first-draft-for-5-11-meeting

This document, ‘Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036’, represents the official update of the 2003 Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. It includes additions and revisions to each of the nine plan elements specified in the planning law: Issues & Opportunities Housing Transportation Utilities & Community Facilities Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources Economic Development Land Use (current and future) Intergovernmental Cooperation Implementation An addendum is generally understood to be an addition to an existing document intended to supplement the original text. Much of the data presented in the Nekimi’s current plan remains relevant today. Instead of amending the document the Town of Nekimi chose to add to, not revise, the current plan since much of the information contained within it remains relevant ten years after its initial adoption. The information presented within includes updated demographic data, a reexamination of each plan element contained in the original document, and a completely revised implementation section. Intergovernmental Announcements In February 2016, letters were mailed to Nekimi’s municipal neighbors and other parties with a real or potential interest in the comprehensive planning process. These ‘intergovernmental partners’ included: Winnebago and Fond du Lac Counties. The Towns of Algoma, Black Wolf, Omro, and Utica in Winnebago County; and Towns of Eldorado and Rosendale in Fond du Lac County. Omro, Oshkosh, and Rosendale-Brandon School Districts East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Wisconsin Departments of Administration, Natural Resources, and Transportation. Local nonmetallic mining operations. The purpose of the letters was to inform intergovernmental partners of the comprehensive plan update process and provide information regarding how to review and provide comment on the draft Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036. Community Engagement Session The formal process of updating the plan began with a Community Engagement session held on Month Day, 2016 at the Nekimi Town Hall. The purpose of the session was to inform the public of the planning process, present updated demographic data to the community, and revisit the visioning exercises held in 2004-05. The information presented and generated during the engagement session guided the development of Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036. Presentation of First Draft Community Planning & Consulting presented the first draft of Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036 to the general public on Month Day, 2016. The draft document was also posted to the Town of Nekimi website for review. Following the presentation, revisions were made at the request of the Town of Nekimi Plan Commission and the document was prepared for the Public Hearing. Public Hearing & Adoption A Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036 was held on Month day, 2016 at the Town Hall. Following the hearing, final revisions were made before the Plan Commission recommended adoption by the Town of Nekimi Boards of Supervisors. Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036 was adopted on Month day, 2016. Intergovernmental Distribution Copies of Comprehensive Plan Addendum 2036 were distributed to intergovernmental partners as required under the planning law. Additional copies will be maintained for public viewing at the Town Hall and Oshkosh Public Library in the City of Oshkosh. The Community Profile utilizes demographic data tabulated by the US Census Bureau, Wisconsin Department of Administration (WDOA), and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, among other sources, to provide a cursory description of the Town of Nekimi, its residents, and its economy. Additional demographic data is presented in later sections. The Town of Nekimi had an estimated 2015 population of 1,423 people. The size of the community has remained stable during the past fifteen years, experiencing a less than one percent increase from its 2000 population of 1,419. Table 1 compares the populations of Winnebago County townships by decade beginning in 1970. The Town’s population has increased by 230 during the past forty-five years, an average of 4.3% per decade. Countywide, average growth by decade was 6.7%. Table 2 shows the projected population of the communities in five years increments beginning in 2015. Based upon algorithms developed by WDOA, Nekimi can anticipate a period of modest growth for the next fifteen years before falling to a projected 2040 population of 1,435, a 0.8% over current population. General Population Characteristics 2010 Population: 1,429. Gender: 726 male (50.8%); 703 female (49.2%). Race: 1,406 identify as white (98.4%); 23 identify as non-white (1.6%). Identify as Hispanic or Latino: 29 (2.0%). Age 18 years and older: 1,133 (79.3%). Under age 18: 296 (20.7%). Township 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 Change 1970-2015 T. Algoma 3,158 3,249 3,942 5,702 6,822 6,957 120.3% T. Black Wolf 2,127 2,318 2,154 2,330 2,410 2,437 14.6% T. Clayton 1,771 2,353 2,264 2,974 3,951 4,053 128.9% T. Menasha 8,682 12,307 13,975 15,858 18,498 18,665 115.0% T. Neenah 2,942 2,864 2,691 2,657 3,237 3,492 34.0% T. Nekimi 1,193 1,516 1,475 1,419 1,429 1,423 19.3% T. Nepeuskun 743 682 647 689 710 733 -1.4% T. Omro 1,444 1,684 1,616 1,875 2,116 2,142 48.3% T. Oshkosh 4,943 4,420 4,655 3,234 2,475 2,477 -50.0% T. Poygan 734 898 824 1,037 1,301 1,304 77.7% T. Rushford 1,415 1,420 1,361 1,471 1,561 1,578 11.5% T. Utica 1,029 1,038 1,046 1,168 1,299 1,317 28.0% T. Vinland 1,472 1,632 1,688 1,849 1,765 1,749 18.8% T. Winchester 1,209 1,261 1,433 1,676 1,763 1,774 46.7% T. Winneconne 1,408 1,595 2,145 2,145 2,350 2,382 69.2% T. Wolf River 904 1,052 1,223 1,223 1,189 1,197 32.4% Winnebago Cty 129,946 131,772 140,320 156,763 166,964 168,526 30.0% Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration-Demographic Services Center Figure 1 compares the population of select age groups in the Town of Nekimi during the years 2000 and 2014. The population of all residents aged 45 and older has increased by fifty-four percent since 2000 (from 567 to 836), while that of those under the age of 45 fell by fourteen percent (from 852 to 734). The median age of residents increased from 39.7 to 46.8 years during the same timespan. Township 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Change 2015-2040 T. Algoma 6,957 7,770 8,360 8,925 9,375 9,730 40.0% T. Black Wolf 2,437 2,535 2,605 2,670 2,695 2,700 10.8% T. Clayton 4,053 4,510 4,855 5,200 5,470 5,685 40.3% T. Menasha 18,665 20,070 21,080 22,020 22,680 23,140 24.0% T. Neenah 3,492 3,810 4,110 4,400 4,635 4,820 38.0% T. Nekimi 1,423 1,445 1,460 1,470 1,460 1,435 0.8% T. Nepeuskun 733 775 805 835 855 865 18.0% T. Omro 2,142 2,300 2,415 2,520 2,595 2,645 24.0% T. Oshkosh 2,477 2,475 2,475 2,465 2,415 2,355 -4.9% T. Poygan 1,304 1,435 1,530 1,615 1,680 1,735 33.1% T. Rushford 1,578 1,655 1,715 1,765 1,790 1,805 14.4% T. Utica 1,317 1,400 1,460 1,515 1,550 1,575 19.6% T. Vinland 1,749 1,755 1,755 1,750 1,720 1,680 -4.0% T. Winchester 1,774 1,870 1,940 2,000 2,030 2,050 15.6% T. Winneconne 2,382 2,540 2,650 2,760 2,830 2,875 20.7% T. Wolf River 1,197 1,220 1,240 1,260 1,255 1,245 4.0% Winnebago Cty 168,526 177,050 183,230 188,680 191,710 193,130 14.6% Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration-Demographic Services Center 60 331 53 408 409 146 12 51 269 69 345 628 189 19 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Under 5 5 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65 to 84 85 and older Number Age Groups Source: US Census Bureau 2000 2014 Projecting changes in the population of various age groups is important for planning purposes since such data allows local government to target limited capital resources to areas of greatest need (i.e., housing, parks & recreation, transportation systems, etc.). Each of the groups presented in Figure 1 have a differing set of needs. A brief description of those needs is presented below and on the following page. Under 5 – Infants and toddlers entirely dependent on others for all needs. Community requirements include healthcare, childcare, and pre-school. 5 to 19 – School-age children and young adults; residents mostly or entirely dependent on others for lodging, food, transportation, and most other needs. Community requirements include schools, libraries, outdoor play apparatus and sports fields/courts, safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities. 20 to 24 – Post high school young adults; job and career training (college, trades, military, etc.); dependent upon others for some needs. Community requirements include affordable housing, part- and full-time employment opportunities, multi-modal transportation systems, entertainment, coffee shops, broadband internet. 24 to 44 – Established adults; prime earning and spending years; traditional child rearing years. Community requirements include diversity in housing options, healthcare, dining alternatives, diverse retail, childcare services, career opportunities, banking and insurance. 45 to 64 – Mature adults; often “empty nesters”. Community requirements are similar to the 24 to 44 group, with less emphasis on programs, facilities, and services for youth. 65 to 84 – Retirement-age; decreased earning; higher activity level than same age group in decades past. Community requirements include healthcare, multi-modal transportation opportunities, recreation, senior housing options. 85 and older – Post-retirement; declining overall health. Community requirements include more intensive healthcare and residential living options. The size of households in the US has been declining for more than fifty years. The average household size in the Town of Nekimi has fallen from 3.06 persons in 1990 to 2.49 in 2010. The causes of decline include lower birth rates, people waiting longer to get married, and increases in average life span (resulting in more seniors living alone). This is significant since a decrease in household size means that additional housing may be necessary in the community even if the overall population remains the same. While the population of Nekimi is projected to grow by less than one percent during the next twenty years, total households are projected to increase by more than five percent (from 568 in 2015 to 598) by 2035. General Household Data, 2014 Total housing units: 668. Occupied housing units: 639 (573 owner-occupied; 66 renter-occupied). Housing Types: 610 single-family; 28 two-unit multi-family; 30 mobile homes. Household size: 130 one-person households; 274 two-person; 97 three-person; 138 four-person or larger. Family households: 475. Non-family Households: 164. For additional information related to households in the Town of Nekimi, please refer to the housing section beginning on page xx. An increasing level of educational attainment is associated with a range of positive outcomes, including better income, employment, health, and quality of life. As the requirements for many jobs and the expectations of employers continue to rise, education that provides the necessary skills and knowledge has become essential for full participation in society and for a productive workforce. Education also contributes to an expansion of scientific and cultural knowledge, and a population's educational levels are positively related to economic growth rates and community well being. Figure 2 compares the level of educational attainment of residents age 25 and older population for the years 2000 and 2014. As the data indicates, Nekimi is becoming a more highly educated community. The number of people with an Associates or higher degree has nearly doubled, from 22.2% to 40.5%. 