Week of September 6, 2016
Watch: nEXT Generation Video Update with Chancellor Sandeen & Mark O'Connell

WCA Executive Director Mark O'Connell sat down recently with University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen for a video update on the nEXT Generation project.

Watch the Chancellor Sandeen/Mark O'Connell video here.

Other Resoures:
Just Fix It: Turnout for Transportation

For the first time in history there will be a Statewide Town Hall Event on Transportation Funding held in over 70 counties across Wisconsin. In this unprecedented event, on September 29th at 7 p.m., county, city, town, and village officials will gather in their area to have their voices heard. 

The meeting, held at a location near you, will focus on critical projects in each region and bring attention to the need for the state to find a sustainable solution to Wisconsin's transportation issues. 

For more information about this statewide event or details about your county in particular, call the Highway Commissioner in your county or email Chelsea Fibert.

For an update on the Just Fix It campaign click here.
Idle Sites Program: Apply Now

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) invites all Wisconsin counties and other government entities to apply for the Idle Sites Redevelopment Program. The program, created in 2013, provides grants of up to $500,000 to those seeking to revitalize and develop large, vacant industrial and commercial sites. 

WEDC has awarded more than $10.8 million in grants to 15 projects throughout Wisconsin.

Application deadline is Tuesday, November 1. For more information about the program click here or contact Jason Scott.
Big Box Reduction: What Can Be Done?

"Big Box" retail stores went through an increasing phase during the 1980's and 1990's. However recently a number of these chains including Sears, Kmart, and Circuit City closed their doors. 

von Briesen & Roper gives an intriguing and informative retail real estate update on the possibilities that can come from an abandoned big box store. 

How Is Your Internet Access? 

The Wisconsin State Broadband Office has released a survey that allows residents and businesses the opportunity to voice their need for improved internet service. This survey is intended to help state policy makers understand the need for improved broadband in our state. 

Click here to take the Residential Survey

Click here to take the Business Survey 

The survey will remain open until November 23. If you are unable to access the website (maybe because of poor internet) call this toll free number: 1 (877) 360-2973. 

For more information about the survey click here.
Clean Sweep Grant: Apply Today!

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will offer a grant to help counties, cities, villages, and towns with the clean up of household hazardous and unwanted waste in their communities. 

In 2016, 53 counties, one village, one tribe, and one city benefitted from a clean sweep grant for hazardous waste. In addition, 30 counties, four cities, and five villages received funds for collecting and disposing of unwanted prescription drugs. 

Application materials for this grant are available on the DATCP website. Completed applications are due Friday, September 30 by 11:59 p.m. 
WCA Associate Members

The role and relationship of government with the private sector has changed in recent years. The creation of the WCA Associate Member Program is one more way WCA is reaching out to bring together the public and private sectors.

WCA Associate Members include:

AECOM
American Transmission Company, LLC
Baird
Discover Mediaworks 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Wipfli LLP

We encourage you to learn more about our WCA Associate Members by clicking here.  For more information about this program please contact WCA Marketing and Events Manager Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700.    
IN THIS ISSUE
nEXT Generation Video Update with Chancellor Sandeen & Mark O'Connell
Turnout for Transportation
Idle Sites Program: Apply Now!
Abandoned Big Box Possibilities
WI Broadband Survey
Clean Sweep Grant: Apply Today
WCA Associate Members
Still Time to Register for WCA Annual Conference!

The 2016 WCA Annual Conference & Marketplace is fast approaching September 25-27 in Milwaukee County. 

While online registration is now closed, you can still print off a copy of the registration form and mail or fax it to WCA.  You can also register on site in Milwaukee County. 

Print the manual registration form here.

See all the latest information for the 2016 WCA Annual Conference including updates, this year's agenda and all other news on the Conference page of the WCA website here. 

For questions contact WCA Marketing and Events Manager Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700.  
Plan to Attend Wisconsin Women in County Government
Breakfast at WCA Annual Conference! 

While at WCA's annual conference, on Monday, September 26, don't forget to attend the Wisconsin Women in County Government
breakfast. Three guest speakers will touch on the importance of women in government, political ambition, and why more women don't run for office. 

Click for detailed information about the forum.
Save the Date! 

On Tuesday December 6 UW Extension will be hosting "Statewide Broadband Boot Camp: Pathways to Action," a day full of interactive
networking and conversation about moving talk to action on broadband in each area of Wisconsin. 

For more details about the event click here.
Follow WCA On Social Media!  

To stay updated on the latest WCA news, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@wiscounties).