Profiles of Best Practices (For an Adobe Acrobat version of this profile, click here!) Economic and Community Development Through an Industrial Park Community, County Village of Athens , Marathon County Area of Project Impact Village of Athens , Marathon County Population Affected 1,100 |
Situation
The Village of Athens is a minor hub in part of Marathon County , located about 25 miles from any other village or city. The community identifies a few economic concerns. First, the community lacks sufficient local employment opportunities, causing many residents to commute long distances. Second, the community expressed a concern about how lack of employment opportunities and lack of educational opportunities in the nearby area seemed to be a major factor in why many of the Village's younger residents were moving away from Athens . Third, the community needed to increase its tax base.
Economic Development Strategies
Based on economic problems and community concerns, the Community Development Authority decided to focus on building an industrial park and maximizing its locational advantages in order to attract new businesses while also developing adequate infrastructure for economic development ("doing it right the first time" rather than having to upgrade frequently).
Implementation
The Athens Village Community Development Authority (CDA) was formed about seven years ago to help facilitate a project between Athens Industrial, LLC and the Village, which involved the development of a 110 acres industrial park equipped with a cell and water tower that required the village to annex land and designate that land as a TIF district. The creation of the CDA helped to build Athens ' community economic development capacity. Today, the CDA communicates with Athens Industrial, LLC and also coordinates with the Athens Area Development Corporation, which has broadened their efforts. The CDA also takes advantage of the resources available through the Marathon County Development Corporation (MCDEVCO). Throughout its efforts, the CDA considers the community as well as economic development in the industrial park.
In addition to the development of economic resources, the industrial park project has also resulted in unexpected community and economic development. The park has encouraged Village officials to invest in public infrastructure in order to attract new businesses while also benefiting the community. In the course of this infrastructure investment, it was discovered through a needs assessment that the community water system needed to be updated to adequately service village residents now and into the future-particularly if any village expansion were to occur. This awareness resulted in a water system upgrade for the entire village. Through this process of economic and community development, Village officials came to recognize that they could improve the quality of life Athens offers by improving service, which also helped to lower resident and industry insurance rates.
Ultimately, the industrial park has been a catalyst for continued economic and community development in Athens . It has increased communication between stakeholders, facilitated the development of long-term strategies and built awareness that economic benefits are connected to community development. Through the development of this industrial park, everyone wins-there are new businesses, jobs, better public services, a lower tax base and an overall higher quality of life in the Village.
Partners and Leadership
A private group of investors (Athens Industrial, LLC), the Village of Athens , the Athens Village Community Development Authority (CDA), and the Marathon County Development Corporation (MCDEVCO) have been involved in economic development efforts related to the industrial park as well as related community development efforts.
Outcomes
The industrial park project has reaped multiple economic and community benefits. It has spurred the development of community capacity for economic development while also allowing two businesses to relocate to improve efficiency. It has attracted one new business, and it has facilitated a water system upgrade for the entire village. In also promises continued economic development now that a private group (Athens Industrial, LLC) has invested in a spec building in the park, which will likely lead to additional community benefits.
Contact
Lisa Czech, Village Clerk
athensclerk@charterinternet.com
web address: www.athenswis.com