10.9 49.1 17.8 8.7 9.8 3.7 4.8 38 16.7 15.5 18.8 6.2 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 No HS Diploma HS Diploma, or equivalent Some College, no degree Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Graduate Degree Percent Level of Attainment Source: US Census Bureau 2000 2014 The economic profile describes Nekimi’s economy from the perspective of its residents. Please for to Section XX: Economic Development beginning on page xx for more detailed economic information. Income Median household income is the most common used category of income for land use planning purposes. The median figure represents the middle point (as opposed to an average) of household income. The 2014 median household income in the Town of Nekimi was $66,250, an increase of 31.1% from 2000. Countywide, incomes increased by 16.9% between 2000 and 2014. General Income Data Mean (average) household income: $73,435. Per capita income: $29,751. Median family income: $78,194 Percent below poverty level: individuals (4.5%); families (4.0%); individuals under 18 years of age (4.3%); individuals 65 years and older (3.8%). Unemployment rate: 4.1% (1.6%) Township 2000 2014 Change in Number 2000 to 2014 Change in Percent 2000 to 2014 T. Algoma $71,792 $77,608 $5,816 8.1% T. Black Wolf $53,405 $70,833 $17,428 32.6% T. Clayton $62,551 $81,346 $18,795 30.1% T. Menasha $50,887 $56,828 $2,941 5.8% T. Neenah $57,083 $86,415 $29,331 54.1% T. Nekimi $50,547 $66,250 $15,703 31.1% T. Nepeuskun $47,344 $57,313 $9,969 21.1% T. Omro $43,750 $69,181 $25,431 58.1% T. Oshkosh $56,274 $70,543 $14,269 25.4% T. Poygan $53,947 $69,375 $15,428 28.6% T. Rushford $45,990 $61,719 $15,729 34.2% T. Utica $49,800 $66,708 $16,908 34.0% T. Vinland $64,338 $76,536 $12,198 19.0% T. Winchester $53,400 $72,857 $19,457 36.4% T. Winneconne $60,385 $65,761 $5,376 8.9% T. Wolf River $44,922 $56,667 $11,745 26.2% Winnebago Cty $44,455 $51,949 $7,494 16.9% Source: US Census Bureau Employment The Town of Nekimi is recovering from the 2007-2010 ‘Great Recession’ better than many Wisconsin townships. As Table 3 shows, incomes have increased at a rate exceeding the average for Winnebago County. Although the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than it was in 2000, it has likely fallen considerably during recent years. Figure 3 compares employment within industry sectors for the years 2000 and 2014. The top five sectors in terms of employment are presented below. The numbers in parentheses indicate change in employment from 2000. Manufacturing: 255 (1.6%). Education, health, and social services: 158 (14.5%). Retail trade: 90 (-18.2%). 3 55 90 40 59 49 255 24 34 158 60 68 38 22 38 110 29 29 47 251 8 33 138 49 43 58 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Wholesale trade Transportation & warehousing and utilities Retail Trade Public administration Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services Other services (except public administration) Manufacturing Information Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental & leasing Educational, health, and social services Construction Arts, entertainment, recreation, accomodation, and food services Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting, mining Number Source: US Census Bureau Industry Sector 2000 2014 Arts, entertainment, accommodation, and food services: 68 (58.1%). Construction: 60 (22.5%). General Employment Data Class of worker: private wage and salary workers (787), government workers (102), self-employed (44). Average commute time: 22.9 minutes. Means of commuting: personal vehicle (84.5%), worked from home (6.1%), carpool (5.3%), walked (1.9%), public transit (1.4%), other means (0.7%). Top commuting destinations (countywide): Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Fond du Lac County, Brown County1. Covered by health insurance: 95.5%. Establishment Service or Product Number of Employees Oshkosh Corporation Heavy duty truck manufacturing 1,000 or more employees Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. Motor vehicle body manufacturing 1,000 or more employees University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Colleges and universities 1,000 or more employees Thedacare Group General medical and surgical hospital 1,000 or more employees Plexux Corp. Printed circuit assembly manufacturing 1,000 or more employees Alta Resources Corp. Telemarketing bureaus 1,000 or more employees Miron Construction Company, Inc. Commercial building construction 500-999 employees Neenah Foundary Co. Iron foundries 500-999 employees SCA North America – Tissue Paper, except newsprint, mills 500-999 employees Mercy Medical Center of Oshkosh, Inc. General medical and surgical hospital 500-999 employees Source: Winnebago County Economic & Workforce Profile, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Visioning Exercise During the engagement session, participants completed an exercise intended to visualize Nekimi’s ideal future. The assignment asked those in attendance to imagine it is the year 2036 and indicate, through a series of directed questions, what the Town looks like with regards to key land use elements. The visioning exercise focused on five general land use categories: housing, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, and preservation. The results are presented below and on the following pages. The numbers in parentheses indicate multiple responses. 1 Source: Winnebago County Economic & Workforce Profile, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, 2013. 1. By 2036, housing in the Town of Nekimi includes… Single-family homes (3). Clusters with shared septic and well. Family farms passed down in family. Group housing. High rises. Housing closer together to conserve land. Plan for where homes should be built. Reserved farmland. Secondary housing for older people. Senior living center (or centers). Town homes and condos. 2. By 2036, the transportation system in the Town of Nekimi includes… Auto-drive vehicles/driverless/self-driving and roads adapted to them (3). Bike lanes. Electrical charging stations. Maintaining current roads with walking or biking path. Road expansion changes with vehicles as technology changes. Roads built for heavier equipment. 3. By 2036, economic development in the Town of Nekimi includes… Agricultural with some industrial. Businesses close to City (within 1-2 miles). Continued large-scale ag. Easy growth for manufacturing companies. Family farms going away. Having a plan for Air travel and EAA expansion. Home businesses with strict regulation on appearance and type of business being conducted (i.e., not building shops in a garage). Hotels. Light commercial. Possible aircraft factories, etc. Social gathering places (and recreation). Stop [City of] Oshkosh from taking our land. [The Town’s] two current mines (quarries) will grow. Update plan for business in the Town of Nekimi. 4. By 2036, parks and recreational opportunities in the Town of Nekimi include… Updated town hall with playground (2). Campground (but not to include seasonal migrant workers). Nature preserves. None. Not so much as most residents have acreage or access to it. Walking trail. 5. By 2036, the Town of Nekimi has successfully preserved… Agricultural background/farming/farming culture/farmland (5). Bring back children to work and live in the area. Low density. Get along with working farms [and] large dairy and grain farms. Neighbors are almost family. People in Town have roots via previous generations. Preserve the Town itself, not be completely swallowed by [City of] Oshkosh. Preserve our freedom from Big Government (Agenda 21 and Agenda 30; see UN website for snapshot map of what they would like to see). Stop annexation. True rural atmosphere. Wide open areas, closer to nature. Would like a school back in the Town of Nekimi. Housing is a core component of the built environment. It is a determiner of transportation patterns and an investment for building financial security. The type of housing desired by residents varies depending on age, income, marital status, and family size, among other variables. A sufficient supply of high quality, well-designed housing is vital to a healthy and prosperous community. The Town of Nekimi will work with landowners and developers to encourage the diverse supply of housing styles necessary to meet the needs of current and future generations. (as of 2014 ACS) Total units: 668. Occupancy: occupied units – 639 (95.7%); vacant units – 29 (4.3%). Type: single-family – 610 (91.3%); two-family – 28 (4.2%); mobile home – 30 (4.5%). Year built: 1970 or newer – 384 (57.5%); pre-World War II – 179 (26.8%) Median value: $190,600. Median monthly cost: mortgage – $1,541; rent – $818. Affordability housing expenses above HUD recommended 30% of income): mortgage – 143 (35.1%); rent – 12 (21.4%). Municipality 2000 2014 Change, 2000 to 2014 Number Percent T. Algoma $147,700 $198,100 $50,400 34.1% T. Black Wolf $137,500 $200,300 $62,800 45.7% T. Clayton $140,600 $243,200 $102,600 73.0% T. Menasha $112,100 $151,200 $39,100 34.9% T. Neenah $145,800 $209,900 $64,100 44.0% T. Nekimi $119,900 $190,600 $70,700 59.0% T. Nepeuskun $95,200 $174,700 $79,500 83.5% T. Omro $114,500 $195,000 $80,500 70.3% T. Oshkosh $124,200 $186,000 $61,800 50.0% T. Poygan $139,600 $244,500 $104,900 75.1% T. Rushford $92,400 $168,100 $75,700 81.9% T. Utica $112,000 $211,900 $99,900 89.8% T. Vinland $138,800 $206,900 $68,100 49.1% T. Winchester $121,100 $181,700 $60,600 50.0% T. Winneconne $150,900 $233,500 $82,600 54.7% T. Wolf River $125,900 $196,100 $70,200 55.8% Winnebago Cty $97,700 $142,100 $44,400 45.5% Source: US Census Bureau and American Community Survey The number, style, and location of future housing units will be driven by an evolving population base, changing residential marketplace, and the Future Land Use map. The demand for alternative housing during the next two decades will increase along with the number of residents aged 65 years and older. The conventional 2,000+ square foot house that has dominated the market since the 1990s will give way to smaller single-family homes, secondary suites, townhouses, and well-designed rental units. Although conventional owner-occupied units will likely remain in the majority, the Town will see an increase in the condominium ownership model for single- and multi- family units alike. Groups targeted for expanded housing choice include seniors, singles, and young families. Secondary Suites A secondary suite is an additional dwelling unit located on a parcel that would typically accommodate only one unit. Considered an accessory to the primary residence, it can be self-contained (see image at right) or attached to the principal structure with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Secondary suites may come in a variety of forms, including: A suite above a detached garage A suite above the main floor of a single-family dwelling. A basement suite. A suite attached to a single-family dwelling at grade. A suite detached from the principal dwelling (a garden suite or guesthouse). Generally, secondary suites are permitted (or allowed as a conditional use) in order to foster affordable housing or aid families with elderly parents who are unable to live completely alone. They offer a viable, affordable option for providing senior and high-quality rental housing in urban and rural communities alike. Senior Housing Senior housing, when designed in harmony with the landscape and visually consistent with existing housing stock, may provide opportunities for residents to remain in the community as they age out of their current home. Units like those pictured at left may be owner-occupied (via condominium ownership) or available for rent, but tend to be age-specific (i.e., the primary resident must be 55 years of age or older). Courtesy Pacific Building Company. Duplexes / Quadplexes Small rental units, such as duplexes and quadplexes, offer affordable housing options in rural communities without the population densities to support traditional multi-family housing. Available at market prices, they offer housing alternatives desirable to singles, young families, and seniors. Zoning and subdivision ordinances can