Town of Wausau Comprehensive Plan 2021

The Town of Wausau Comprehensive Plan identifies existing conditions in the Town as well as issues and concerns on a number of topics including future development, land use, ransportation, housing, and economic development. Goals and objectives have been developed relative to each of the required nine plan elements. For each of the goals and objectives, specific policies, strategies and/or actions are recommended to enable the community to achieve them. The Implementation Element at the end of this document compiles and prioritizes all the recommended action steps and identifies who is responsible for implementation. This plan is intended to guide Town decision makers on a variety of issues over the next ten years.

Dennis Lawrence, AICP

Dennis has worked with the NCWRPC since 1992 and became the Executive Director in 1997.  He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from UW-La Crosse and a master’s degree in urban planning from UW-Milwaukee.  He is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).   Dennis provides overall management to the organization and works in all areas of planning.

715-849-5510 ext. 304

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2021

The purpose of the CEDS is multifaceted. The CEDS is designed to provide baseline information on demographics and economic data, development of strategies, and identify potential projects within the Region. Preparation and adoption of the CEDS maintains both the Region’s EDD designation, but also maintains grant eligibility for those participating units of government. This CEDS process maintains the Region’s eligibility as an Economic Development District (EDD) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The District consists of ten counties. These counties are Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood.

NCWRPC 2021 Work Program

The NCWRPC prepares and adopts an Annual Work Plan. Every fall the NCWRPC develops its work program for the following year and adopts that plan in January. However, there is always room for more. Feel free to contact us if your community is thinking about a planning related project. Projects may fall under any of our five program areas of economic development, geographic information systems (mapping), intergovernmental cooperation, land use, and transportation. In addition to several on-going regional efforts related to economic development and transportation, staff typically helps with numerous local level projects, including comprehensive plans, outdoor recreation plans, grant applications, and more.

Staff is always available to answer a phone call, respond to an email, or attend a meeting any time during the year. Contact Dennis Lawrence at dlawrence@ncwrpc.org or (715) 849-5510, Extension 304, to discuss a possible project.

Land Use Planning – Comprehensive Planning

NCWRPC is responsible for the development of a regional comprehensive plan for the ten-county Region. The Regional Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2004, the first regional comprehensive plan in the state under the new planning law, and was last updated in 2015. The mid-plan review of that document will be developed in 2020. NCWRPC also prepares other regionally focused plans from time to time.

What Types of Plans can be Provided?

Comprehensive Plans
Specialized Land Use Plans
Park & Outdoor Recreation Plans
Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision Regulations
Sewer Service Area Planning
Wellhead Protection Planning
All Hazard Mitigation Plans
Farmland Preservation Plans
Land & Water Resource Management Plans
Downtown Development Plans
Capital Improvements Programming
Grant Applications for Federal/State Programs

Land Use Planning & Zoning:

The NCWRPC provides professional assistance in the areas of land use policy and management. The planning process is adapted to each community. GIS technology is used to create maps that aid in the visualization of plan outcomes. A range of zoning assistance is available from updating an existing ordinance to drafting a new ordinance tailored to your specific needs.

Community Technical Assistance:

NCWRPC Staff assists local units of government in identifying problems and developing viable solutions. Services can range from preparing a study or plan to securing financing for community projects or to drafting ordinances.

Grant Writing & Administration:

The NCWRPC provides assistance to member counties by both writing and administering various grants. Common grant applications include EDA, USDA, and Wisconsin Department of Commerce CDBG grants.

