presenters for this exciting session include Kurt R. Muchow, Principal, Vierbicher Associates Inc. who has over 40 years of experience at Vierbicher serving as a Community Development Consultant to Wisconsin municipalities; and Nicole Solheim, Executive Director, Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, who has extensive experience in real estate, affordable housing, and community development. 

The Workforce Housing Series will wrap-up on June 3 in Appleton with Workforce Housing: Identifying Local Needs, Municipal Tools and Zoning Practices.  Additional program details for this session will be available soon.  Registration is open for both programs.

The Academy has an additional webinar planned this spring for May 20.   The session, Fiscal and Economic Impact Tools, will provide timely information on important tools available to assist you in your efforts to measure fiscal and economic impacts in your community.

Please stay safe and healthy.  I welcome your feedback and ideas at any time.  You can reach me at kheady@weda.org.