ensure that the structures are aesthetically suitable in a rural environment. Conservation Subdivisions Residents value Nekimi’s agricultural and natural landscape and do not want to see them lost or degraded to make way for residential development. However, additional housing units will be necessary to meet the needs of a growing and diversifying population. One method that provides the means to protect the natural environment while accommodating additional residential development is conservation design for subdivisions. Conservation subdivisions provide developers with a marketable alternative to conventional subdivision design. They allow for desirable development while simultaneously preserving important natural and cultural features (woodland, farmland, historic structures, etc.). In a conservation subdivision, homes are clustered together on smaller lots so that the remainder of the parcel may be permanently preserved as open space or agricultural land. Trails, community gardens, and other amenities are often included in the design of conservation subdivisions. The image at left compares a conventional subdivision (left) with a conservation subdivision (right). Both include 32 residential lots. While the conventional subdivision adheres to a 2-acre minimum lot size, the conservation development has a minimum lot size of one acre. By reducing the size of the lots, the developers were able to provide the same number of parcels while permanently preserving (through a conservation easement) important natural and cultural resources. The open space system in the conservation subdivision is accessible to everyone who lives in the development. Within the conventional development, the entirety of the area is parceled off with just eight lots having direct access to the woods. Courtesy Growing Greener, Randall Arendt. Live/Work Units A live/work unit is a structure (e.g., studio, loft, or one bedroom) consisting of both a commercial/office and a residential component, each occupied by the same resident. By combining living quarters with workspace, they reduce fuel consumption and air pollution related to commuting, provide an affordable housing option for small business owners and startups, and supporting mixed-use and infill development. Live/work units are distinguished from home occupations in residential zoning districts in that they are primarily permitted in commercial and industrial zone districts and are not subject to significant restrictions on hours of operation, types of commercial activities, and number of employees, as is usually the case for home occupations. By outward appearance, such structures can be indistinguishable from adjoining buildings. Live/work units offer opportunities to expand housing choice and encourage business start-ups. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency primarily responsible for housing programs and community development. Though many of its programs are directed to larger cities and urban areas, the Village would qualify for some available funds. HUD provides money to non-entitlement communities (i.e., communities with populations fewer than 50,000) through grants. In the state of Wisconsin, the Department of Administration Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations (DHIR) is the agency responsible for the administration of this program. DHIR awards funds through a competitive proposal process. U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development The U. S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development provides a variety of housing and community development programs for rural areas. Support is generally available to communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. USDA-RD provides support for rental housing development, direct and guaranteed mortgage loans for homebuyers, and support for self-help and cooperative housing development. Courtesy Quadrangle Architecture. HOME Investment Partnerships Program The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides formula grants to states and localities that are often used in partnership with local nonprofit groups to fund a wide range of activities that builds, buys and/or rehabilitates affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provides direct rental assistance to low-income people. Participating jurisdictions may choose among a broad range of eligible activities, such as: providing home purchase or rehabilitation financing assistance to eligible homeowners and new home buyers; building or rehabilitating housing for rent or ownership; or for "other reasonable and necessary expenses related to the development of non-luxury housing, including site acquisition or improvement, demolition of dilapidated housing to make way for HOME-assisted development, and payment of relocation expenses.” The program’s flexibility allows states and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancement, or rental assistance. Wisconsin Department of Administration–Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations Beyond the funds distributed through HUD, DHIR administers several state-funded programs that can potentially be used to finance housing improvements. Money available through the DHIR, because it is funded by general-purpose revenue, cannot be used to invest directly in housing development. However, funds can achieve the desired result by helping organizations develop the capacity to construct houses or by providing various types of financial assistance to homebuyers or renters through grants to local governments or nonprofit agencies. Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is a quasi-governmental agency that finances housing development through the sale of bonds. Unlike the DHIR, it receives no direct state-tax support. As such, WHEDA can provide mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers and financing for multifamily housing as well. Specific programs evolve and change with the needs of the housing market. For additional information related to housing, please refer to the Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. The transportation system is intended to support the varied needs of residents, farmers, local businesses, visitors, and through-traffic. It provides the means by which people and materials flow to and through the community. Multi-modal systems complement the existing road network and provide increased mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, children, and bicyclists, among others. Finding solutions to current challenges, and planning to avoid future ones, is a primary goal of the Transportation element. The Town of Nekimi recognizes a growing demand for multi-modal transportation options while realizing that personal vehicles will continue to form the foundation a safe and efficient transportation system. The primary focus of the transportation element of the plan is to increase the availability of multi-modal transportation options, particularly those catering to youth and seniors. Although it is understood that personal vehicles will likely remain the dominant means of transportation during the next twenty years, the current demand for pedestrian and bicycle systems (along with various public transportation alternatives) will continue to grow. Self-driving Vehicles 2 Self-driving vehicles are no longer a futuristic idea. Companies like Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla have already released, or are soon to release, self-driving features that give the car some ability to drive itself. Tech companies are also trying to pioneer the self-driving car. Recently, Google announced that it would be testing its prototype of a driverless car on roads this summer in California. Self-driving car as any car with features that allow it to accelerate, brake, and steer a car's course with limited or no driver interaction. Key findings of a 2015 study by Business Insider found: Self-driving cars are not some futuristic auto technology; in fact there are already cars with self-driving features on the road. Fully autonomous vehicles, those that can drive from point A to point B and encounter the entire range of on-road scenarios without needing any interaction from the driver, will debut on US highways by 2019. By 2020, there will be nearly 10 million self-driving cars on American roads. 2 Excerpted from ’10 Million Self-Driving Cars will be on the Road by 2020’, John Greenough, Business Insider, July 2015. Because of regulatory and insurance questions, user-operated fully autonomous cars will come to market within the next five years, while driverless cars will remain a long ways off. The biggest benefits of self-driving cars are that they will help to make roads safer and people's lives easier. But the barriers to self-driving cars in the United States remain significant. Costs need to come down and regulations need to be clarified around certain self-driving car features before the vehicles fully take off among mainstream consumers. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Like most rural communities, the Town of Nekimi does not possess an interconnected street network bounded by a system of sidewalks. Many of the activities that would normally occur on sidewalks or pathways, such as walking and bicycling, take place in driving areas or on narrow road shoulders. This poses risks for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. To create a pedestrian and bicycle system that complements the existing road network, the Town may: Seek funding to add wider, paved shoulder to town roads. Encourage residential developers to incorporate trails systems in proposed subdivisions. Work with Winnebago County and WisDOT to include pedestrian and bicycle facilities along county and state highways when these routes are repaired or reconstructed. The primary mechanism for creating a pedestrian and bicycle system is a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Such a plan identifies existing and potential bicycle routes and pedestrian improvements within the Town. It would also identify and prioritize pedestrian/bicycle facility needs and provide references for best practices in planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining those facilities. A Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan would serve as a blueprint for continuous improvement of pedestrian and bicycling conditions throughout the township. Examples of self-driving vehicles approve for European roads in 2016. Courtesy Daimler (top) and Audi (bottom). Wiouwash Trail. Courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles Plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on America’s roads. Electric plug-in stations are being constructed in cities around the country. These systems may be installed by state and local government or provided by business owners as value-added options at local coffee shops and shopping centers. The Town may consider working with local businesses to consider providing the infrastructure to support electric vehicles. Modular electric plug-in stations are available that do not require extensive infrastructure support. They can generate as much as 16 kWh daily from solar collectors and store up to 22 kWh in on-board batteries. The solar arrays on these systems are capable of tracking the sun’s movement to ensure maximum electrical generation. Public Transportation Nekimi is a community with a relatively low population density. As such, conventional public transit systems are unlikely due to the costs associated with serving a small town. However, as the population ages, alternatives to personal vehicles will become increasingly important. These may include senior transit systems, senior shuttles, and informal ride-share programs. Due to the costs and complexities associated with such systems the Town will likely need to partner with adjoining municipalities, Winnebago County, and regional interests to address the changing transportation needs of its residents. Implements of