Advocacy

Inventory and affordability are hot topics in St. Croix County as it relates to housing. Having a wide variety of housing which includes metrics such as size, cost (for renting or buying), and location, are crucial to talent and business attraction for the county. SCEDC is championing a housing study with an estimated completion date of Q1 2025.

SCEDC participates in numerous workforce initiatives including direct programming to businesses, actively participating in continuing education opportunities on the topic and more.

Melissa Meschke is a Community Ambassador for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Look Forward Wisconsin initiative. This program puts prospective Wisconsin residents to the West Central Wisconsin region directly in contact with Community Ambassadors across the state.

Melissa Meschke also was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment. The Council meets quarterly to discuss how employers can better anticipate labor needs, contribute to the development of a highly skilled labor force and seek strategies that will benefit rural and urban municipalities in Wisconsin. Term 2024-2028.

Childcare is essential to foster workforce development. Affordability and access continue to be an issue for working families here in St. Croix County. SCEDC is actively engaged in creative conversations as it relates to childcare.

SCEDC keeps tabs on legislation and builds relationships with local, regional and statewide representatives. Once a year, SCEDC joins representatives from across the St. Croix Valley for the annual St. Croix Valley Legislative Days trip down to Madison. The group discusses a handful of important initiatives for the Valley with Wisconsin representatives each year.