This panel conversation explores the range of economic development mechanisms including Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs), Tax Increment Districts (TIDs), Opportunity Zones (OZs), and more. Hear directly from practitioners — municipal leader and developer representative — on how these tools work in the real world, what it takes to get them off the ground, and where communities are finding success.

Innovation Grants exist to help municipalities take smart risks and try new things — but how do you actually make one happen? This session features leaders from Milwaukee Metro Fire sharing the full arc of their Innovation Grant experience: how they built the case internally, got their council on board and managed the rollout. The goal is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that gives other communities the confidence and practical know-how to pursue grant opportunities of their own.

Housing pressure isn't uniform across Wisconsin — supply gaps, affordability challenges, and development barriers play out differently depending on where you sit. This session offers a region-by-region look at the forces shaping housing across the state, with analysis on what's driving current conditions and what local leaders can realistically do about it. An essential grounding for the case consultancy discussion that follows.