North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Providing Economic Development, Geographic Information Systems, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Use Planning and Transportation Assistance since 1973
Adams County is a county located in central Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,654. The county seat is Friendship. The county was created in 1848 and is named after the second President of the United States, John Adams. Adams County is known for its rolling hills and scenic views. It is also home to the Big Roche-A-Cri State Park, which features a large rock formation and hiking trails. The county is mostly rural, with agriculture being the main industry.
An assessment of economic development activities of the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission over the last decade and the past year. The report’s seven sections describe the CEDS Committee, Past Year’s Activities, the Physical Region, Changes in the Region’s Population, changes in the Region’s Economy, a Regional Development Strategy, and an Economic Development Work Plan. Also included is a list of potential public works projects. This CEDS process maintains the Region’s eligibility as an Economic Development District (EDD) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The District consists of ten counties. These counties are Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood. However, Portage, and Wood Counties do not fully participate in the EDD – only some local communities with these two Counties participate.
Over the years, the demands on the regional planning commission (RPCs) have changed. These changes, however, have not altered the basic advisory role of the commissions. The original and traditional role of the commissions was to plan for the physical development of the areas they served. This involved planning issues, such as land use, transportation, natural resources, and water and sewer services. While this function has continued to be important, technical assistance in such areas as economic development, grant and loan services, and local government management.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribe of North Central Wisconsin has proposed the establishment of a Workforce Training & Business Development Center (Center). This project has been identified as critical for the long-term economic development growth of both Lac du Flambeau tribal members and area non-tribal members. The Center would be located in the reservation business park.
Specifically, the project aims to:
• Train area unemployed and underemployed for high demand high wage positions, and
• Stimulate new business formation and expansion, and
• Expand the overall economic strength of the area.
An assessment of economic development activities of the Marathon County urbanized communities. These municipalities are the Village of Kronenwetter, the Village of Marathon City, the Town of Rib Mountain, the Village of Rothschild, the City of Schofield, the City of Wausau, and the Village of Weston.
An assessment of economic development activities of the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission over the last decade and the past year. The report’s seven sections describe the CEDS Committee, Past Year’s Activities, the Physical Region, Changes in the Region’s Population, changes in the Region’s Economy, a Regional Development Strategy, and an Economic Development Work Plan. Also included is a list of potential public works projects. This CEDS process maintains the Region’s eligibility as an Economic Development District (EDD) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The District consists of ten counties. These counties are Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood. However, Portage, and Wood Counties do not fully participate in the EDD – only some local communities with these two Counties participate.
County leaders are aware of the need for a strategic comprehensive plan addressing economic development. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the economic context by presenting an economic history of the county and an overview of previous planning processes on the local, regional, and state levels.
An assessment of economic development activities of the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission over the last decade and the past year. The report’s seven sections describe the CEDS Committee, Past Year’s Activities, the Physical Region, Changes in the Region’s Population, changes in the Region’s Economy, a Regional Development Strategy, and an Economic Development Work Plan. Also included is a list of potential public works projects. This CEDS process maintains the Region’s eligibility as an Economic Development District (EDD) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The District consists of ten counties. These counties are Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood. However, Portage, and Wood Counties do not fully participate in the EDD – only some local communities with these two Counties participate.
The Economic Development Assessment Report is one of four reports prepared as part of the overall Regional Livability Plan effort undertaken by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Each of the Assessment Reports focuses on the foundational topics of Housing, Economic Development, Transportation and Land Use. These four reports along with demographic data will form the basis for the overall Regional Livability Plan in North Central
Wisconsin.
This Assessment Report examines economic development on a regional scale. The business and employment mix, in part, defines the Region. Economic Development is an important component of any planning effort, be it at the local or regional level. Economic Development is a crucial component of livability and impacted by the housing, transportation, and land use of the Region. In addition to explaining the current population, education, and employment
conditions in the Region, this report will also observe projections for the future. Further, this report will study the Region’s economic strengths and weaknesses in the context of industry trends and emerging industry clusters.
An assessment of economic development activities of the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission over the last decade and the past year. The report’s seven sections describe the CEDS Committee, Past Year’s Activities, the Physical Region, Changes in the Region’s Population, changes in the Region’s Economy, a Regional Development Strategy, and an Economic Development Work Plan. Also included is a list of potential public works projects. This CEDS process maintains the Region’s eligibility as an Economic Development District (EDD) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The District consists of ten counties. These counties are Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood. However, Portage, and Wood Counties do not fully participate in the EDD – only some local communities with these two Counties participate.