TitleLocationDatehf:categories
Town of Port Edwards Comprehensive Plan 2024November 27, 2024wood
Lincoln County All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2024October 25, 2024lincoln
Juneau County All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2024October 18, 2024juneau
Town of Wien Comprehensive Plan 2024October 10, 2024marathon
Adams County Housing Study 2024September 6, 2024adams
Wood County Comprehensive Plan and Housing Study 2024September 6, 2024wood
Portage County Comprehensive Plan 2024August 14, 2024portage
Town of Rietbrock Comprehensive Plan 2024July 19, 2024marathon
Langlade County Comprehensive Plan 2019July 10, 2024langlade
Oneida County Comprehensive Plan 2024June 17, 2024oneida
Forest County Comprehensive Plan 2024May 17, 2024forest
Mole Lake All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2024April 10, 2024forest
Village of Necedah Comprehensive Plan 2024March 15, 2024juneau
Town of Saratoga Comprehensive Plan 2023March 6, 2024wood
Town of Crescent Comprehensive Plan 2024March 6, 2024oneida
Vilas County Comprehensive Plan 2023November 14, 2023vilas
Town of Rolling Comprehensive Plan 2023October 10, 2023langlade
Juneau County Housing Assessment 2023September 14, 2023juneau
Town of Big Flats Comprehensive Plan 2023July 28, 2023adams
Town of Plum Lake Comprehensive Plan 2023July 6, 2023vilas
Town of Stella Comprehensive Plan 2022December 13, 2022oneida
Town of Eau Pleine Comprehensive Plan 2022June 14, 2022marathon
Town of Cassian Comprehensive Plan 2022June 13, 2022oneida
Town of Seneca Comprehensive Plan 2022May 1, 2022wood
Town of Clearfield Comprehensive Plan 2022May 1, 2022juneau
Village of Camp Douglas Comprehensive Plan 2022April 13, 2022juneau
Town of Bevent Comprehensive Plan 2022April 6, 2022marathon
Town of Monico Comprehensive Plan 2022April 4, 2022oneida
Town of Quincy Comprehensive Plan 2022March 1, 2022adams
Town of Easton Comprehensive Plan 2022February 21, 2022adams
Town of Conover Comprehensive Plan 2022February 10, 2022vilas
Town of Sigel Comprehensive Plan 2022February 2, 2022wood
Town of Newbold Comprehensive Plan 2021January 13, 2022oneida
Town of Wabeno Comprehensive Plan 2021October 1, 2021forest
City of Elroy Comprehensive Plan 2021September 14, 2021juneau
Town of Presque Isle Comprehensive Plan 2021September 1, 2021vilas
Town of Armenia Comprehensive Plan 2021April 14, 2021juneau
Town of St. Germain Comprehensive Plan 2021March 25, 2021vilas
Town of Winchester Comprehensive Plan 2021March 22, 2021vilas
Town of Wausau Comprehensive Plan 2021March 1, 2021marathon
NCWSC, , January 8, 2021affiliated multi-county regional
Town of Land O’ Lakes Comprehensive Plan 2020November 18, 2020vilas
Town of Lincoln Comprehensive Plan 2020November 1, 2020forest
City of New Lisbon Comprehensive Plan 2020October 19, 2020juneau
Town of Rib Mountain Comprehensive Plan 2020July 21, 2020marathon
Town of Elderon Comprehensive Plan 2021May 1, 2020marathon
Town of Phelps Comprehensive Plan 2019November 19, 2019vilas
Town of Pelican Comprehensive Plan 2019November 11, 2019oneida
Town of Washington Comprehensive Plan 2019November 4, 2019vilas
Town of Washington Comprehensive Plan 2019November 4, 2019vilas
Town of Polar Comprehensive Plan 2019October 17, 2019langlade
Town of Antigo Comprehensive Plan 2019September 1, 2019langlade
Town of Texas Comprehensive Plan 2019July 8, 2019marathon
Village of Maine Comprehensive Plan 2019May 15, 2019marathon
Village of Kronenwetter Comprehensive Plan 2019April 9, 2019marathon
Adams County Comprehensive Plan 2018January 15, 2019adams
Town of Frankfort Comprehensive Plan 2018October 1, 2018marathon
City of Antigo Comprehensive Plan 2018August 1, 2018langlade
Town of Cutler Comprehensive Plan 2018August 1, 2018juneau
Village of Hatley Comprehensive PlanMay 1, 2018marathon
Town of Adams Comprehensive Plan 2018May 1, 2018adams
Town of Cassel Comprehensive Plan 2018April 9, 2018marathon
Village of Friendship Comprehensive Plan 2018March 1, 2018adams
Juneau County Housing StudyFebruary 20, 2018juneau
Juneau County All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2018January 23, 2018juneau
Lincoln County All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2017December 19, 2017lincoln
Town of Hazelhurst Comprehensive Plan 2017December 1, 2017oneida
Village of Spencer Comprehensive Plan 2017November 1, 2017marathon
City of Tomahawk Comprehensive Plan 2017October 1, 2017lincoln
City of Adams Comprehensive Plan 2017September 1, 2017adams
Village of Stratford Comprehensive Plan 2017September 1, 2017marathon
