Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives is an annual recognition program sponsored by Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. The program seeks to uncover and share the great things happening in rural Wisconsin through a process of open nomination, review by a panel of judges from diverse backgrounds, and a public awards ceremony.

This is the twenty-sixth year that WRP has recognized Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives.  “The program is designed to identify, highlight, and share innovative models, practices, and programs that have a positive impact on rural Wisconsin communities,” said Sandy Decker, WRP past-president.  “WRP created the program to provide a mechanism for rural communities to learn from each other and we are pleased to report that many of the award winners are still actively operating to benefit our rural communities.”

Over the past 25 years, more than 174 initiatives have been recognized and profiled for community leaders to learn from. Nominations consist of a 700-word-or-less essay describing an initiative’s background, innovation, spirit of partnership, impact, and potential use as a model for other rural Wisconsin communities.

This annual recognition initiative program is sponsored by Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. This is open to all rural areas of Wisconsin.

What is "rural"? There are many definitions, but generally an area with a population under 10,000 that is not adjacent to an urban center is considered rural.

What are we looking for?  All types of projects!  Past award winners have been recognized with projects in:

​Agriculture, community development, business, education, health, energy, the environment, philanthropy, Tourism, community resiliency

What makes a winning nomination? Strong partnerships, Collaborative decision‐making, Widespread and long‐term positive impact, Innovation

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 pm on February 23, 2024. Winners will be announced at the Wisconsin Rural Partners Annual Rural Summit in May 2024. Nomination and more information www.wiruralpartners.org/TRDI/

About Wisconsin Rural Partners Wisconsin Rural Partners is the state’s federally-designated rural development council.  Committed to improving the quality of life in rural Wisconsin, WRP is a non-partisan forum for identifying, discussing, and addressing rural issues.  Through collaborations with a wide array of partners, including local, county, state, tribal, and federal governments, as well as for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and rural citizens, WRP fosters and promotes locally-based solutions to rural needs and issues. 

Additional information about Wisconsin Rural Partners and the Top Rural Development Initiatives can be found at www.wiruralpartners.org. 

###

Contact:  Megan Purtell, telephone - (608) 358-8458; email – wisruralpartners@gmail.com