Husbandry Act 377, Wisconsin’s Implements of Husbandry law, made changes in the way agricultural vehicles and equipment operate on state, county, and local roads. Act 377 established more flexible limitations for weight limits imposed on farm machinery forged a compromise between the agricultural community and local officials. The legislation was intended to balance the need for farm equipment to operate legally and safely on roads with the need to protect local infrastructure. As of April 2014, an implement of husbandry (IOH) is defined as: Courtesy Envision Solar Courtesy Agriview. A self-propelled or towed vehicle manufactured, designed, or reconstructed to be used and that is used exclusively in the conduct of Agriculture. A combination of vehicles in which each vehicle in the combination is an IOH. A combination of vehicles in which an IOH farm wagon, farm trailer, or manure trailer is towed by a farm truck, farm truck tractor, or motor truck. Effective November 1, 2015, a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem is a required marking on any type of IOH, including animal drawn, that usually travels at speeds less than 25 mph. It is to be displayed at all times on the most visible rear area of the vehicle or combination of vehicles. If a SMV emblem on a power unit is visible from rear and in compliance, then the towed units are not required to have an SMV emblem. It is allowable for two or three vehicle combinations to have more than one SMV emblem. These emblems should be mounted pointing upward perpendicular to route of travel, with the lower edge 2 to 6 feet off the ground, and either centered or as near to the left of center of the equipment as practical. SMV emblems must be bright and clean, and should be replaced if faded. Capital Improvements Plan A Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) provides the means of planning for major project costs by creating a multiyear schedule for physical public improvements. The schedule is based on the projection of fiscal resources and prioritization of improvements five to six years into the future. Capital improvements include new or expanded physical facilities that are relatively large in size, expensive, and permanent. A transportation-oriented CIP outlines a community’s capital item needs and purchase plans, including: Street improvements (e.g. widening, crosswalks, signalization, corridor studies, etc.)Park acquisition and improvements. Pedestrian & bicycle facilities. Emergency and road maintenance vehicle purchase and replacement. Capital items are generally defined as those that are expensive (cost $5,000 or more) and will last at least 3-5 years. The CIP also includes improvement projects required for the community’s future and the appropriate timeline and funding to be followed to implement the improvements. The CIP process helps to ensure that improvements are made in a logical order and do not surprise local officials or taxpayers. It allows the community to focus on needs and goals and establish rational priorities. West Side Arterial 3 Winnebago County has been experiencing expanding development west of USH 41 and in the townships of Algoma, Nekimi, Omro, and Utica. The area is served by a good network of east/west roadways including: STH 21, STH 44, STH 91, STH 26, CTH E, CTH K, CTH N, and local roads. USH 41 is the sole north/south major arterial serving the area. There is a need to preserve right-of-way for a future north/south arterial road that will parallel USH 41 to: provide additional system linkage between STH 21 and STH 26,provide a safe transportation network, better facilitate the movement of goods and services, better facilitate commuter traffic, improve modal interrelationships, improve economic development opportunities, improve the area transportation capacity, and avoid environmental, historical, and archaeological impacts where possible. The West Side Arterial corridor will be a rural 4-lane divided facility designed for 55 mph posted speed with controlled access where possible, and will include an adjacent shared use path (see map on following page). The right-of-way will be 200-feet wide with additional right-of-way for vision sight triangles at intersections and possible interchange ramps at select locations. Connections with area roadways will allow spacing of about one-mile between intersections. Jurisdictional transfers of roadways may be needed to promote a safe, efficient and effective roadway network. Local Roads Improvement Program The Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) assists local governments in improving seriously deteriorating county highways, town roads, and city and village streets. The competitive reimbursement program pays up to 50% of total eligible costs with local governments providing the balance. The program has three basic components: County Highway Improvement (CHIP); Town Road Improvement (TRIP); and Municipal Street Improvement (MSIP). Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is administered by WDNR to preserve natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and expand outdoor recreation. Funds from the program can be used for the construction of off-street trail system systems. 3 Source: Winnebago County Highway Department website, 2016. Highway Safety Improvement Program The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is administered by WisDOT. Funds are used for highway safety projects at locations that have a high crash history. The objective of the HSIP is to develop and implement stand-alone safety projects that will reduce the number and severity of crashes. The funding ratio for this program is 90% federal and 10% local match. Transportation Alternative Program The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for projects that include on-road and off-road facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, conversion of railroad corridors to trails for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users, environmental mitigation, Safe Routes to School and community improvement activities. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program The Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program is a grant program under TAP that provides funding to construct or plan for bicycle or bicycle-pedestrian facility projects. State statutory language specifically excludes pedestrian-only facilities such as sidewalks and streetscape projects. Construction projects costing $200,000 or more are eligible for funding, as are planning projects costing $50,000 or more. Additionally, completed projects must be usable and not staged so that additional money is needed to create a useful project. Project sponsors must pay for a project and then seek reimbursement from WisDOT. Federal funds will provide up to 80% of project costs while the sponsor must provide at least the other 20%. For additional information related to transportation, please refer to the Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. Community wellbeing is contingent upon the adequacy of public utilities, community facilities, and municipal available to its residents, landowners, and business owners. Anticipating and preparing for the future utility and facility needs of the Town of Nekimi is essential to ensuring a sustainable future. The Town of Nekimi will strive to provide the high quality utilities, facilities, and services, necessary to support current and future development and meet the needs of our residents, landowners, and business owners. Maintaining Reasonable Tax Levels Given limited finances, coupled with long-term uncertainties surrounding Wisconsin’s shared revenue program and state-imposed levy limits, the Town of Nekimi must carefully consider all future capital expenditures. To ensure the supply of efficient, cost-effective services, and to reduce the tax burden on landowners, the Town will continue to pursue shared service opportunities with neighboring communities. Capital Improvements Plan As mentioned in the Transportation section, a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is a budgeting tool used to plan for major capital expenditures. Expenditures appropriate under a CIP for utilities and community facilities include sewer & water systems, water systems, stormwater management systems, parks & recreation, and renovations to the Town Hall, among others. Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Wastewater treatment for homes and businesses in the Town is primarily served via onsite septic and mound systems. These systems must comply with Wisconsin Statute SPS 383 to ensure that they are designed and function properly so as to protect human health and groundwater resources. However, studies have indicated that even properly-designed and maintained conventional septic and mound systems pose a threat to ground water, particularly in soils with high transivity. Alternative sanitary facilities can provide wastewater treatment at a cost competitive with conventional onsite systems, particularly when they are clustered to accommodate multiple homes or businesses. Options for clustered sanitary systems permissible in the state of Wisconsin include recirculating sand filters and constructed wetlands, among others. A recirculating sand filter (RSF) offers an economically viable, environmentally benign alternative to conventional drain field-based treatment systems. The basic components of a RSF system include a septic tank, recirculation tank, and sand or gravel filter. Water discharged from the system far exceeds the quality of a conventional system at a fraction of the price. RSFs are a viable alternative to conventional methods when soil conditions Courtesy Purdue University are not conducive to the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater through percolation beds. Sand filters may be used on sites that have shallow soil cover, inadequate permeability, high groundwater, and limited land area. RSF systems commonly serve subdivisions, mobile home parks, rural schools, small municipalities, and other generators of small wastewater flows.4 Constructed wetlands have been used as effective wastewater treatment systems for more than forty years. They have become the dominant treatment system for communities in the Minneapolis metropolitan region not served by municipal wastewater treatment. Although a variety of wetland-based systems are used to treat effluent, the most common is a subsurface flow wetland. Subsurface flow wetlands utilize an anaerobic reactor (septic tank) for pretreatment followed by a forced-bed aeration system and wetland treatment cells. Constructed wetlands are designed to achieve tertiary treatment at a fraction of the cost of a municipal system. They become cost effective against conventional onsite systems when treating effluent from eight or more homes. Personal Energy Systems With rising energy prices and a greater awareness of the environmental impacts of conventional power plants, more Americans are utilizing personal energy systems to reduce costs associated with electricity, heating, and cooling. In addition, state and federal tax incentives have reduced the total costs of these systems making them available to a greater percentage of users. Personal energy systems include photovoltaic solar, solar thermal, small wind, geothermal, and wood-fired boilers, among others. The Wisconsin Solar and Wind Access Law (66.0401, State Stats.), defines how local governments are permitted to regulate solar and wind energy systems. It covers zoning restrictions by local governments, private land use restrictions, and system owner rights to unobstructed access to resources. Under the law, local government may not place any restriction on the 4 Source: Environmental Technology Institute: Recirculating Sand Filters, 1998. Courtesy Science for Environmental Policy installation or use of solar or wind energy systems unless the restriction: Serves to preserve or protect public health or safety. Does