Town of Lemonweir Comprehensive Plan 2017September 1, 2017juneau
Town of Ringle Comprehensive Plan 2017August 1, 2017marathon
Town of Marathon Comprehensive Plan 2017August 1, 2017marathon
Town of Richfield Comprehensive Plan 2017August 1, 2017adams
Town of Hiles Comprehensive Plan – Amended 2017June 29, 2017forest
Town of Mosinee Comprehensive Plan 2017June 1, 2017marathon
Village of Marathon City Comprehensive Plan 2017May 3, 2017marathon
Town of Germantown Comprehensive Plan 2017May 1, 2017juneau
City of Wausau Comprehensive Plan 2017April 11, 2017marathon
Town of Jackson Comprehensive Plan 2017April 1, 2017adams
City of Merrill Comprehensive Plan 2017March 1, 2017lincoln
Town of Preston Comprehensive Plan 2017March 1, 2017adams
Town of Spencer Comprehensive Plan 2017January 1, 2017marathon
City of Rhinelander Comprehensive Plan 2016November 1, 2016oneida
Town of Colburn Comprehensive Plan 2016November 1, 2016adams
Town of New Chester Comprehensive Plan 2016November 1, 2016adams
Village of White Lake Comprehensive Plan 2017September 26, 2016langlade
Town of Dell Prairie Comprehensive Plan 2016September 1, 2016adams
Village of Rothschild Comprehensive Plan 2016June 13, 2016marathon
Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016May 1, 2016adams
Mole Lake All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2016April 1, 2016forest
Marathon County Comprehensive Plan 2016February 16, 2016marathon
Marathon County Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary 2016February 16, 2016marathon
Village of Necedah Comprehensive Plan 2015October 1, 2015juneau
Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan 2012-2021January 1, 2015lincoln
Oneida County Comprehensive Plan 2013August 20, 2013oneida
Town of Big Flats Comprehensive Plan 2013August 1, 2013adams
City of Nekoosa Comprehensive Plan 2012December 11, 2012wood
Lincoln County All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update 2012February 21, 2012lincoln
Volk Field Hardwood Range Joint Land Use Study – 2011December 1, 2011juneau
City of Mosinee Downtown Development Plan – 2011September 1, 2011marathon
Town of Cloverland Comprehensive Plan 2011July 25, 2011vilas
Wisconsin Shoreland Zoning Revision NR 115 Guidebook – 2011, May 27, 2011regional statewide
Forest County Comprehensive Plan 2011May 1, 2011forest
Town of Laona Comprehensive Plan 2011April 1, 2011forest
Town of Woodruff Comprehensive Plan 2010September 16, 2010oneida
Big Flats/Monroe Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2010July 27, 2010adams
Town of Minocqua Comprehensive Plan 2010July 20, 2010oneida
Grand Rapids/Saratoga Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2010July 13, 2010wood
Town of Freedom Comprehensive Plan – 2010July 10, 2010forest
Town of Alvin Comprehensive Plan – 2010July 1, 2010forest
Town of Phelps Comprehensive Plan 2010June 9, 2010vilas
Town of Arbor Vitae Comprehensive Plan 2010May 1, 2010vilas
Town of Hiles Comprehensive Plan – 2010May 1, 2010forest
Town of Lincoln Comprehensive Plan – 2010April 12, 2010forest
Northeast Juneau County Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2010April 1, 2010juneau
Town of Armstrong Creek Comprehensive Plan – 2010April 1, 2010forest
Town of Argonne Comprehensive Plan – 2010March 1, 2010forest
Town of Wabeno Comprehensive Plan – 2010March 1, 2010forest
City of Crandon Comprehensive Plan – 2010January 1, 2010forest
City of Wisconsin Rapids Comprehensive Plan 2010January 1, 2010wood
Town of Land O’ Lakes Comprehensive Plan 2010January 1, 2010vilas
Town of Conover Comprehensive Plan 2010January 1, 2010vilas
Town of Monico Comprehensive Plan 2010January 1, 2010oneida
Town of Blackwell Comprehensive Plan – 2010January 1, 2010forest
Town of Wonewoc Plan 2009December 21, 2009juneau
Town of Neva Comprehensive Plan – 2009December 17, 2009juneau
Town of Elcho Comprehensive Plan – 2009December 16, 2009juneau
Langlade County Comprehensive Plan 2009December 15, 2009langlade
Village of Camp Douglas Comprehensive Plan 2009December 9, 2009juneau
City of New Lisbon Comprehensive Plan 2009December 1, 2009juneau
Town of New Plymouth Plan 2009November 1, 2009juneau
City of Elroy Comprehensive Plan 2009November 1, 2009juneau
Town of Nashville Comprehensive Plan – 2009September 29, 2009forest
Town of Summit Plan 2009September 23, 2009juneau
City of Rhinelander Waterfront Redevelopment Plan – 2009August 1, 2009oneida
Town of New Lisbon Comprehensive Plan 2009July 1, 2009juneau
Village of Hustler Comprehensive Plan 2009April 27, 2009juneau
Town of Woodboro Comprehensive Plan 2009April 14, 2009oneida

