Economic Outlook Event – Executive Summary & 2026+ Project Wish List

The Economic Outlook event convened community leaders, employers, and stakeholders to discuss Sauk Prairie’s future and identify priorities that will strengthen economic vitality, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. Conversations consistently centered on the need to retain and attract residents across generations, ensure housing affordability and choice, support an aging population, and foster a community environment that encourages entrepreneurship, workforce participation, and local pride. Participants emphasized that continued collaboration, proactive planning, and intentional investment will be critical as Sauk Prairie navigates growth, demographic shifts, and economic change over the next five to ten years.

A unifying theme across tables was the importance of creating a community where people can live, work, age, and thrive locally. This includes aligning housing, workforce development, healthcare, recreation, and business growth strategies to keep young people in the area, support seniors in aging in place, and maintain Sauk Prairie’s strong sense of community identity. The following wish list reflects participant-generated ideas intended to spark discussion and inform potential economic development projects for 2026 and beyond.

Community & Workforce Retention

• Create and attract family-supporting jobs to keep young people in Sauk Prairie
• Strengthen community pride as a driver of retention and attraction
• Expand immigration-welcoming initiatives to support workforce growth
• Increase financial literacy programming, including instruction in schools
• Support workforce development tied to healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades

Housing: Supply, Affordability & Choice

• Expand affordable housing options, including homes under $400,000
• Increase entry-level and small-footprint housing for young adults
• Develop incentives for downsizing and senior-friendly housing transitions
• Address rental affordability and housing type diversity
• Create a written, community-wide housing plan to guide development

Aging, Elder Care & Quality of Life

• Expand senior housing, assisted living, and elder care availability
• Support aging-in-place services and elder-friendly community amenities
• Explore adult daycare and senior activity programming
• Increase access to affordable recreation, movement, and social connection
• Address social isolation and technology support for older adults
• Strengthen the healthcare workforce through wage and cost-structure strategies

Business, Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth

• Encourage sustainable manufacturing growth
• Support new business models that integrate childcare or family services
• Expand entrepreneurial support and consultation for struggling or emerging businesses
• Increase retail and dining diversity to keep spending local
• Develop year-round indoor recreation, play, and sports training facilities

Community Amenities, Recreation & Attraction

• Expand parks, trails, and outdoor recreation, including ATV trail development
• Enhance riverfront development and community gateways
• Increase activities and amenities for children, families, and seniors
• Explore community-building events and traditions

Agriculture, Regional Collaboration & Infrastructure

• Highlight agriculture’s economic impact on the Sauk Prairie area
• Deepen regional and countywide partnerships and collaboration
• Align chamber and community investments with infrastructure and economic priorities
• Explore policy and program reforms that improve housing and service access

Looking Ahead

These ideas represent a starting point for the Economic Development Committee to refine, prioritize, and translate into actionable projects. The wish list is intentionally broad to encourage creativity, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative thinking as Sauk Prairie plans for 2026 and beyond. Let us know how your organization can help create solutions.

Tywana German
Executive Director
executivedirector@saukprairie.com