University of Wisconsin - Extension

The Wisconsin Downtown Action Council (WDAC) recently released a paper explaining their position on smart growth and the opportunity for downtowns to be recognized in local comprehensive planning efforts.

"The Wisconsin Downtown Action Council is a statewide membership organization that supports the physical, economic and social revitalization and management of downtown areas throughout Wisconsin," explains WDAC President Andrew Janke. "We view downtown as a critical component in smart growth comprehensive planning and a viable smart growth option. We believe that effective and sensible planning can lead to revitalization of downtown areas."

WDAC works to accomplish the following:

• Champion downtown as a key component of smart growth.
• Provide a toolbox for local and regional comprehensive planning and help communities develop the component of a quality downtown plan.
• Illuminate the benefits of downtown to developers.
• Work to identify and remove barriers to downtown development.
• Coordinate efforts with other organizations that promote smart growth and recognize its relationship to downtown.

"WDAC will accomplish these by serving its members, the public, downtown organizations, governmental leaders, planners, consultants and private developers through education, advocacy and alliance," adds Janke. "Specific strategies under consideration include coordination of panel discussions, recognizing communities that undertake downtown planning efforts; and developing a web-based listing of financial and technical resources to assist in local comprehensive planning efforts.?

WDAC also is considering a number of legislative initiatives in support of downtown revitalization. They are focused on removing barriers to downtown development and encouraging planning efforts that support downtowns and smart growth practices.

WDAC worked with University of Wisconsin-Extension specialists Chuck Law, planning and design specialist, and Bill Ryan, business development specialist, to develop their position on the issue of smart growth. In addition, WDAC and UW-Extension work in partnership to create the annual BID ETN series moderated by Law. WDAC also provides the funding that allows Law to track the status of BIDS across the state. The two organizations also work closely to plan the annual Governor's Conference on Downtown Revitalization.

For more information about WDAC, contact Andrew Janke at 608-365-0150.