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A new report from Forward Analytics, “Rethinking Revenues: A National Perspective on Funding Counties,” highlights some of the fiscal challenges faced by Wisconsin’s 72 counties due to a long-term shift in state spending priorities, state budget cuts, strict property tax limits, and few local revenue options — challenges that remain despite an influx of federal assistance. Join #LocalGovMatters co-hosts, WCA Executive Director Mark O’Connell and WCA Communications Consultant Michelle Gormican Thompson, as they sit down with Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp as they discuss the new report and what it means for both Wisconsin and the nation. Resources Forward Analytics Report: “Rethinking Revenues: A National Perspective on Funding Counties”Capital Times Article: Report suggests Wisconsin counties need new revenue sources with drop in state aidForward Analytics Website Show Ideas?Contact #LocalGovMatters co-host Michelle Gormican Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association with show ideas. A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on June 7, 2021. The post #LocalGovMatters Episode 1: Forward Analytics Director Knapp Discusses “Rethinking Revenues: A National Perspective on Funding Counties” appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

In the latest Forward Analytics report, “The Rural Challenge: Depopulation and Its Economic Consequences,” it was reported that from 2010-2018, two thirds of rural counties in Wisconsin lost population. That percentage was up from 44% during 2000-10, and in rural counties across the nation, a similar pattern has emerged. Join us for this #LocalGovMatters 2.0 podcast, where we sit down with Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp to dive deeper into the issues both in Wisconsin and nationwide that are causing this decline. ResourcesForward Analytics Report: “The Rural Challenge: Depopulation and Its Economic Consequences”Forward Analytics Website Wisconsin Public Radio: Rob Mentzer and Dale Knapp Show Ideas?Contact #LocalGovMatters hosts Michelle Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association or Gail Sumi of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities with show ideas. A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on February 17, 2020. The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 5: The Rural Challenge: Depopulation and Its Economic Consequences appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

Kristina Boardman of WisDOT with hosts Gail Sumi and Michelle Thompson (l-r) In accordance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, if you plan to fly within the United States, visit a military base or any other federal buildings, the Department of Homeland Security will require identification that is REAL ID compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport) beginning October 1, 2020. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these REAL ID compliant products. Join us for this #LocalGovMatters podcast as we sit down with Kristina Boardman, Administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and learn more about the history of REAL ID, why it is important and what citizens need to do to get their REAL ID by October 1, 2020.  We explore the history, the process, and chat about what documents you need to bring along to the DMV to get your REAL ID.  We also touch upon if the REAL ID is needed to vote. (Spoiler alert, you don’t need a REAL ID to participate at the polls!) This #LocalGovMatters podcast also takes a deep dive into the Wisconsin DMV. Trust us, it’s an interesting place to be, with 90 locations throughout Wisconsin in every county, with some counties having more than one location. The division collects approximately $850 million annually through its services for 4.2 million drivers, 600,000 ID card holders, and 5.7 million registered vehicles. There are so many things happening in person and even more online to keep Wisconsin moving. Resources: Wisconsin Department of Transportation REAL ID Documentation Requirements to Get Your REAL ID Transportation Safety Administration: REAL ID DMV Online Services Show Ideas?Contact #LocalGovMatters hosts Michelle Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association or Gail Sumi of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities with show ideas. A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on February 10, 2020. The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 4: Getting Your REAL ID with Guest Kristina Boardman appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

Join us for this episode of #LocalGovMatters, where we discuss “Revitalizing Wisconsin’s Downtowns” with Errin Welty, Downtown Development Program Manager with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). As our guest says, downtowns are not competing with the town next door anymore, they’re competing with a couch and Netflix. In our conversation with Errin, we learn that there are a lot of things that communities can do to be successful. From parklets to pop-up shops to yoga in the park with mimosas (yes, we are looking at you Mayville!), and from a community supported hotel, patio cafes, farmers markets and a mall conversion, Errin talks about public-private partnerships, government investment in public spaces and more that has made a difference across the state. Decline is not inevitable – especially if you are a community of “yes.” Is your community mentioned? If it is, share this episode! If not, and you have a story to share, let us know at our contact information below and we will share it with our listeners! Resources:Wisconsin Main StreetConnect CommunitiesWEDC Regional Economic Development Directors (By Region)Community Vitality & Placemaking TeamUW Extension First Impressions Program Show Ideas?Contact #LocalGovMatters hosts Michelle Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association or Gail Sumi of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities with show ideas. A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on January 27, 2020. The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 3: Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtowns appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

Join #LocalGovMatters as we sit down with Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Craig Thompson to discuss the Multimodal Supplement Grant Program (MLS), as well as take a 10,000 foot view of the state of transportation here in Wisconsin. We discuss the breadth of issues WisDOT handles every day, from the DMV to the State Patrol to ports. MLS BackgroundThe Wisconsin 2019-21 biennial budget provides $75 million to local and tribal governments in one-time general purpose revenue funding (GPR). The funds are available through the Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) program and may be used for multimodal transportation projects on the local system. The program pays up to 90% of total eligible costs with local governments providing a minimum of 10% cost share. According to WisDOT, $1.4 billion in applications came in earlier this month, with 1,596 applications being reviewed and the recipients are expected to be announced in February. ResourcesWisDOTReal ID: How to ApplyAmtrak Hiawatha Line Show Ideas?Contact #LocalGovMatters hosts Michelle Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association or Gail Sumi of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities with show ideas. A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for all sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 2: WisDOT Secretary Thompson Discusses the MLS Grant Program appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

It’s a new year and an election year at that….Join Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark O’Connell and League of Wisconsin Municipalities Executive Director Jerry Deschane as they have a lively conversation with co-hosts Michelle Thompson and Gail Sumi about what lies ahead in 2020 on the legislative front in this inaugural episode of LocalGovMatters 2.0.  Episode Notes  Predictions about what the Legislature will or won’t do, whether rankings are really the right measure for anything, water quality and transportation funding are all part of the conversation. Add in the backdrop of an election year and you have a fascinating look at the next 12 months. Learn More Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality Tax Burden Rankings   Hanna will become executive director of Local Government Institute after leaving office in April  Community Radio Stations  A special thanks to our community radio stations for their support of LocalGovMatters and their commitment to bringing our podcast to their listeners around the state. Oshkosh  Rice Lake  Sun Prairie  Waupaca   Your Hosts  Wisconsin Counties Association  League of Wisconsin Municipalities   The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Episode 1: The Year Ahead with Mark O'Connell & Jerry Deschane appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.

Michelle, Gail and Sound Editor Jackie Johnson trying for the elusive perfect selfie in the studio. LocalGovMatters, the podcast about all things local government, is launching with new episodes in 2020. Brought to you in partnership by the Wisconsin Counties Association and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, LocalGovMatters 2.0 will provide the background, the stories and even some inside baseball on the local impact of state legislation and how local government works. Listen to this short introduction and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Ideas for Topics and Feedback for LocalGovMatters? Contact Michelle Thompson, Wisconsin Counties Association via email or Gail Sumi, League of Wisconsin Municipalities via email. The post #LocalGovMatters 2.0 Launches! appeared first on #LocalGovMatters 2.0.