Intergovernmental Cooperation

The NCWRPC is available to conduct specialized studies on request. In the past, the NCWRPC has completed studies such as merging ambulance services, community consolidation studies, economic impact analysis, and a juvenile detention study.

In addition, the NCWRPC serves as the Regional Clearinghouse and reviews all applications for federal and state assistance throughout the ten-county region for their compatibility with existing plans and programs in the area.

Framework for Regional Development:

The Framework is the NCWRPC’s master plan for the physical development of the Region. This plan creates a framework for consistency and coordination in the preparation of county & local landuse plans.

Forum for Exchange:

The NCWRPC acts as a forum through which different counties and municipalities can communicate with each other about common problems and issues that cross borders. The NCWRPC is designated as an economic development district by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and as a rural transportation planning organization by WisDOT to coordinate economic development and transportation strategies on a regional basis with cooperative efforts to solve local problems.

Intergovernmental Agreements:

The NCWRPC can assist in the development of intergovernmental agreements including cooperative boundary agreements and planning. Intergovernmental agreements can be as simple as agreeing to conduct joint plan commission meetings, share police and fire services, or as complex as tax revenue sharing, and redefining municipal boundaries. Two basic types of agreements are authorized under s.66.023 & s.66.30 WI Stats. Other specialized agreements are possible under a variety of specific statutes.

Cooperative Boundary Agreements – 66.023

The agreement may change boundaries pursuant to an order by the WisDOA. The change is based on a detailed plan. The statute allows the incorporation of a wide variety of other planning tools. These agreements provide flexibility for annexation, zoning, revenue sharing and other inter-municipal activities.

General Agreements – 66.30

A contract between municipal entities to set boundaries or other shared municipal services. Boundaries are set and the parties either commit to maintain them or to allow growth to some ultimate boundary. Agreements may also contain provisions for revenue sharing.

