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Waupaca hires New Day Planning LLC for $25,000 study of Highway 10 corridor
Summary
Council approved a $25,000 contract with New Day Planning LLC to study land-use and economic feasibility for the Highway 10/County A corridor; consultant Trisha Braun will conduct stakeholder interviews and deliver a summary with recommendations within a three-month window.
The Waupaca Common Council voted to contract with New Day Planning LLC for up to $25,000 to study land use and economic development opportunities along the Highway 10 and County A corridor.
City Administrator Aaron Jensen explained the study’s origin, linking it to a recent rezoning request and the city’s future land‑use map. Jensen said the city’s existing comprehensive plan — last updated in 2020 — does not envision heavy industrial (I‑2) zoning in the corridor and that the study will take a deeper look at feasibility before the council considers any future changes to the land‑use map.
Trisha Braun, principal of New Day Planning LLC, outlined her experience and the proposed approach. "It would start immediately," Braun said, and she estimated the work product would be delivered in 90 days if stakeholder meetings and interviews proceed on schedule. Braun said the deliverable will include a summary of stakeholder conversations, findings, and high‑level recommendations about industries and site suitability.
Finance staff said funding is available from savings related to a vacant community and economic development director position; staff reported a surplus of roughly $50,000 from that vacancy and said the $25,000 cost is budgeted in 2025 without drawing on reserves.
Councilmember Paul Hagen moved to approve the contract; Corey Nagel seconded. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with nine ayes.
Council members asked for clarity on deliverables, timeline and whether Braun’s assistance would be available after the initial product; Braun responded that she expects to be available for follow‑up. Staff said the study is intended as a phase‑one effort to inform potential zoning or annexation choices and to help the city respond to development inquiries more effectively.
The study will examine market feasibility, interview regional and national site‑selection contacts, and recommend next steps for the corridor; the city will pay reimbursable travel expenses in addition to the $25,000 contract if incurred.
