Reviving Wisconsin’s Downtowns
In 1982, a small group of business, professional and community leaders formed the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council to address the serious problems plaguing the state’s downtowns. Once the hub and heart of their communities, by the early 1980’s Wisconsin downtowns were deteriorating. Commercial districts, no longer the center of commerce, were becoming wastelands of vacant stores and shabby buildings.
Dedicated individuals organized workshops and seminars, where state and national experts advised communities on how to market, manage and revitalize their downtowns. WDAC was instrumental in spearheading legislation to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), one important factor in Wisconsin’s success stories: today there are more than 80 BIDs in Wisconsin, managing and rebuilding downtowns.
Along with state legislators, WDAC was also a key player in the development of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, an initiative providing technical assistance to downtowns. This is one of the most successful state programs in the country, currently assisting more than thirty communities.
WDAC is also an avid supporter of the Smart Growth initiative. Effective and sensible community planning can lead to revitalization of downtown areas.
Board of Directors
Just like the membership, The WDAC Board of Directors consists of business, professional and community leaders with a desire to make a difference in their local as well as the communities throughout the state. Their backgrounds vary, but they share the belief that vibrant downtowns are critical to the economic sustainability and overall attractiveness of communities as places to live, work, visit and connect.
President Kristen Fish-Peterson, Redevelopment Resources
For the past 16 years, Redevelopment Resources has provided communities, organizations and developers with analysis, strategy and implementation support for projects and programs that make an impact on the local economy. Kristen has led the company with a passion for sharing expertise with clients, and seeing the changes that can occur as a result of her team’s work. She hopes to pay it forward through service to the organization and membership of WDAC.
Vice President Shauna El-Amin, Downtown Beloit
Shauna loves working with Downtown Beloit and is excited to bring her experience to work with downtowns statewide through the WDAC. Her experience includes working with the City of Beloit’s Economic Development department as well as working closely with the local Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Treasurer, Jeff Fortin, City of Waukesha
Jeff’s work includes extensive work in the downtown including implementing the Central City Master plan, streetscape improvements, downtown branding, marketing/social media, special events, business outreach, and managing the City’s downtown grants and loan programs. He also works on Comprehensive Planning, redevelopment projects, and Tax Incremental Finance districts throughout the City. He enjoys working on such a diverse mix of job duties, all of which are helping strengthen Downtown Waukesha.
Secretary Mary McPhetridge, Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Sharing the same vision as WDAC, Mary happily rejoined the WDAC Board. She is bringing her skills and experience with Summit organization and negotiation, listening, teamwork, leadership, and her willingness to work. Mary is looking forward to continuing to learn and share resources with other members and colleagues.
Board Member At-Large Mary D’Amico, Downtown Sun Prairie
Board Member At-Large Bob Duffy, City of Oconomowoc
Board Member At Large Stefanie Broere, Watertown Main Street
Stefanie works to promote economic vitality, preserve historic character, and create meaningful experiences in downtown Watertown. She has a deep passion for downtowns and believes they are the heart of a community. Stefanie is committed to helping downtown districts thrive by fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and learning from experienced downtown managers and community advocates across Wisconsin. Through her involvement with the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, she hopes to both contribute to and benefit from a network dedicated to strengthening the places we call home.
Board Member At Large Jordan Nordby, Main Street Monroe
With a Masters of Public Policy degree, Jordan advocates for small businesses in downtown Monroe, connecting government with the private sector for the past 10 years as the director of Monroe’s Main Street program, which is nationally accredited. His experience includes BID operations, creation of the city’s first Redevelopment Authority, and historic preservation. He is especially passionate about engaging citizens and community groups to create pragmatic and sustainable growth.
Past-President Jeff Sachse, Rawley Point Economic Advising
Two Rivers native Jeff Sachse is an enthusiastic advocate for Manitowoc County economic development and beyond. Sachse uses his expertise to transform conversation into action to make our communities and state different and better.
Advisory Board
Melissa Hunt, WEDA
With 20 years of experience in economic development, Melissa is thrilled to serve as WEDA’s newest President & CEO, continuing her commitment to strengthening Wisconsin’s economic landscape. Melissa has worked at every level of local government, from downtown/BID districts to towns, villages, cities, and counties, as well as at the state level with WEDC and in the private sector. Most recently, at Ayres Associates, she led planning and economic development efforts across the Midwest while contributing to projects nationwide. Melissa fully embraces the state’s rich culinary and cultural traditions, especially cheese curds.
Anne Katz, Create Wisconsin
Anne is the first executive director of Create Wisconsin (formerly Arts Wisconsin), a nonprofit statewide community arts action and development organization whose mission is to nurture, serve, promote, and speak up for the arts in Wisconsin and all of its communities. Anne advocates for and builds partnerships in the public and private sectors for the arts and creative industries on the local level.
Adriana Humbert, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) fosters the cooperation necessary to support sustainable business growth and job creation. Adriana is committed to the WEDC goal of leveraging Wisconsin’s unique character as a state that is innovative, hardworking, independent and success-minded to create the right climate that maximizes the potential for economic growth in Wisconsin.
Melissa Kono, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Melissa Kono is an Associate Professor with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the Community Resource Development Educator in Clark and Trempealeau Counties. Melissa is passionate about rural development, particularly downtown development and revitalization in small towns and provides technical assistance to local tourism and community development groups including work on Sales Tax Effects on County Tourism and Creating a Downtown Inventory.