not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease it's efficiency. Allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. The law effectively prohibits unreasonable public land use controls covering solar and wind energy systems by defining a fairly narrow set of reasonable conditions. The law subsequently allows for a local permitting procedure for guaranteeing unobstructed access to wind or solar resources. A permit will not be granted if obstruction already exists or if the construction of such an obstruction is already well into the planning stages. Broadband Access 5 A community that lacks adequate high-speed internet access will find itself at a disadvantage in the 21st century economy. Because of relatively low population density, topographical barriers, and greater geographical distances, broadband service may be more difficult to obtain in some rural areas. In attempting to address these challenges, some rural communities have found it helpful to develop a strategic plan for broadband deployment that includes creating a comprehensive business proposal to broadband providers. Such a plan, for example, could demonstrate to broadband providers that deployment is a sound business decision that would benefit both the providers and the community. This strategic planning process may include, but is not limited to, the following elements and strategies: Educating the community about the potential benefits of broadband service. Creating partnerships among community organizations and institutions that might benefit from broadband deployment. Systematic assessment and prioritization of the community’s needs for broadband service. Consolidating demand within the community to make service profitable for broadband providers. Participants may include, but are not limited to, individual consumers, businesses, educational institutions, health care facilities, and government agencies. Identifying an anchor tenant with adequate demand to spur infrastructure investment in broadband. 5 Excerpted from Broadband.gov, 2016. Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program The Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) and Grant (REDG) programs provide funding to rural projects through local utility organizations. Under the REDL program, USDA provides zero interest loans to local utilities that are then passed through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility is responsible for repayment to USDA. Under the RED program, USDA provides grant funds to local utility organizations to establish revolving loan funds. Loans are made from the revolving loan funds to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to the Agency. Rural Utilities Program A number of programs are available through the Rural Utilities Program as part of the Water and Environmental Programs (WEP). WEP provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and storm drainage facilities in rural areas, cities, and towns of 10,000 or less. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian Tribes may qualify for assistance. WEP also makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater, and solid waste programs. Available programs include: Water and Waste Disposal Direct and Guaranteed Loans Water and Waste Disposal Grants Technical Assistance and Training Grants Solid Waste Management Grants Rural Water Circuit Ride Technical Assistance Telecommunications Program The Telecommunications Program improves the quality of life in rural America by providing capital for the deployment of rural telecommunications infrastructure. Funding is available under various grant and loan programs. Community Development Block Grant – Public Funds The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Public Funds supports infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Eligible projects include improvements, repairs, or expansions of streets, drainage systems, water and sewer systems, sidewalks, and community centers. Grants are limited to projects that, if implemented, would meet a CDBG National Objective. Community Development Block Grant – Public Facilities Economic Development Grant funds under the CDBG for Public facilities Economic Development are awarded to local governments for public infrastructure projects that support business expansion or retention. Examples of eligible applications include: new or improved water & sewer service and streets that result in business expansion and job opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. Clean Water Fund Program The Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) provides subsidized interest rate loans to municipalities seeking to fund wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects. The CWFP also includes pilot projects to fund adaptive management and other non-traditional projects to comply with a municipality's permit limit. Applications for funding are accepted year round as long as funding is available. Safe Drinking Water Loan Program The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program provides subsidized interest rate loans to municipalities seeking to fund drinking water infrastructure projects. Applications are accepted year round when funding is available. Land and Water Conservation Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a Federal program administered in all states that encourage creation and interpretation of high-quality, outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received under this program are split between WDNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover fifty percent of eligible project costs. Urban Nonpoint Source & Stormwater Management Grants This program provides competitive grants to local governments to reimburse costs of planning or construction projects controlling urban nonpoint source and stormwater runoff pollution. For additional information related to utilities and community facilities, please refer to the Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Nekimi retains a strong agricultural sector; however, development demand emanating from the City of Oshkosh is rapidly changing the landscape of the community. Most new construction outside of urban environments occurs on previously undeveloped agricultural lands and open spaces. Without the need to demolish or rebuild existing structures, development costs are much lower in these areas. As the Town grows it will need to consider which agricultural, natural, and cultural resources must be preserved for the long-term benefit and enjoyment of future generations. The Town of Nekimi will adopt policies and programs to preserve its prime agricultural lands, unique natural environment, and cultural and historic resources to ensure that these assets remain available for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Conservation Easements A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that limits present and future development of a parcel. Under a conservation easement, the landowner retains ownership of the land (within the terms of the easement, i.e. only for farmland or natural space, not for development) and a land trust or similar organization assumes the responsibility for protecting the land’s conservation values. Donated conservation easements that meet federal requirements can provide significant tax advantages to landowners since their land will be assessed as undevelopable land, which has a much lower tax value than developable land. Qualified easements may also generate charitable contribution dedications for income and transfer tax purposes. All land is “taxed” at the same rate, though value determinations are variable. Specialty Farming On average, close to 3,000 acres of productive farmland are lost to development in the U.S. each day. Adapting to survive, many farmers have embraced a new paradigm that focuses on agricultural models custom-fit to changing markets and filling local niche markets with specialty produce and value-added products. Specialty (or niche) farming provides an alternative to conventional agricultural practices, particularly for smaller farmers attempting to compete with larger operations. The movement seems to be working. According to Agricultural Census data nearly 300,000 new farms have begun operations during the past decade. Compared with all farms nationwide, these new arrivals tend to have more diversified production, fewer acres, lower total-dollar sales, and operators who also work off-farm. The Town of Nekimi’s proximity to Oshkosh and the Fox Cities provides opportunities for directly marketing specialty agricultural products to local consumers. Examples of specialty agricultural products include: Agroforestry Aquaculture products Alternative grains and field crops Industrial, energy and non-food crops Native plants and ecofriendly landscaping Ornamental and nursery crops Post-harvest handling and processing Medicinal and culinary herbs Raising of non-traditional farm animals (llama, ostrich, bison, etc.) Seeds and plant breeding Specialty, heirloom and ethnic fruits and vegetables Organic Agriculture Organic farming is a particularly attractive specialty farm option given that organic food is the fastest growing segment of the agricultural industry. Products that once occupied a boutique marketplace niche are becoming mainstream as consumers seek healthier alternatives to conventional farm produce. Organic and specialty farming counter the notion that agricultural operations must become very big to remain profitable. As of 2012, Wisconsin boasts the second largest number of organic farms in the U.S., ranks first among the states for the number of organic dairy and beef farms, and is third in the nation for organic vegetable farms. Courtesy Wisconsin Aquaculture Association (top) and Peterman Brook Herb Farm (bottom). Courtesy UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. Community Supported Agriculture 6 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system in which a farm operation is supported by shareholders who share both the benefits and risks of food production. CSAs consist of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the ‘community's farm’, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. Native Landscapes A native landscape is generally defined as one comprised of species that occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat, and that were present prior to European settlement. Landscaping with native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees improves the environment. Natural landscaping brings a taste of wilderness to urban, suburban, and corporate settings by attracting a variety of birds, butterflies, and other animals. Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or watering, thus benefiting the environment and reducing maintenance costs.7 Finally, their extensive root systems create pathways for the infiltration of precipitation and snow melt thereby reducing runoff and the costs associated with constructed stormwater management systems. The benefits of native landscapes are: Environmental. Once native plants are returned to the land, many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and beneficial insects return as well, restoring a vital part of the web of life. Landscaping with natives enriches the soil, decreases water run-off, and filters the pollution caused by nonpoint source pollution from commercial sites, subdivisions, parks, and farms. 6 Excerpted from United States Department of Agriculture, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, 2016. 