WEDA & WDAC Academy on Downtowns 101 will be held on June 25, 2026 in Downtown Fond du Lac!
WEDA & WDAC Academy: Downtowns 101
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | 2:00 – 5:00pm (optional session at 1:00-2:00)
Join the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) and Wisconsin Downtown Action Council (WDAC) for an in-person Academy focused on the fundamentals of successful downtown organizations and revitalization efforts. Participants will explore how Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Main Street programs, and other downtown organizations are structured, funded, and operated while learning about partnerships, community engagement, and revitalization strategies. The program includes presentations from local leaders and a guided tour of Downtown Fond du Lac highlighting redevelopment projects, placemaking initiatives, success stories, and lessons learned. This interactive session is designed for economic developers, downtown professionals, municipal leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders interested in strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts.
OPTIONAL SESSION 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Downtowns 101: BIDs, Main Streets & Organizational Structures – WEDA, WDAC, and WEDC
2:00 PM – Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
Kristen Fish Peterson, WDAC, Melissa Hunt, WEDA
- Welcome and Academy overview
- Participant introductions
- Overview of Downtown Fond du Lac
2:10 PM – Downtown Fond du Lac: Organization, Partnerships & Funding (20 minutes)
- Organizational structure
- Relationship with the City, Economic Development and other community partners
- Funding sources and sustainability
- Staffing model and board structure
- Current priorities and initiatives
2:30 PM – Successes, Challenges & Lessons Learned (20 minutes)
- Recent downtown projects and investments
- Business recruitment and retention efforts
- Events, placemaking, and community engagement
- Challenges encountered and lessons learned
- What’s next for Downtown Fond du Lac
3:00 PM – Downtown Walking Tour (Approximately 90 minutes)
Featured stops may include:
- Redevelopment and infill projects
- Historic preservation efforts
- Public spaces and placemaking investments
- Business success stories
- Future opportunity sites
4:30 PM – Tour Debrief & Group Discussion (10 minutes)
- Key takeaways
- Questions and discussion
- Resources and next steps
4:40 PM – Networking Gathering
Participants are invited to continue conversations at a local downtown establishment.
Food and beverages available for purchase individually.
5:00 PM – Program Concludes
Free for WEDA & WDAC Members, $99 for non-members
Registration is free for WEDA and WDAC members – just use the code: WDAC26