Magnetic Communities

Does your municipality attract or repel? That’s the funny thing about magnets; they can do either one. One pole of a magnet attracts, while the other pole repels. There’s no middle ground, your municipality is growing or shrinking. Either you’re drawing in new residents, businesses, ideas and energy, or pushing them down the road. The League’s Winter Chief Executives Workshop will present you with fresh ideas for becoming a Magnetic Municipality; one that draws in new ideas, new people and new energy. Join us for three ninety-minute webinars March 22-24, 2022, as we explore:

• Welcoming strategies that make your community stand out and draw in both workers and citizens,
• Tactics for solving the daycare dilemma, and
• Tapping a once-in-a-generation trove of grant resources.

We’ve invited some of Wisconsin’s most creative local leaders, consultants, and agency experts to provide the latest ideas and to answer your questions.

Registration fee:  $50.00

Register online with your credit card

Register online and request an invoice

Tuesday, March 22                  12:00-1:30pm 
Magnetic Communities: Attracting Workers & Families
In this moderated panel discussion you will hear from municipal leaders talking about what they are doing to attract and retain people, workers, families, and employers to their communities. The discussion will include diversity, equity, and inclusion action steps their cities have taken to ensure that all people feel welcome as well as city efforts to create more workforce housing. The panelists will also discuss any steps their communities are taking to recruit applicants for municipal job openings.

Speakers:   
City Administrator Jim Archambo, Wauwatosa
Mayor Karen Mischel, Viroqua
Mayor Steve Genisot, Marinette  

Wednesday, March 23            12:00-1:30pm 
Magnetic Communities: Tactics for Solving the Daycare Dilemma
Quality childcare is expensive, the spots are coveted, and families are running out of options. In this moderated panel you will learn about the challenges faced by small communities in creating and maintaining quality childcare options and some creative solutions from our innovative panelists who recognize that one of the keys to becoming a magnetic community is allowing families to flourish. Presentation (pdf)

Speakers: 
Mayor Mary Motiff, Washburn
Mayor Emily McFarland, Watertown
Mayor Ryan Sorenson, Sheboygan
Mayor Anissa Welch, Milton

Thursday, March 24                12:00-1:30pm 
Magnetic Communities: Using Grants to Transform Your Community
This moderated panel discussion will explore new once-in-a-generation option for state and federal grants that can be used to enhance and transform your community. Learn how one community created a shared grant writing position and learn from experts about successful grant strategies.

Speakers:
Greg Grohman, City of Waupaca/Waupaca Chamber of Commerce Presentation (pdf) 
Jeff Stone, Vice President, Kapur & Associates Presentation (pdf)
Kristin Peterson, Business & Cooperative Programs Specialist, WI State Office, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Presentation (pdf)

Bonus! The League's April The Municipality is focused on grants. Read it here. (PDF)