7 Excerpted from Landscaping with Native Plants in the Great Lakes Region, USEPA. Courtesy Kellner Back Acre Garden, Denmark, WI Economic. Over the long term, native landscaping is more cost-effective than traditional landscaping and requires no fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation. Increased infiltration reducing the need for expensive stormwater management infrastructure. Aesthetic. While traditional landscapes use one or two species of grass, native landscape designs may include dozens of species of trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Each is unique and constantly evolving, and thrives in wet, dry, sunny, and shaded locations. Educational. Native landscapes provide hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to learn about habitats and ecosystems. Secondary Conservation Areas As discussed in the Housing section, conservation subdivisions provide a means by which local government, landowners, and developers may preserve important natural and cultural features present on a given piece of property. They do so by identifying secondary conservation areas (SCA) to be preserved during the residential development process. Unlike primary conservation areas (wetlands, flood plains, steep slopes, etc.), SCAs are cultural, natural, and agricultural resources that hold particular value within a given community. Examples of cultural SCAs may include architecturally significant homes, structurally sound barns, fencerows, and windmills, among others. Comparing the root system of typical turf grass (far left) with those of grass and flower species native to Wisconsin. Deeper root systems provide greater opportunities for infiltration of precipitation and snow melt thereby reducing the incidents of flood events. Courtesy Conservation Research Institute Most importantly, SCAs are determined at the local level based upon local values and priorities. USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program, the country’s largest private-land conservation program. Administered by the Farm Service Agency, CREP targets high-priority conservation issues identified by local, state, or tribal governments, or non-governmental organizations. In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and introducing conservation practices, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners are paid an annual rental rate. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10–15 years, along with other federal and state incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Natural Resource Conservation Service – Environmental Quality Incentives Program The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length. These contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns, and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. In addition, a purpose of EQIP is to help producers meet federal, state, tribal, and local environmental regulations. Owners of land in agricultural, or forest production or persons who are engaged in livestock, agricultural or forest production on eligible land and that have a natural resource concern on the land may participate in EQIP. Natural Resource Conservation Service - Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) - Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with state, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement. Natural Resource Conservation Service – Financial Assistance Program NRCS offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, improve soil, water, plant, air, animal, and related resources on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land. Natural Resource Conservation Service – Landscapes Initiatives Program The NRCS Landscape Initiatives Program (LIP) is intended to accelerate the results that can be achieved through voluntary conservation programs. All NRCS programs are designed to support farmers, ranchers, and foresters in improving the environment while maintaining or improving a vibrant agricultural sector. Most program delivery is driven primarily by grassroots input and local needs. Landscape conservation initiatives enhance the locally driven process to better address nationally and regionally important conservation goals that transcend localities. Improving water quality in the eight state Great Lakes region is a priority of the LIP. Farm Services Agency – Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a land conservation program administered by the Farm Service Agency. In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are 10-15 years in length. The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce loss of wildlife habitat. WDNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – Acquisition and Development of Local Parks Program The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP) sets aside fifty percent of the funds in the Local Assistance Program for projects that improve community recreation areas and acquire land for public outdoor recreation. Funds are allocated on a regional basis with seventy percent distributed on the basis of each county's proportionate share of the state population, and thirty percent distributed equally to each county. Applicants compete against other applicants from their region. Funds may be used for both land acquisition projects and development projects for nature-based outdoor recreation. Under all KNSP programs, eligible local governments are only those towns, villages, cities, counties, and tribal governments that have a DNR-accepted comprehensive outdoor recreation plan or master plan that has been approved by resolution by the local governing unit. Local governments with qualifying plans receive eligibility to apply for grants for up to five years. WDNR Managed Forest Law The intent of the Managed Forest Law is to promote forest management practices through property tax incentives. Property must be a minimum of ten contiguous acres of which eighty percent must be capable of producing merchantable timber. WDNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – Acquisition of Development Rights Program The purpose of the Acquisition of Development Rights Program is to protect natural, agricultural, or forestlands that enhance and/or provide nature-based outdoor recreation. "Development Rights" are the rights of a landowner to develop their property to the greatest extent allowed under state and local laws. WDNR Land and Water Conservation Fund Program The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a federal program administered in all states that encourages creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover fifty percent of eligible project costs. Eligible projects include: Land acquisition or development projects that will provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries, and reservoirs that will provide water-based outdoor recreation. Property that provides special recreation opportunities, such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas, where the objective is to preserve the scenic or natural values, including wildlife areas and areas of physical or biological importance. These areas shall be open to the general public for outdoor recreation use to the extent that the natural attributes of the areas will not be seriously impaired or lost. Land or development within urban areas for day use picnic areas. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities which are in danger of being lost for public use. WDNR Wisconsin Forest Landowners Grant Program The Wisconsin Forest Landowners Grant Program (WFLGP) program assists private landowners in protecting and enhancing their forested lands, prairies, and waters. The program allows qualified landowners to be reimbursed up to fifty percent of the eligible cost of eligible practices. Private landowners are eligible for WFLGP funding if they own at least ten contiguous acres of non-industrial private forest, but not more than five hundred acres within Wisconsin. Wisconsin Historical Society Historic Home Owner’s Tax Credits The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Division of Historic Preservation (DHP) administers a program of twenty-five percent state income tax credits for repair and rehabilitation of historic homes in Wisconsin. To qualify, the residence must be one of the following: Listed in the state or national register. Contributing to a state or national register historic district. Be determined through the tax credit application process to be eligible for individual listing in the state register. And, the property owner must spend at least $10,000 on the following types of eligible work within a 2-year period: Work on the exterior of the house, such as roof replacement and painting, but not including site work such as driveways and landscaping. Electrical wiring, not including electrical fixtures. Plumbing, not including plumbing fixtures. Mechanical systems, such as furnaces, air conditioning, and water heaters; and Structural work, such as jacking up floors. Wisconsin Historical Society Historic Preservation Tax Credits for Income- Producing Historic Buildings Owners of historic income-producing properties in Wisconsin may be eligible for two income tax credits that can help pay for their building’s rehabilitation. DHP administers both programs in conjunction with the National Park Service (NPS). The programs are: Federal Historic Preservation Credit. This program returns 20 percent of the cost of rehabilitating historic buildings to owners as a direct reduction of their federal income taxes. Wisconsin Supplemental Historic Preservation Credit. This program returns an additional 5 percent of the cost of rehabilitation to owners as a discount on their Wisconsin state income taxes. Owners that qualify for the Federal Historic Preservation Credit automatically qualify for the Wisconsin supplement if they get NPS approval before they begin any work. UW-Extension Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program 8 Despite the rich stock of historic barns in the Wisconsin landscape, we see fewer attempts to save them. The threats to these buildings are many, including urban growth and its associated roadway expansion, improper maintenance and upkeep, and new construction techniques, materials, and design. The University of Wisconsin-Extension and Wisconsin Historical Society, are spearheading a multifaceted approach aimed at saving many of Wisconsin's historic agricultural buildings. The Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program is aimed at both addressing public concerns and drawing attention to the importance of preserving the elements of Wisconsin's rural countryside, those elements that make it a unique part of America. Some of the strategies being pursued by this group include the coordination of regional educational workshops, the production of technical resource materials and the support of non-profit organizations that can help orchestrate efforts to establish grants and other kinds of technical assistance programs aimed at helping barn owners interested in preservation. Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department 9 The Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department (WCLWCD) provides assistance to local government and landowners in the planning, design, and implementation of programs and projects that protect, restore, and sustain the natural resources of the County. WCLWCD works closely with federal and state agencies including WDNR, DATCP, UW-Extension, USDA Agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to achieve agricultural and natural resource preservation and protection goals. Technical and financial services provided by WCLWCD include: Land management planning and project design for individual landowners. This includes lands that are being cropped, tree planting, upland wildlife habitat development, wetland restorations, etc. Design, cost-estimating, layout and construction supervision of "best management" practices built for land and water resource improvements. Administer a county funded Water Quality Improvement Program. This program provides funds to private landowners for various projects that improve water quality. Secure and manage state and federal grants for County Land and Water Resource Management initiatives. 8 Excerpted from Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program website, 2016. 