Economic Development

Vision Statement

In the year 2020, Sauk County’s commitment to education and training opportunities will continue to provide the community with a source of motivated and skilled workers.  These workers will work in an environmentally responsible, “family friendly" work place that should provide a stable climate for economic development.  Furthermove, through willingness to accept and adapt to change, Sauk County will be known for its continued ability to attract sources of economic development vital to the county's growth.

GOAL 1

Sauk County should encourage new business and industrial development to locate contiguous to existing development.  

POLICY 1.1

Sauk County’s incorporated areas should create annexation policies that require annexation if municipal services are extended.

GOAL 2

Sauk County should support and encourage local education programs, through local school districts, technical colleges and the university, that are designed to maintain and strengthen a skilled workforce for the future.  

POLICY 2.1

Sauk County should promote and assist “School to Work” programs in local schools.

POLICY 2.2

Sauk County should expand its county education job training programs and enhance services at the Sauk County Job Center.

POLICY 2.3

Sauk County should encourage and aid county businesses with training programs. 

GOAL 3

Sauk County should encourage and support existing businesses and pursue appropriate new businesses with placements, expansions and upgrades.  

POLICY 3.1

Sauk County should work to gather any available grant money through the state and the federal government, if appropriate, to support local businesses and job training opportunities. 

POLICY 3.2

Sauk County should continue to work through the Sauk County Development Corporation (SCDC) to help strengthen and diversify the local economy.  

GOAL 4

Sauk County should take steps to preserve its natural resources to maintain, enhance and build upon its existing natural beauty area’s tourism base.  (Natural beauty areas are separate from the urban tourist areas.)

POLICY 4.1

Sauk County should provide tax incentives to property owners in areas that have been identified as having natural significance as long as they remain undeveloped. 

GOAL 5

Sauk County should investigate transportation alternatives.

POLICY 5.1

Sauk County should encourage and publicize shared ridership and vanpool programs.  

POLICY 5.2

Sauk County should encourage local businesses to participate in transit alternatives for getting their workers to and from work. 

POLICY 5.3

Sauk County should support and maintain its existing rail lines and rights-of-ways and study alternatives for future expansion, if appropriate. 

GOAL 6

Sauk County should encourage county businesses to be “family friendly.”

POLICY 6.1

Sauk County should work with local employers to establish and encourage the provision of childcare options for workers.

POLICY 6.2

Sauk County should identify and work to promote housing options that match workers’ means.

POLICY 6.3

Sauk County should continue to work to encourage the location/relocation of businesses to the areas that provide good wages and benefits for workers.

GOAL 7

Sauk County should encourage multiple land uses at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP).

POLICY 7.1

Local representatives should be involved in any future plans for the Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP).