BONDUEL, WI- The Village of Bonduel has been accepted into the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Connect Communities Program, an initiative designed to support downtown revitalization and economic growth in communities across the state.
Bonduel is one of seven new communities joining the program this year, bringing the statewide total to 101. Village officials say the timing couldn’t be better, as Bonduel continues to focus on breathing new life into its downtown district.
“This opens up resources not only to builders but to all of our downtown businesses,” said Municipal Operations Director Jesse Rankin. “It could help with anything from setting up a farmers market to guiding a business through trying something new. It gives us direct access to state-level support.”
Rankin said the program will provide Bonduel with training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities through WEDC, as well as a one-time downtown revitalization plan tailored to a specific area in the village.
In addition to the Connect Communities Program, Bonduel is already working with Redevelopment Resources, funded by a separate WEDC grant, to develop a comprehensive plan for its downtown. The new program will serve as another valuable tool for the village’s Redevelopment Authority and local stakeholders.
“To get into the program, we had to attend meetings, request an application, and show that Bonduel was ready for this kind of investment,” Rankin explained. “WEDC only selects a small number of communities each year, so being chosen is a strong endorsement of the work we’re doing.”
Rankin said the goal is to transform Bonduel’s downtown into a more inviting and active space, attract new businesses, and address vacant or underused properties—not to push anyone out, but to assist property owners in creating opportunities.
“Shawano has done a great job revitalizing their downtown, and we want to follow that example,” he said. “It’s about creating a place where people want to stop, shop, eat, and enjoy the community.”
Now that Bonduel is part of the program, the village can continue to renew its membership annually and make use of the resources as long as it remains active in the program.
WEDC officials commended Bonduel’s proactive approach and commitment to enhancing its local economy, saying the village is well-positioned to benefit from the support the program offers.
Village leaders believe the move will lead to new jobs, business opportunities, and long-term growth for Bonduel.
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