County economic development update highlights housing visions, manufacturing lead and downtown rebuild

Adam, economic development staff, gave the committee a multi-part update on housing, business retention and downtown revitalization in Dunn County.

On housing, Adam said the village of Wheeler completed a housing vision that will be codified and used to guide development. He reported that the Town of Menomonie recently joined the Development Friendly Municipalities program and that Menomonie’s comprehensive plan update could incorporate that housing vision. Adam said a local owner, Mark Walzkug, is proposing an executive-level housing development on Menomonie’s southeast side, though he noted political obstacles remain and the project is under local review.

Adam described an active business expansion prospect—a local manufacturer seeking to build in the Menomonie area—and said staff assembled parcel options, preliminary development agreement terms and potential tax-increment financing and state incentives to support a site selection decision. He said the city previewed the opportunity in a closed session and that Menomonie is among several communities under consideration.

Downtown revitalization updates included Lumberjack’s Bakehouse’s purchase of a fire-damaged building formerly housing Mood Boutique, with renovation plans under discussion. Adam said a small business development grant round opens March 16 focused on startups under two years in operation and invited potential applicants to contact his office.

He also previewed an Industry Partnership Showcase planned for May—led by Leadership Menomonie and Indian Head Enterprises—to reconnect employers with vocational and workforce resources.

Committee members asked for materials and follow-up; Adam said he would provide project documentation and keep the committee informed as negotiations and development discussions progress.