Sauk County, WI – Invest Sauk

Challenge

Located in picturesque southwestern Wisconsin, Sauk County’s rolling hills, pristine waterways, and thriving communities combine to create an appealing and vibrant region. Although the County may be best known as the home of the Wisconsin Dells—proudly named “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”—the area boasts a range of economic assets including outdoor recreation amenities, industry-leading companies like Seats Incorporated and Teel Plastics, and emerging startups. These diverse assets afforded the County some protection from the economic upheaval associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the region’s tourism sector was deeply affected, shedding more than 4,000 jobs between 2019 and 2020. While Sauk County has seen a steady rebound in employment over the past three years, new challenges have emerged including lagging household income and educational levels relative to the region and the US.

Response

In response to the post-COVID-19 pandemic economic landscape, Sauk County leaders engaged TIP to help develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. Formulated through a collaborative process involving local officials, stakeholders, and community members, INVEST SAUK addresses the County’s economic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and provides a framework for cross-sector coordination. In addition to stakeholder interviews and roundtables (conducted virtually and in person), INVEST SAUK was informed by input received from developers and real estate professionals who have worked on projects in the region. The resulting County-led economic development plan serves as an investment strategy, guiding resource allocation in Sauk County. It delineates eight clear goals and actionable steps to advance Sauk County toward a more vibrant, competitive, and inclusive economy. The plan is designed to be flexible, allowing it to evolve to meet new challenges as conditions and priorities change. The emphasis on economic resilience, higher wage jobs, and an enhanced quality of life for residents should, however, remain paramount. Implementation of this plan will enable leaders to invest in the community for the benefit of current and future residents and businesses.