9 Excerpted from Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department website, 2016. Secure and make available equipment, tools, and supplies that assist landowners in meeting their objectives in installing best management practices including planting protective vegetation on critical sites, tree planting, wildlife habitat development, etc. For additional information related to agricultural, natural, and cultural resources, please refer to the Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. The term ‘economic development’ refers to the sustained, concerted actions of communities and policymakers that improve the standard of living and economic health of a specific locality. This is typically accomplished via efforts that seek to improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life for a community by creating and/or retaining jobs and supporting or growing incomes and the tax base. Economic development involves development of human capital, increasing the literacy ratio, improve important infrastructure, improvement of health and safety, and others areas that aims at increasing the general welfare of the citizens. The Town of Nekimi will work in concert with the landowners and the private sector to grow and diversify the Town’s economy. Agriculture will remain a key component of landscape, supplemented by highway commercial and local service industries. The Town will work to expand communication technology and infrastructure to create additional opportunities for telecommuting and home-based businesses. Growing from Within Local ownership of businesses tends to maintain economic diversity because it builds on the loyalty shared between customers, owners, and their community. Local businesses offer connections to place through everyday transactions. They keep money circulating in the community, thereby stimulating the economy and creating new economic niches. Businesses that begin in a community tend to stay in that community. The most effective way to ensure a healthy local economy over time is to offer assistance for those interested in starting their own business and provide the means to relocate within the community when growth merits such a move. Business Retention The key to a successfully business retention strategy is building trust between business owners and local officials. Communities must identify the specific gaps and niches their economies can fill, and promote a diversified range of specialized industry clusters drawing on local advantages to serve local, regional, and international markets. Local government, business groups, educators, and the public must work together to create a vibrant local economy, through a long-term investment strategy that:10 Encourages local enterprise. Serves the needs of residents, workers, and businesses. Promotes stable employment and revenues by building on local competitive advantages. Protects the natural environment. Increases social equity. Is capable of succeeding in the local, regional, and global marketplace. Local businesses provide employment for a wide array of supporting services. They hire architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers, and contractors for construction. Opportunities grow for local accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, advertising agencies, etc. Local retailers and distributors are more likely to carry locally made goods, thereby creating additional jobs for local producers. Some of the ways in which the Town of Nekimi may increase rates of business retention include: Assist businesses that have outgrown current facilities or sites with identifying new locations within the community. Supporting local business associations. Providing clearly understandable processes for construction and economic development within local ordinances. Tax Increment Financing 11 Tax Increment Financing is an economic development tool that allows municipalities to invest in infrastructure and other improvements intended to facilitate private development. When a Tax Increment District (TID) is created, it establishes the current (or base) value of the taxable property within its boundaries. The base value represents pre-TID tax rates and is reflected by the blue rows in the chart at right. Once the TID is underway, taxes collected from the base value are allocated to the local government, county, schools, and technical colleges (taxing jurisdictions) as they were prior to the TID’s creation. 10 Excerpted from Ahwahnee Principles for Economic Development, Economic Development for the 21st Century 11 Excerpted from Tax Increment Financing Manual, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, July 2014. Over the life of the TID, the taxing jurisdictions collect taxes from the property in the TID base. Meanwhile, new construction and investment increases the value of the property within the TID. All of the taxes collected on the growth in value of the property (the value increment in purple on the chart) are turned over to the municipality as tax increment revenue. The municipality then uses this additional revenue stream to pay off bonds used to develop the infrastructure and improvements made to the property as part of the approved project plan. At the end of the maximum life period, or as soon as tax increments are collected in excess of total approved project costs, the TID must be terminated. The entire value of the property is returned to the tax rolls of the overlying taxing jurisdictions (the column at right in the chart). This represents the additional property value subject to taxes. While the TID exists, the tax collections for each overlying jurisdiction are limited to the base value of the TID parcels. After termination, the overlying taxing jurisdictions share in a much larger tax base. Partnering to facilitate development spreads the risk of development and increases the tax base for each of the jurisdictions. Since 2004, Towns in Wisconsin have been able to utilize tax increment financing for a specific set of agricultural, forest, manufacturing, and tourism activities. These include: Agricultural projects – Crop production, animal production, support activities for agriculture and forestry, support activities for animal production, and refrigerated farm product warehousing and storage. Manufacturing projects – Animal slaughtering and processing, wood product manufacturing, paper manufacturing, and ethyl alcohol manufacturing. Forestry projects – Forestry and logging, and support activities for forestry. Tourism projects – Recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds), RV parks and campgrounds, racetracks, dairy product stores, public golf courses. Agri-Tourism Agri-tourism provides opportunities to increase farm income and diversity the local economy. It is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. The Town’s farming culture and natural environment create unique opportunities for such Courtesy Wisconsin Department of Revenue development and it proximity to Oshkosh and the Fox Cities provides a ready market for on-the-farm recreation and educational opportunities. Market Trade Analysis A Market Trade Analysis (MTA) is a comprehensive study undertaken to better understand the local economy and to identify the ways in which it can more effectively compete in the regional marketplace. It is intended to provide a framework for long-term economic sustainability. The MTA provides elected officials, current and future business owners, and residents with a fundamental description of the industry sectors that are prospering, struggling, or lacking within a community. Once completed, it serves as a roadmap for targeting market-based opportunities for development. The local marketplace is divided into the elements of supply and demand. Opportunities for business creation or expansion arise when there is a mismatch between the products and services consumers are demanding and those that suppliers are providing. The MTA provides a tool to evaluate existing industry sectors and identify these surpluses and supply gaps. The regional market provides competition for goods and services beyond municipal boundaries. When a product or service is unavailable locally, or at a lower cost or higher quality in a nearby community, consumers will travel outside the local market to transact business. In order to effectively evaluate the economic environment of a community and identify opportunities for future economic development, the MTA incorporates a number of cohort communities into the analysis. Cohorts are communities of similar size, demographic composition, economic diversity, and/or geographic location that serve as bases of comparison for the community at the center of the MTA. US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development Grant 12 The United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Grant (RDG) provides loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services such as housing, economic development, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure. The RDG promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools. 12 Excerpted from United States Department of Agriculture website, 2016. US Environmental Protection Agency – Revolving Loan Fund 13 The Revolving Loan Fund provides funding for grant recipients to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. Through these grants, the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to strengthen the marketplace and encourage stakeholders to leverage the resources needed to clean up and redevelop brownfields. When loans are repaid, the loan amount is returned into the fund and re-lent to other borrowers, providing an ongoing source of capital within a community. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation 14 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Community Development Investment Grant (CDIG) program helps transform communities by supporting local development unique to Wisconsin’s communities in Wisconsin. The CDIG supports urban, small city and rural community redevelopment efforts by providing financial incentives for shovel-ready projects with emphasis on, but not limited to, downtown community-driven efforts. Grants up to $50,000 are available for planning efforts, and grants up to $500,000 are available for implementation projects. The program operates through a competitive process that occurs two to three times per fiscal year. Grant recipients must demonstrate significant, measurable benefits in job opportunities, property values and/or leveraged investment by local and private partners. UW-Extension Center for Community & Economic Development 15 The UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development offers a number of programs intended to assist local governments with economic development activities. They include: Community Preparedness and Resiliency Downtown Revitalization Food Systems Initiative Tourism Development First Impressions Program For addition information on these programs, please visit the UW-Ext website. 13 Excerpted from United States Environmental Protection Agency website, 2016. 14 Excerpted from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation website, 2016. 15 Excerpted from UW-Extension website, 2016. NEW North 16 New North, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, regional marketing and economic development organization fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. New North is a regional partner to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the State of Wisconsin, as well as local economic development partners, and represents more than 100 private investors. