County Officials Discuss UW Extension's Role in Economic Development Meeting

The Marathon County Extension, Education & Economic Development Committee meeting on August 7, 2025, focused on the potential role of the University of Wisconsin Extension in enhancing local economic development efforts. A key discussion point was the upcoming meeting between committee members and representatives from UW Extension to explore the services they can provide in this area.

Committee members expressed interest in understanding what specific economic development resources and programs UW Extension could offer. The goal is to determine if these services align with the county's needs and priorities. The partnership between the state and county through UW Extension was highlighted as a valuable opportunity, provided that the available services meet the committee's expectations.

However, challenges were noted regarding funding. The committee acknowledged that there are no additional funds available for reallocating resources to support new initiatives. Current financial commitments, such as those related to the library and maintenance for the UW Marathon County campus, limit the ability to expand funding for economic development programs.

The discussion also touched on existing educational resources, including agricultural and horticultural educators, as well as 4-H programs, which are currently funded. The committee plans to review the outcomes of the upcoming meeting with UW Extension to assess the feasibility of integrating their services into the county's economic development strategy.

In conclusion, the committee is poised to explore collaborative opportunities with UW Extension while navigating the constraints of existing budgets. The next steps will involve evaluating the proposed services and determining their potential impact on local economic growth.