TitleLocationDatehf:categories
Take the Broadband Speed TestApril 3, 2023statewide
Wisconsin Regional Orthoimagery Consortium (WROC), , , , , , , , , , , , , November 29, 2021adams affiliated forest juneau langlade lincoln marathon multi-county oneida portage regional statewide vilas wood
NCWSC, , January 8, 2021affiliated multi-county regional
NEWCOM, , , , , , , , , , January 8, 2021affiliated forest langlade lincoln marathon multi-county oneida portage regional vilas wood
NRTC, , December 29, 2020affiliated multi-county regional
AWRPC, , December 1, 2020affiliated multi-county regional
NRTCNovember 30, 2020multi-county
Adams County Strategic PlanOctober 1, 2019adams
Adams-Juneau Flood Resiliency Study, December 1, 2018adams juneau
Wisconsin Regional Planning Commissions – 2013 Profile, January 1, 2013multi-county regional
Long-Term Power Outage Preparedness in WisconsinOctober 1, 2010statewide

Economic Development

The NCWRPC provides technical grant writing and administrative assistance to communities that are seeking funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The NCWRPC also provides assistance for a wide variety of other grant programs, including the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (CDBG program), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and USDA-Rural Development.

NCWRPC annually prepares a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) that analyzes the regional economy and identifies potential economic development projects. This report maintains the Region’s eligibility for EDA public works programs. Other federal and state programs utilize this plan as well. NCWRPC also prepares EDA grant applications, among others, to bring funding into the Region.

TitleLocationDatehf:categories
Centergy Economic Profile 2024February 6, 2024regional
Economic Profiles 2024January 22, 2024regional
Regional Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024regional
Vilas County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024vilas
Wood County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024wood
Marathon County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024marathon
Adams County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024adams
Forest County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024forest
Juneau County Economic Profile 2022January 22, 2024juneau
Langlade County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024langlade
Lincoln County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024lincoln
Oneida County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024oneida
Portage County Economic Profile 2024January 22, 2024portage
North Central Wisconsin Enterpreneurship AssessmentSeptember 21, 2023regional
North Central Wisconsin Enterpreneurship PortalSeptember 21, 2023regional
EMSI AnalystJune 1, 2023regional
2022 North Central Region Industrial Park Inventory, Absorption, and Needs StudyJanuary 3, 2023regional
North Central Wisconsin Regional Recovery DashboardDecember 30, 2022regional
Economic Profiles 2022June 24, 2022regional
Marathon County Economic Profile 2022June 1, 2022marathon
Lincoln County Economic Profile 2022June 1, 2022lincoln
Langlade County Economic Profile 2022June 1, 2022langlade
North Central Wisconsin Regional Health Pandemic AssessmentJanuary 7, 2022regional
North Central Wisconsin Regional Recovery PlanJanuary 7, 2022regional
Wood County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022wood
Vilas County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022vilas
Regional Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022regional
Portage County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022portage
Oneida County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022oneida
Juneau County Economic Profile 2024January 1, 2022juneau
Forest County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022forest
Adams County Economic Profile 2022January 1, 2022adams
Grow North Region Housing Study – 2021, , , , December 29, 2021forest langlade lincoln oneida vilas
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2021January 27, 2021regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2018 Annual Performance ReportJanuary 8, 2018regional
Profile – Wisconsin Regional Planning CommissionsJanuary 1, 2018regional
Lac du Flambeau Workforce Training & Business Development Center Feasibility StudyOctober 1, 2017vilas
Metro Region Economic Development Assessment 2017March 28, 2017marathon
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2017January 1, 2017regional
Adams County Rural and Industrial Development Commission Economic Development StrategyNovember 17, 2016adams
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2016 Annual Performance ReportMarch 1, 2016regional
Economic Development Assessment Report – Regional Livability PlanJune 1, 2015regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2015 Annual Performance ReportMarch 1, 2015regional
Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, Inc. Comprehensive Strategic Plan – 2014, , , January 1, 2014forest langlade oneida vilas
Feasibility Study for Former School Site Town of ArgonneJanuary 1, 2014forest
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2014January 1, 2014regional
2015 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy – Executive SummaryJanuary 1, 2014regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2013 Annual Performance ReportJanuary 1, 2013regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2012January 1, 2012regional
Forest County Potawatomi Comprehensive Plan – 2011November 1, 2011forest
Community Economic Recovery Guidebook – 2011, August 1, 2011regional statewide
Sokaogon Chippewa Community Comprehensive Plan – 2011May 1, 2011forest
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2011January 1, 2011regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2010August 1, 2010regional
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2009April 29, 2009regional