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind our 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago. Key initiatives of NEW North include: Attract, develop and retain diverse talent. Foster targeted industry clusters and new markets. Support an entrepreneurial climate and small business. Encourage educational attainment. Elevate sustainability as an economic driver. Promote the regional brand. East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Association 17 East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) in 1984 by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). As an EDD, ECWRPC operates as EDA’s service provider through the Commission’s Economic Development program for the 10-county region. The Economic Development staff offer a variety of services to member governments through Federal funding. Additionally, staff is actively involved in facilitating economic development throughout the region and fostering cooperation between the public and private sectors. ECWRPC manages the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region. This strategy allows the ECWRPC to identify and implement the projects necessary for economic development and to best leverage state and federal funds. The CEDS document analyzes current economic conditions within the region and serves as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a region plan of action, and identifying community and economic development projects throughout the region that meet EDA investment priorities and pertain to various funding sources. It is a working document used by both the public 16 Excerpted from NEW North website, 2016. 17 Excerpted from ECWRPC website, 2016. and private sectors to provide leadership with a current picture of the economic state of the region. For additional information related to economic development, please refer to the Town of Nekimi Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. Land Use is the central element of a comprehensive plan. Its main purpose is to provide a framework for decision makers to guide growth and development. Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Planning Law requires that land use decisions reached via a zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, or official map be consistent with the comprehensive plan (Chapter 66.1001(3), Wis. Stats.). This chapter briefly describes existing land use patterns in Nekimi and sets forth a plan for future land use consistent with the community’s visions. It will guide the Town Board, Plan Commission, property owners, developers, and others in decisions regarding the type, location, and density of future development. Implementation of the comprehensive plan will result from the incremental decisions made by elected and appointed officials during the review and approval of zoning changes, certified survey maps, subdivision plats, site plans, and the like. Through these decisions, the Town will realize its goals and aspirations as they relate to the physical growth and development of the community. Successful implementation will require a sustained effort by the public and private sectors to utilize the comprehensive plan and Future Land Use map as the essential decision-making guides for land use in the Town of Nekimi. To preserve the places most important to our residents while allowing for well-planned development designed in harmony with the natural landscape so as to ensure a safe, beautiful, and thriving community for future generations. The inventory of land uses in the Town of Nekimi is based upon the Current Land Use map presented on the following page. The map was created from data provided by Winnebago County, ECWRPC, and WisDOT. The purpose of the map is to provide a reasonably accurate ‘snap shot’ of the Town as it is today. Table 6 (on page 46) presents current land uses in Nekimi and the total acreage and representative percentage of the total land base for each land use category within township boundaries. Co Rd I Clairville Rd Co Rd N Co Rd Z US Hwy 41 Clay Rd State Hwy 26 Old Knapp Rd Planeview Dr Nekimi Ave Fisk Ave State Hwy 44 Knapp St Black Oak School Rd Waupun Rd State Hwy 91 Black Wolf Ave W Ripple Ave County Trunk K Oregon St Oak Ln Poberezny Rd Cottonwood Ave Stits Rd James Ln Wittman Dr Old Oregon Rd W Waukau Ave Ripon Pl Pickett Rd Airport Dr Red Oak Ct Doyle Ln Buehring Rd James Rd Co Rd N Waupun Rd James Rd Clay Rd Fisk Ave Nekimi Ave W Ripple Ave Winnebago County, Wisconsin The information shown on this map is for planning purposes only.Any other use of this information displayed is the responsibility of the user and to be used at their own risk. There is no guaranteeof accuracy in the data of this map. TOWN OF NEKIMI2016 Comprehensive Plan - Current Land Use Map Town of EldoradoTown of Eldorado Town of Black Wolf Town of Black Wolf Created: April 10, 2016 µ 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles LegendTownship Boundary Rivers & Streams Airport Residential Commercial Agricultural Utilities Cemeteries and Crematories Institutional Recreational Farm Residences Woodlands Transportation Industrial Mining Rail Transportation Undeveloped Open Water Source: Winnebago County, ECWRPC City of OshkoshCity of Oshkosh Town of Utica Town of Utica Town of AlgomaTown of Algoma Agriculture remains the dominant land use in Nekimi, accounting for nearly 60% of the land base. Commercial, industrial, and residential land uses each represent less than five percent of the total. Zoning Ordinance The purpose of a zoning ordinance is to identify the permitted and conditional uses allowed on parcel of land within designated zoning districts. Zoning ordinances may also regulate lot size, road frontage, density, and the location, height, and size of structures, among others. Zoning in the Town of Nekimi Winchester is administered and enforced by Winnebago County. Subdivision Ordinance Unlike zoning, which regulates the use of land, subdivision regulations govern the manner in which land transitions from one use to another (typically from agricultural or open space to residential). A subdivision ordinance provides the procedures and standards for dividing a large parcel into smaller parcels for sale or development. Subdivision regulations require that developers meet certain conditions in order to record a certified survey map or plat. They provide an effective tool through which local government can implement a comprehensive plan. The Town has adopted rudimentary subdivision regulations. The Future Land Use map is the visual representation of the visions, goals, objectives, and policies presented in the comprehensive plan. It is the principal tool used by local government to guide development. As per Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Planning Law, decisions related to development and governed by the zoning and subdivision ordinances must be made in a manner “consistent” with the map. The future map will guide the Town Board and Plan Commission when making decisions regarding land use. Landowners and developers will consult the plan when making development decisions, and should be confident that an application for development that is consistent with the comprehensive plan will be approved. The comprehensive plan is not a static document. It must evolve to reflect current conditions. If not regularly reviewed and amended, it will become less effective over Land Use Acres Percent of Total Agricultural 13465.92 57.69% Airport 320.20 1.37% Cemeteries & Crematories 2.34 0.01% Commercial 244.80 1.05% Farm Residences 64.96 0.28% Industrial 28.07 0.12% Institutional 10.05 0.04% Mining 58.64 0.25% Open Water 117.98 0.51% Recreational 38.78 0.17% Residential 967.59 4.15% Transportation 805.60 3.45% Undeveloped 1327.05 5.69% Utilities 15.24 0.07% Woodlands 923.38 3.96% Total 18390.59 100% Source: Town of Nekimi Current Land Use Map, April 2016. time. Applications for rezoning and development that are inconsistent with the plan must be given due consideration, not rejected out of hand. In some situations, it may be desirable to amend the plan (and maps) to accommodate a compatible, but previously unplanned use. Changes to the plan (including land use maps) must be considered in the context of all nine required plan elements, and reflect the visions, goals, objectives, and policies expressed within the document. If an amendment is to be approved, the process must include a formal public hearing and distribution per the requirements of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Law. Amendments must be approved by the Town Board before a proposed action may proceed. For additional information regarding plan amendments please refer to the Implementation section beginning on page XX. This section provides a brief description of each of the proposed land uses presented on the future land use map appearing on page XX. Land Use Projections Category Current 2020 2025 2030 2035 Agricultural Commercial Industrial Mixed Commercial / Industrial Mixed-Use Commercial / Residential Residential Source: Town of Nekimi Future Land Use map, May 2016. Intergovernmental cooperation may be defined as any arrangement through which two or more municipalities communicate visions and coordinate plans, policies, and programs to address and resolve issues of mutual interest. It can include the sharing of information, facilities, and equipment or involve entering into formal intergovernmental agreements.18 The purpose of the intergovernmental cooperation chapter of the comprehensive plan is to describe current intergovernmental agreements, explore opportunities for future collaboration, and identify potential areas of conflict between the Town and its governmental neighbors. 18 Excerpted from Guide to Preparing the Intergovernmental Element of a Comprehensive Plan, Wisconsin Department of Administration, 2002. The Town of Nekimi will continue to work with it municipal neighbors, Winnebago County, and the State of Wisconsin to pursue opportunities for cooperation and collaboration that lead to improved services and reduced costs for its residents, land owners, and business owners. Benefits Intergovernmental cooperation between and among cities, villages, towns, and counties often produces less expensive and more efficient governmental services. Mergers of similar services can provide substantial cost savings when administrative and equipment duplication is reduced. Significant savings may be realized when local governments combine purchasing, planning, and contracted service delivery processes. Cooperation during comprehensive planning efforts may be the most effective way to collaborate with neighboring communities. It provides opportunities to collectively identify issues, brainstorm ideas, and reach consensus. It also offers an occasion to address critical issues before decisions have been made and before development activities occur that may limit future solutions. Cooperating with planning provides opportunities for jurisdictions to be proactive rather than reactive. Opportunities for collaboration in planning and the sharing of facilities and services between municipal governments include, among others: Water and wastewater treatment facilities. Public safety, including police, fire, and rescue. Joint economic development efforts. Libraries and parks & recreation. Solid Waste & Recycling. Group purchasing (health insurance, retirements, investments, etc.). Partnerships in pursuit of state and federal funding. Sharing of municipal vehicles and equipment (snow plows, mowers, dump trucks, etc.). Sharing of staff. Challenges There are often strong desires on the part of elected officials and residents to maintain the independence of existing jurisdictions. Efforts to increase cooperation and collaboration must deal with existing organizational missions and structures that support the independence of each community. The issues to be addressed when entering into multi-jurisdictional partnerships include: Desire for community autonomy. Questions regarding the allocation of costs. Fear of loss of service quality. Creating trust and an effective implementation mechanism. As of May 2016, the Town of Nekimi is party to the following intergovernmental agreements: Need list of all intergovernmental agreements that Nekimi is party to THE IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT WILL BE COMPLETED FOLLOWING INCORPORATION OF REQUESTED REVISIONS TO THE DOCUMENT BY THE PLAN COMMISSION.