Making Your Plan Happen
Implementing Your Economic Development Element

The Wisconsin statutes describe the “Economic Development” element as a compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps, and programs to promote the stabilization, retention or expansion, of the economic base and quality employment opportunities, including an analysis of the labor force and economic base. Among other things, this element must evaluate and promote the use of environmentally contaminated sites for commercial or industrial uses. The element shall also identify applicable county, regional, and state economic development programs.

This page provides access to programs related to the “Economic Development” element. You will find links to information about DNR programs, sample plans and model ordinances, and related resources.

Please choose a topic from the drop-down list below for resources related to the "Economic Development" element of your comprehensive plan

Brownfields Publications and Forms

1. Brownfield Basics: Tools for Cleaning Up and Redeveloping Contaminated Properties [105K, .pdf file]
   This brochure describes what brownfields are, what financial assistance is available to clean up and redevelop brownfields, what technical assistance is available from DNR staff, and more.
2. Brownfield Basics for Local Governments [103K, .pdf file]
   This brochure describes tools, financing, assistance, and publications available to local governments as they clean up and redevelop brownfields.
3. Brownfields and Comprehensive Planning [106K, .pdf file]
   This brochure describes how brownfields fit into comprehensive planning and lists evaluation and promotion tools available to the public.

• Smart Growth Is Smart Business: Boosting the Bottom Line & Community Prosperity [.PDF file; Exit DNR]
  Developed by the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals and the Smart Growth Leadership Institute.
• Profiles of Business Leadership on Smart Growth: New Partnerships Demonstrate the Economic Benefits of Reducing Sprawl [Exit DNR]
  Produced by the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals, this report describes the American business community’s emerging recognition of the costs and impacts of sprawl; barriers to business leadership on smart growth; strategies for overcoming these barriers; and initial actions that businesses can take to promote livable communities.
• Best Development Practices: A Primer for Smart Growth [.PDF file; Exit DNR]
  From the International City/County Management Association and Smart Growth Network, this report was written primarily for the development community, government planners, and public officials. It sets forth broad principles upon which to base comprehensive plans and land development regulations, benchmarks against which to judge development proposals, and ample justification for good development practices that may have been advocated all along by knowledgeable officials.
• Strategies for Successful Infill Development [Exit DNR]
  Produced by the Congress for the New Urbanism and Northeast Midwest Institute.